Alien hand syndrome(AHS) was first described in 1908. It occurs when a hand or limb acts independently like it has a mind. In some rare cases, the syndrome has been recorded affecting the legs. Instead of spasms, these are coordinated involuntary movements with a specific goal. Someone whose hand has AHS may levitate in the air, grab objects, or undo completed actions, such as untying shoe laces after previously tying them. This can be a terrifying experience for many people.
Causes
There is not one specific cause for this syndrome, but it is always related to some damage in the brain that disrupts movement and control. When a normal person moves their arms, it activates multiple neural networks. Only the brain area responsible for motor movements appears to activate for someone with AHS. This causes unintentional movements. Some of the broader causes of brain damage that can lead to AHS include:
- Brain tumors
- Strokes
- Parkinson disease variants
- Trauma
- Tumors
- Neurosurgery
Symptoms
The symptoms of alien hand syndrome vary from person to person but could include these actions:
- Touching parts of the body or clothing
- Holding objects and not being able to release them
- Raising or moving fingers
- Self-suffocation
AHS can also vary based on the area of the brain that has been injured. If the damage is on one side of the frontal lobe, it causes the hand on the opposite side of the body to create movements of its own. Another example is how posterior injury causes the affected limb to levitate away from surfaces.
Treatment
There are many forms of treatment for this syndrome. Botulinum toxin or Botox can temporarily prevent muscle movement in a specific body area, which is helpful. Still, the process will need to be repeated after a few months. Antiseizure medications can also be used. There are also ways without medication, such as mirror box therapy, where a mirror is used to create the illusion that your brain is actually in control of the limb. Distractions such as placing soft objects near the affected hand can also be used.
Conclusion
Alien hand syndrome is a rare and unsettling neurological disorder that causes involuntary yet purposeful movements of a limb, often due to brain damage. While there is no cure, treatments such as Botox, antiseizure medications, and therapy techniques can help manage symptoms. Continued research and awareness are essential to improving treatment options and support for those affected.
Related Stories:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/alien-hand-syndrome
https://www.webmd.com/brain/what-is-alien-hand-syndrome
https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/alien-hand-syndrome
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5155497/
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