Acute chorea associated with metoclopramide use

Abstract

Metoclopramide is a dopamine receptor antagonist that is used to treat diabetic gastroparesis, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and migraines. It is known to cause extrapyramidal side effects such as tardive dyskinesia, parkinsonism, dystonia, and akithisia, but not chorea. We describe a patient who presented with choreiform movements shortly after the administration of intravenous metoclopramide. Her work-up for secondary causes of chorea was otherwise negative and her symptoms abated with the administration of oral quetiapine and intravenous diazepam.