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Three arms: a case study of supernumerary phantom limb after right hemisphere stroke
P W Halligan1, J C Marshall, D T Wade
1University Department of Clinical Neurology, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, UK.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|February 1, 1993
Summary
A rare case describes a supernumerary phantom limb, a distressing "third arm" sensation, developing after a basal ganglia hematoma. This neurological phenomenon persisted for months despite the patient
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Clinical Case Study
Background:
- A patient presented with a rare neurological condition following a hematoma in the right basal ganglia.
- The patient experienced severe left hemiplegia, sensory loss, hemianopia, and neglect.
Observation:
- A persistent supernumerary phantom limb, subjectively experienced as a 'third arm', was observed for several months.
- The phantom limb caused significant psychological distress to the patient.
Findings:
- Despite the phantom limb and neurological deficits, the patient maintained full orientation, high verbal IQ, and normal cognition.
- The subjective reality of the phantom limb was not alleviated by the patient's attempts to rationalize its existence.
Implications:
- This case highlights the complex relationship between brain injury, sensory perception, and psychological distress.
- It offers insights into the neural underpinnings of body ownership and phantom limb phenomena.
- The case prompts further investigation into distinct interpretations of such complex neurological presentations.