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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
08:01
Virtual Hand with Ambiguous Movement between the Self and Other Origin: Sense of Ownership and 'Other-Produced' Agency
Published on: October 28, 2020
The stroke that struck back: an unusual alien hand presentation.
Andrew R Spector1, William D Freeman, William P Cheshire
1Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida 32224, USA. Spector.andrew@mayo.edu
Summary
Alien hand syndrome, a rare neurological disorder, can stem from strokes. Prompt recognition of this unusual stroke symptom is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Alien hand syndrome (AHS) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by a limb acting without the conscious will of its owner.
- It can arise from various neurological insults, including neurodegenerative diseases, tumors, and cerebrovascular events like stroke.
Observation:
- This case report details an acute presentation of AHS secondary to a right parietal ischemic stroke.
- The patient's AHS was not immediately recognized in the emergency department, leading to diagnostic and therapeutic delays.
Findings:
- Ischemic stroke, specifically in the right parietal lobe, can manifest as acute alien hand syndrome.
- Delayed recognition of atypical stroke symptoms can impede prompt medical intervention.
Implications:
- Early identification of unusual stroke presentations, such as AHS, is vital for effective patient management.
- Raising awareness among healthcare professionals about the diverse clinical manifestations of stroke can improve patient outcomes.
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