Article

Alien hand syndrome (AHS) is a neurological disorder in which
movements are performed against conscious will. It is rare but significant due to
its disability impact on everyday life. This case highlights the clinical
features, recovery course and response to rehabilitation of a patient with a
dominant anterior cerebral artery territory infarct. METHODS: Single case report.
RESULTS: Clinical signs and symptoms included right hemiparesis, hemianesthesia,
dysphagia, language and cognitive dysfunction, personification and autonomous
movement of the affected limb; involuntary grasping of objects interfered with
his activities of daily living (ADL). Education for diagnosis and compensatory
strategies of AHS, including visualisation, distraction of affected limb and
maintaining a slow/steady pace with activities decreased the frequency of his AHS
movements from 10 times to twice a day. Over the course of 4 months the
rehabilitation treatment targeted toward the specific needs of the patient,
allowed improvement in his ADL. Commonly used upper extremity motor recovery
outcome measures like the Chedoke McMaster Stroke Assessment cannot be considered
as a sensitive tool for AHS. More sensitive outcome measures are needed to be
determined for this condition. CONCLUSION: This case distinguishes the clinical
findings and description to rehabilitation in a case of AHS.

Langue : ANGLAIS