Alien limb syndrome, along with apraxia and asymmetric cortical signs, is characteristic of which disorder?

Prepare for the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) Exam with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question includes insights and explanations to help you excel. Get ready for your certification journey!

Multiple Choice

Alien limb syndrome, along with apraxia and asymmetric cortical signs, is characteristic of which disorder?

The described combination of alien limb syndrome with apraxia and asymmetric cortical signs is most characteristic of corticobasal degeneration. In CBD, neurodegeneration affects frontal and parietal cortical areas on one side early in the illness, producing ideomotor apraxia and cortical sensory deficits, along with involuntary, “alien” movements of a limb that the patient perceives as not under their control. This asymmetric cortical involvement gives CBD its distinctive clinical picture, including the alien limb phenomenon. Progressive supranuclear palsy typically shows early postural instability, falls, and vertical gaze palsy rather than alien limb. Normal pressure hydrocephalus presents with a triad of gait disturbance, cognitive impairment, and urinary incontinence, usually without the asymmetric cortical signs or alien limb. HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder features broader, more diffuse cognitive impairment with subcortical motor symptoms and does not specifically include alien limb. So, the alien limb phenomenon together with apraxia and asymmetric cortical signs best fits corticobasal degeneration.

The described combination of alien limb syndrome with apraxia and asymmetric cortical signs is most characteristic of corticobasal degeneration. In CBD, neurodegeneration affects frontal and parietal cortical areas on one side early in the illness, producing ideomotor apraxia and cortical sensory deficits, along with involuntary, “alien” movements of a limb that the patient perceives as not under their control. This asymmetric cortical involvement gives CBD its distinctive clinical picture, including the alien limb phenomenon.

Progressive supranuclear palsy typically shows early postural instability, falls, and vertical gaze palsy rather than alien limb. Normal pressure hydrocephalus presents with a triad of gait disturbance, cognitive impairment, and urinary incontinence, usually without the asymmetric cortical signs or alien limb. HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder features broader, more diffuse cognitive impairment with subcortical motor symptoms and does not specifically include alien limb.

So, the alien limb phenomenon together with apraxia and asymmetric cortical signs best fits corticobasal degeneration.

More practice questions