pathoscribe

Written by Goonj Gautam | Art by MollyAnn Caulfield

While we’ve all heard of aliens and UFOs, how many of us have heard of Alien Hand syndrome? As it is a rare neurological disorder that happens in a small percentage of the general population, it’s not likely many of us know of it. Alien Hand syndrome (AHS), also known as Dr. Strangelove syndrome is the sporadic and unintentional control of one’s hand and, very rarely, a leg. In short, it feels as if the hand is thinking on its own and not according to the individual’s will, making it feel alien. 

There are 5 types known in this disorder: diagnostic dyspraxia, alien hand sign, anarchic hand syndrome, supernumerary hand, and levitating hand. The types of this strange neurological disorder differ based on the types of hand movement performed by the hand out of control. While the symptoms vary from individual to individual, the general idea is that a hand or another limb is outside of one’s control and is performing involuntary actions. Other related symptoms include weakness in a limb, aphasia (difficulty speaking), experiencing trouble recognizing objects touched or seen, and the loss in ability to read or write. Symptoms can last from hours to years, differing from person to person. 

What causes Alien Hand syndrome? It should be established that it is not induced by extraterrestrial beings. In fact, the neurological disorder is known to be caused by damaged tissues or injuries to the brain in specific locations, such as the middle part of the brain (corpus callosum), the frontal region, or the top, back, or underneath the skull’s crown (parietal region). The syndrome happens because nerve cells in one of those locations in the brain aren’t working like they’re supposed to. Reasons for these could include a prior brain surgery or underlying conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, a brain tumor, Parkinson’s disease, a brain aura, and more.

Alien Hand syndrome will be diagnosed through the healthcare provider, who may evaluate the symptoms and learn through observations as well as by ordering an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). This neurological disorder comes with mental health complications as well, such as depression, anxiety, fear, or even paranoia. In addition, the hand out of control may also cause injuries to yourself or others through holding or throwing dangerous objects, like knives, or actions such as slapping and punching. 

While there is no cure known for Alien Hand syndrome, there are many treatments that can help with it. Medications can help with involuntary movements or any other symptoms being experienced while botulinum toxin (also known as Botox) could prevent the movement of muscle in the affected area. Other treatments may be implemented, such as different types of therapy, like mirror box therapy, physical therapy, and others. There are also ways to reduce the symptoms through other methods, such as occupying the affected hand or through muscle relaxation techniques, although there is no known prevention method.

Just like humanity’s knowledge of aliens, the knowledge of Alien Hand syndrome is very limited due to the rarity of the disorder. While it is more likely to happen in adults, some children experience it as well and through diagnosis, treatments, and research of these cases, the understanding of the neurological disorder is increasing as researchers and healthcare providers alike hope to gain more understanding of this strange and unique disorder.

Works Cited

“Alien Hand Syndrome Isn’t from Outer Space.” Cleveland Clinic, 2 June 2025, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/alien-hand-syndrome. 

KA;, Hassan A;Josephs. “Alien Hand Syndrome.” Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 16 Aug. 2016, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27315251/. 

Le, Kelly, et al. “Alien Hand Syndrome – a Rare Presentation of Stroke.” GBMC Healthcare Scholarly Commons, 21 May 2020, scholarlycommons.gbmc.org/im_res_prog/2/.