Regardless of its unique name, Alien Hand Syndrome (AHS) is not something out of a sci-fi book but a rare neurological condition. Mostly common in adults, it can also occur in children who face head injuries. From grabbing objects randomly to fighting the owner's wishes, this condition severely disrupts the daily functioning of individuals.

The best psychiatrist in Siliguri states that due to the large amount of superstitious beliefs and stigma around these conditions, patients often struggle with psychological burdens as well. In this blog, we will understand the condition, analyze its symptoms, and learn about the importance of psychiatric care.

Understanding Alien Hand Syndrome (AHS)

The AHS, as stated above, is a neurological condition. This causes the limb of a person to act on its own will. The affected hand does not respond to any signals from the owner and performs involuntary movements like it is a separate entity. Due to its uniqueness, it was previously thought to be a sign of psychological disorders, but now it has been successfully connected to neurological issues.

While the exact singular reason for this condition has not been identified, AHS is mostly connected with brain trauma. A top psychiatrist in Siliguri states that injuries in the corpus callosum, the parietal region, and the frontal region of the brain can be one of the major causes of this condition. It is also connected to medical conditions such as Alzheimer's, brain tumors, corticobasal syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's.

There are five different types of A.H.S.

1. Alien hand sign—patients tend to believe that the affected hand isn’t theirs.
2. Diagnostic dyspraxia—One limb of the patient acts independently.
3. Anarchic Hand Syndrome—One arm performs tasks with no control from the patient.
4. Supernumerary Hand—Makes patients feel like they have an extra limb.
5. Levitating Hand—The affected limb raises on its own.

Symptoms of Alien Hand Syndrome

Also known as Dr. Strangelove Syndrome, this condition is characterized by the inability to control hand movements. Thebest psychiatrist in Siliguri states that the symptoms of AHS are connected to physical as well as psychological effects. The symptoms can also be different for each individual, but here is a list of some common ones reported.

• Groping—Involuntary grabbing of one's body parts or clothing
• Grasping—Involuntary grabbing of objects nearby or picking them up to throw them.
• Difficulty in releasing objects—Patients feel extreme difficulty in releasing objects once captured.
• Psychological stress—Patients often start viewing their hand as a separate entity.
• Levitation—The affected hand tends to lift in the air involuntarily.

Other symptoms that come along with this condition are the

• Weakness in limbs
• Aphasia—difficulty in speaking clearly
• Anomia—difficulty in identifying objects after touching or seeing them
• Difficulty in writing and reading

Role of Psychiatric Care

In cases of AHS caused by stroke or brain tumor, they tend to heal over time. However, if a patient has neurodegenerative conditions, they may have problems with recovery. There is no one singular treatment to cure AHS, but doctors often provide patients with medications to reduce the symptoms.

In this recovery process, psychiatric care also plays an essential role. Studies have found that patients with AHS often struggle with acceptance, leading them to feel frustrated over their condition. With cognitive behavioral therapy, patients can learn coping strategies that can help them regulate their anger. Psychiatry specialists can also help them find ways to keep the affected hand occupied, which also elevates the process of recovery.

Conclusion

By raising awareness about this condition, we can prevent the spread of misinformation surrounding AHS. This is essential for patients to seek help and get the treatment they truly deserve. If you or your loved one is affected by this condition, the best route would be to consult with the best psychiatrist in Siliguri.