Alien Hand Syndrome

Alien Hand Syndrome (pronunciation: AY-lee-uhn hand SIN-drohm) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by the loss of control over one's hand, which appears to take on a mind of its own. The etymology of the term is derived from the Latin alienus meaning "of another" and the Old English hand.

Definition

Alien Hand Syndrome (AHS) is a condition in which a person experiences their limbs acting seemingly on their own, without control over the actions. This is often a result of damage to the Corpus callosum, the part of the brain that facilitates communication between the two hemispheres.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of AHS is the involuntary movement of a hand or limb. The affected hand may perform complex acts such as unbuttoning clothing or picking up objects without the person's conscious intent. Other symptoms may include feelings of estrangement towards the affected hand, and a tendency to speak of the hand as if it were a separate entity.

Causes

AHS is typically caused by damage to the brain, particularly the frontal lobes, Corpus callosum, and the parietal lobes. This damage can occur due to a variety of conditions, including stroke, brain tumor, Alzheimer's, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for AHS, but treatments can help manage the symptoms. These may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and certain medications. In some cases, cognitive behavioral therapy may also be beneficial.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Alien Hand Syndrome
Wikipedia's article - Alien Hand Syndrome

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