alien hand syndrome
Involuntary, purposeful movements of one hand that feel foreign to the patient.
Full Definition
Alien hand syndrome is a rare neurological disorder characterized by involuntary but seemingly purposeful movements of one hand that the patient experiences as foreign or not under their control. The affected limb may perform complex actions such as grasping, manipulating objects, or even interfering with the other hand's activities, while the patient feels no sense of ownership over these movements. This condition typically results from lesions affecting the corpus callosum, supplementary motor area, or posterior parietal cortex. The syndrome represents a disconnection between motor planning and conscious awareness of movement intention. Patients often develop compensatory strategies to restrain the affected limb.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from other involuntary movements by the purposeful nature and patient's lack of ownership.
In Context
- "Alien hand syndrome developed following corpus callosotomy for intractable epilepsy." — Post-surgical neurological assessment
- "The patient's left hand exhibited alien hand syndrome, repeatedly interfering with right-hand activities." — Movement disorder clinic evaluation