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Mirror movements in the alien hand syndrome. Case report
1Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Alien hand syndrome can cause involuntary skilled movements in the affected limb. This study suggests these movements indicate damage to both intrahemispheric and interhemispheric motor pathways.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Movement Disorders
Background:
- Alien hand syndrome (AHS) is characterized by complex, involuntary limb movements.
- Previous research links AHS to various abnormal motor behaviors.
Observation:
- Two patients presented with transient left hemiparesis, followed by persistent limb apraxia.
- These patients exhibited involuntary skilled movements in their apractic limb.
Findings:
- The observed involuntary movements resemble mirror movements seen in motor development and pathology.
- The presence of these movements in AHS suggests concurrent intrahemispheric and interhemispheric motor pathway damage.
Implications:
- Understanding these involuntary movements offers insights into AHS pathophysiology.
- This finding may refine diagnostic approaches for alien hand syndrome and related motor control disorders.