Coping with Alien Hand Syndrome: rare neurological condition


There are typical mental ailments that fall under rare group. Alien hand syndrome is one of the neurological condition that causes one hand to act voluntary. In alien hand syndrome, a person loses control of his or her hand and act independently. It labels involuntary complex goal-directed activity of one limb. It can greatly affect children, but alien hand syndrome is also found in adults.


Alien hand syndrome has been linked with several abnormal involuntary movements when different regions of the brain, such as the corpus callosum, parietal region, or frontal region, are involved.  Basically, Alien hand syndrome is related to brain surgeries that isolate the two hemispheres of the brain. This may involve a cut along the corpus callosum. The corpus callosum divides the brain hemispheres and permits for communication between the two sides. Surgeries to treat epilepsy affect the brain in this way. Lesions have also been found in the anterior cingulate cortex, posterior parietal cortex, and supplementary motor cortex areas of the brain in those with the condition.

Major symptom of alien hand syndrome is the powerlessness to control the hand because it acts freely. The affected hand may move unwillingly and perform goal-directed tasks and actions. The hand moves without cognitive control or cognizance.

Psychiatrist or medical professionals diagnose alien hand syndrome through observation and evaluation. Unfortunately, there are no treatment options available presently to cure this rare mental syndrome. Only symptomatic condition can be managed by muscle control therapies such as botulinum toxin (Botox) and neuromuscular blocking agents. Other therapeutic procedures for example Mirror box therapy, cognitive therapy techniques, and learning task behavioural therapies are helpful in improving the condition of patient suffering from alien hand syndrome.

In essence, alien hand syndrome is an exceptional neurological state of a person due to several cerebral damages. Diagnosis of this rare syndrome is challenging and no cure of this disorder. Patients can only cope up this syndrome through cognitive therapy and muscle control techniques.

Important: This article is developed through environmental information, academic experience and personal view of writer. Writer is not responsible for any disagreement.

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