Controlling the alien hand through the mirror box. A single case study of alien hand syndrome

Neurocase. 2014 Jun;20(3):307-16. doi: 10.1080/13554794.2013.770882. Epub 2013 Apr 5.

Abstract

Disruption of motor control in the alien hand syndrome might result from a dissociation between intentions and sensory information. We hypothesized that voluntary motor control in this condition could improve by restoring the congruency between motor intentions and visual feedback. The present study shows that, in one patient with right alien hand syndrome, the use of a mirror box paradigm improved motor speed. We speculate that the visual feedback provided by the mirror increases the sense of congruence between intention and sensory feedback, leading to motor improvement.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Alien Limb Phenomenon / complications
  • Alien Limb Phenomenon / psychology
  • Alien Limb Phenomenon / rehabilitation*
  • Feedback, Sensory*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychomotor Performance*
  • Stroke / complications
  • Stroke / psychology
  • Stroke Rehabilitation