Symptoms

A lack of hand control is the most prominent and noticeable symptom of alien hand syndrome (obviously). But alien hand syndrome involves more than just a lack of hand control. The affected hand (usually the non-dominate hand) is not weak... it maintains its normal strength, but it may move involuntarily, without your control or awareness. The hand movements are not twitchy or random, but are strangely purposeful and coordinated. People who suffer from alien hand syndrome typically say that their affected hand seems to be controlled by 'someone else.' Normal day to day movements such as picking up objects, touching the face, and even dressing or undressing, are all characteristics of alien hand syndrome. All sufferers complain that these 'regular' hand actions are unintentional, unwanted, and unexpected because your hand can put you into awkward situations.