Alien Hand Syndrome (AHS) is a rare neurological disorder typified by the involuntary, yet seemingly purposeful, movement of a limb – most often the arm. It primarily affects the non-dominant arm but can sometimes affect the legs as well.
Initially discovered in 1908, the disorder gained mass awareness after being used for comedic purposes in the 1964 movie Dr. Strangelove; which is why today it is also popularly known as Dr. Strangelove Syndrome.
A patient suffering from AHS often seems to lose cognitive control over one hand as it performs goal-directed actions. As described by one lady, “it’s as though an alien is controlling it!”. These actions may range from routine, like stroking the patient’s face, to potentially dangerous, like attempting to choke the patient. The alien arm may even start performing inappropriate actions such as groping another person or unbuttoning clothes. This involuntary action is not weak or spastic, either, with sufferers demonstrating forceful and coordinated movement.
Several factors have been implicated in the development of AHS, including neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, brain strokes, and tumours affecting the corpus callosum – the nerve bundle connecting the two brain hemispheres. Depending on the area of the brain involved, researchers have identified three variants of the disorder – Frontal, which involves the frontal lobe and causes involuntary groping and touching; callosal, which involves the corpus callosum and impacts two-hand coordination when performing actions such as buttoning up a shirt; and posterior, which involves the parietal lobe and produces less purposeful involuntary movements such as raising or levitating the arm.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for AHS at present. Symptoms, however, can be managed using a combination of neuromuscular medication, such as botox, and behavioural therapy, which trains the individual to restrain arm movement. Researchers have found some success using a mirror box to provide additional visual feedback, but the technique still needs more development.
The good news is that rogue behaviours seem to decline on their own with time. That may be due to the neuroplasticity of the brain, adapting to the condition over time.
AHS is not simply a physiological disorder; it is a psychological one, as well. The sufferer may start feeling like they have no agency over their body or their actions. That is where a professional counsellor may help.
Importance of Professional Counseling: A friend or family member may listen to you, but they aren’t professionally, technically qualified or experienced to offer you professional advice. If you wish you can contact us at MindTribe to receive help from our team of expert psychologists.
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About the Author.
Pranav Arora is a psychologist at MindTribe.in. You can learn more about him by clicking here
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MindTribe.in, the Founders, or management team.
Acknowledgement: All images used are open source and from Unsplash.