Symptom 7: Alien Limb Phenomenon: A Stranger Within
One of the more bewildering symptoms of CBS is a phenomenon known as ‘alien limb.’ Here, the body harbors what seems like a stranger—a limb that acts independently, performing actions that are not under conscious control. It’s like a scene from a science fiction story, only this is a reality for some CBS patients.
This unusual symptom manifests in peculiar ways. A person with CBS might find their limb making uncontrolled movements, reaching for objects or performing actions without their deliberate intent. It’s like the limb has a mind of its own, performing tasks without being commanded to do so.
This alien limb phenomenon can be as perplexing as it is frustrating. Imagine a situation where you’re trying to close a door, but your hand involuntarily reaches out to open it. Or you’re trying to pick up a fork, but your hand inexplicably moves towards a spoon. That’s the world of alien limb phenomenon.
At times, this symptom can venture into the uncanny territory where the affected limb feels foreign, almost as if it doesn’t belong to the body. This sense of estrangement from one’s own body part can add an eerie layer to the overall experience of living with CBS. (7)
