Alien hand syndrome facts for kids

Alien Hand Syndrome (also called anarchic hand or AHS) is a very rare condition where a person's hand seems to move on its own, without them wanting it to. It's like the hand has a mind of its own! People with AHS might feel like their hand is not really part of their body, or that someone else is controlling it.

What is Alien Hand Syndrome?

Imagine your hand suddenly reaching out and grabbing something, or trying to unbutton your shirt, even though you didn't tell it to. That's a bit like what happens with Alien Hand Syndrome. The hand makes movements that the person doesn't control and isn't even aware of until it happens. It can be a strange and sometimes upsetting experience.

What Does an Alien Hand Do?

The movements can be simple, like touching the face, or more complex, like picking up objects. Sometimes, the "alien hand" might even do the opposite of what the person's other hand is doing. For example, one hand might be trying to button a shirt while the alien hand tries to unbutton it! These movements are not on purpose and the person can't stop them.

Types of Alien Hand Syndrome

There are different ways AHS can show up, depending on which part of the brain is affected:

• Frontal Lobe AHS: This is the most common type. The hand might grasp things, touch the person's face, or try to do actions that are not wanted. It often happens in the non-dominant hand (the hand you don't usually write with).
• Callosal AHS: This happens when the connection between the two halves of the brain is damaged. The hands might work against each other, like one hand trying to close a drawer while the other tries to open it.
• Posterior AHS: This type is less common. The hand might float or feel like it's not part of the body.

What Causes Alien Hand Syndrome?

Alien Hand Syndrome is not a mental illness. It's a neurological condition, meaning it's caused by problems in the brain. It usually happens after some kind of brain injury or damage.

Brain Injuries That Can Cause AHS

• Strokes: A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is stopped. This can damage brain cells.
• Brain Surgery: Sometimes, AHS can appear after brain surgery, especially if the surgery was near certain areas of the brain.
• Brain Tumors: Growths in the brain can press on important areas and cause AHS.
• Neurodegenerative Diseases: These are diseases that cause brain cells to break down over time, like Alzheimer's disease or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

How Does Brain Damage Lead to AHS?

Our brains have different areas that control our movements. One part plans the movement, and another part makes it happen. In AHS, the connection between these parts can be damaged. It's like the part of the brain that controls movement is working, but the part that makes decisions about those movements isn't connected properly. So, the hand moves without the person's conscious command.

How is Alien Hand Syndrome Treated?

There is no specific cure for Alien Hand Syndrome, but doctors can help manage the symptoms.

Managing Symptoms

• Physical Therapy: This can help people learn to control their movements better and reduce unwanted actions.
• Occupational Therapy: This helps people find ways to do daily tasks even with the alien hand.
• Medication: Sometimes, certain medicines might help reduce the involuntary movements.
• Sensory Tricks: Some people find that holding an object in the alien hand, or sitting on it, can help stop the unwanted movements.

It's important for people with AHS to work with doctors and therapists to find the best ways to live with the condition.

See also

In Spanish: Síndrome de la mano extraña para niños