The Dr. Strangelove Syndrome
Written by- Sahar Naqvi
Alien Hand Syndrome
Alien hand syndrome is an uncommon neurological disorder in which one hand acts independently of the other. One leg may be affected in certain cases, but this is less common.
The hand in alien hand syndrome is not controlled by the mind and moves as if it has its own mind. During these episodes, the affected hand feels strange to its owner and appears to move deliberately to do tasks that are unfamiliar to it.
It’s sometimes referred to as Dr. Strangelove syndrome, Strangelovian hand, or anarchic hand.
Causes:
Alien hand syndrome can be caused by several factors. Some people develop alien hand syndrome after a stroke, trauma, or tumor. It’s sometimes associated with cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and brain aneurysms.
The syndrome is linked to brain surgeries that separate the two hemispheres of the brain. This may involve an incision along the corpus callosum. The corpus callosum divides the brain hemispheres and allows for communication between the two sides. Surgeries to treat epilepsy sometimes affect the brain in this way. Lesions have also been found in the anterior cingulate cortex, posterior parietal cortex, and supplementary motor cortex areas of the brain in those with the condition.
Brain scans show that people with alien hand syndrome have isolated activities in the contralateral primary motor area. This is thought to be due to lesions or damage in the parietal cortex. This affects intentional planning systems and can cause spontaneous movements.
Diagnosis:
Observation and evaluation can help a doctor diagnose alien hand syndrome. However it is difficult to diagnose because it is a neurological illness with no psychiatric component. This makes it more difficult to diagnose because behavioral issues are more common than alien hand syndrome. Psychiatric disorders can sometimes be blamed for symptoms, which can be aggravating for the person affected.
Treatment:
Alien hand syndrome has no known cure. Scientists are working on remedies to alleviate the symptoms, but no therapies or pharmacologic choices have been developed. After a period, those who have alien hand syndrome as a result of a brain illness, or a stroke may recover. People with neurodegenerative disorders, on the other hand, have a harder time recovering. The condition may be treated or managed using muscle control therapies such as botulinum toxin (Botox) and neuromuscular blocking agents.
Symptoms can be managed with mirror box treatment, cognitive therapy approaches, and learning task behavioral therapies.
Techniques such as visuospatial coaching may also be beneficial. Individuals will sometimes attempt to confine their alien hand by tucking it between their legs or sitting on it. Some people may find it useful to place an object in the alien's hand to prevent it from carrying out duties.
Giving verbal directives to cease the behaviors may benefit the person with alien hand syndrome This strategy, however, may not give long-term results. Physical and occupational treatments may be recommended by a doctor.
Fun facts:
It was first recorded in 1909.
Alien hand syndrome usually affects the left or nondominant hand.
One of the characters in Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 film Dr. Strangelove has alien hand syndrome. Because of this, some people refer to alien hand syndrome as Dr. Strangelove syndrome.
A few cases have reported that the alien hand will try to harm the individual.
Some people name their alien hand.
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