$Unique_ID{BRK02369}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Is and What Causes Alien Hand Syndrome?}
$Subject{alien hand neurological brain surgery stroke degenerative disorder
tumor syndrome nerve motor areas seizure tumors rare central nervous system
hands strokes disorders nerves area seizures}
$Volume{N-1}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Somesthetic System and Motor Cortex*0006803.scf}

Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Is and What Causes Alien Hand Syndrome?


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QUESTION:  I have read of your interest in unusual names for medical
conditions, and so hope you will think that my question is important enough to
include in your wonderful column.  Have you ever come across the term "alien
hand" in your studies?  I can't find it anywhere, but it has been used to
describe the condition of a friend of mine.  Can you help?

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ANSWER:  This is the description applied to a neurological situation in which
the patient is unaware of the activities of the "alien hand" and is unable to
control its actions.  It is a condition seen most often in people who have had
brain surgery, experienced a stroke, or who are suffering from a degenerative
brain disorder or tumor.
     Individuals with "alien hand syndrome" state that the hand literally may
do something against their desire, trying to turn a car wheel right, while the
"controlled" hand tries to steer left.  The problem may be due to problems
with the nerve connections between different motor areas of the brain that
control the hand.
     If the condition appears in patients who have had surgery to correct
seizure disorders, it may disappear in time.  Physical therapy is helpful for
people with the syndrome resulting from strokes or brain tumors.  At present
there is neither drug therapy or surgery available to help.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.