What neurological effect does rheumatic fever have on the brain?

Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can develop following an infection with streptococcal bacteria, such as strep throat. One of the notable neurological complications associated with rheumatic fever is rheumatic chorea, also known as Syndenham's chorea. This condition is characterized by involuntary, rapid, and irregular movements and is associated with inflammation of the basal ganglia, which are clusters of nuclei in the brain that coordinate movement and regulate motor control.

The inflammation in the basal ganglia is thought to be an autoimmune reaction triggered by the streptococcal infection, leading to neurological symptoms. Rheumatic chorea typically manifests weeks to months after the initial pharyngeal infection and can have significant impacts on a patient's quality of life, though it may be self-limiting in some cases.

Other options such as cerebral hemorrhaging, permanent memory loss, or complete loss of motor skills are not typical effects of rheumatic fever. While serious complications can occur with rheumatic fever, the distinct and directly related impact on neurologic function is most accurately described by the association with basal ganglia inflammation leading to rheumatic chorea.