There are many diseases and disorders known around the world, some with very serious effects. Here are just a few of some rare conditions with bizarre and unsual symptoms.
1. Pica
Pica is a rare eating disorder in which people eat nonnutritive substances persistently for at least one month at an age when such behavior is developmentally inappropriate (<18-24 size="2">(Ellis). This is usually observed in children, but most common in people with developmental disabilities. Types of things that people with Pica eat include, but are not limited to, dirt, glass, sand, wire, hair, feces, lead, plastic, ice, paper, paint chips, chalk, wood, c
oal, string, and needles (Ellis). Depending on what the person eats and how much of it, this could be a benign or life threatening disease. Lead, for example, could lead to lead poisoning.In some cultures, such as ones in Kenya, southern Africa, and India, this is a practiced activity and not considered to be a problem (Ellis). The cause of this disorder is unknown, but scientists speculate that it could be caused by nutritional deficiencies, low socioeconomical status, learned behaviors, underlying biochemical disorders, or stress. Some other risk factors for the disease include pregnancy, parent/child psychopathology, epilepsy, brain damage, mental retardation, and developmental disorders. There is no specific treatment for this condition, but rather a combination of psychiatrists, physicians, and social workers that work with the patient (Ellis).
(photo from google images)
2. Alien Hand Syndrome
This is a rare disorder in which one’s hand feels possessed by a force outside of one’s control (Definition of Alien Hand Syndrome). The sufferers are able to feel sensation in that hand, but they believe it is not a part of their body and that they don’t have control over it. An example of this is when a patient doesn’t know that his/her own hand is doing something, such as pulling on their hair. This disorder usually arises after trauma to the brain, after brain surgery, stroke, or an infection in the brain (Definition of Alien Hand Syndrome). There is no treatment for this disorder except to keep the unruly hand busy by holding an object.
3. Aquagenic Pruritus
Aquagenic Pruritus is a skin disease that is characterized by the development of severe, intense, prickling-like epidermal (skin) itching that is evoked by water (Aquagenic Pruritus). This occurs without any observable skin lesions. The triggers are not only water, but also humid air, rain, sweat, or blow
ing air. Symptoms may appear immediately after being exposed to water and can last up to one hour or more. Although this isn’t a life threatening disease, it makes daily activities difficult, such as taking a shower. Scientists and doctors are unsure what causes this disease, but it is sometimes a symptom of primary polycythemia. Primary polycythemia is a condition where there is an increase in the total number of blood cells, mostly red blood cells (Aquagenic Pruritus). The increase in red blood cell production may be due to a primary process in the bone marrow, a reaction to chronically low oxygen levels, or rarely, a malignancy (Aquagenic Pruritus). There is no cure for this disease, however, there are several treatments for the pain and itching. Capsaicin cream can be applied to the affected areas for relief. Filtered UV-B phototherapy can be used in a hospital or health clinic setting. Also, applying baby oil before and after showering and lanolin-free aqeuous cream after drying off can help to reduce the symptoms. This disorder is sometimes believed to be a result of histamine, as with allergies, and blockers such as Claritin may be helpful. (Aquagenic Pruritus)(photo from google images)
4. Cotard’s Syndrome
Cotard’s syndrome, which is also known as Walking Corpse syndro
me, is a rare neuropsychiatric disorder in which a person believes that he/she is dead, does not exist, is putrefying, or has lost blood or internal organs (Pearn & Gardner-Thorpe). Sometimes, although rarely, this disorder includes delusions of immortality. Cotard’s syndrome usually arises in patients with neurological or mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, and is often associated with depression. Some scientists believe this disorder is related to Capgras syndrome (Cotard Delusion). To find information about Capgras syndrome, you can visit http://www.psychnet-uk.com/dsm_iv/capgras_syndrome.htm. Both Cotard’s and Capgras are thought to be a consequence of a disconnection between the brain areas that recognize faces and the areas t
hat associate emotions with that recognition. Treatment for Cotard’s syndrome is difficult and scientists and physicians are still working on treatments. Some antidepressant drugs have been tested but show little effectiveness. Electroconvulsive therapy, on the other hand, has shown better odds of success (Cotard Delusion). (Pictures from google images)
5. Foreign Accent Syndrome
Foreign Accent syndrome is the “sudden and unexpected appearance of a seemingly ‘foreign’ accent” (Garst & Katz). This disorder usually occurs as a rare side effect of stroke or a traumatic brain injury. Although this is the most common way to acquire the condition, it may also be of unknown etiology. This disorder is not a result of psychiatric or psychological problems, though. Researchers have found that certain parts of the brain are affected in foreign accent syndrome, such as parts associated with pitch and syllables. Normally, the injury occurs to the left hemisphere of the brain; however, infrequently it occurs to the right hemisphere, which plays a role in the stress and inflection of speech (Garst & Katz). Some cases of Foreign Accent syndrome may evolve over time, but most do not. Even a few cases resolved themselves within a couple of months with no therapeutic intervention. This condition is difficult to test for and requires a number of different testing techniques to correctly diagnose. This may not be a fatal disorder, but sufferers need to get use to their new “accent” and may use speech therapy to help them speak better.
Click here to see an ABC News interview with a woman who suffers from Foreign Accent Syndrome. http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=6244704 (from ABC News)
If you enjoyed reading about these disorders, here are some others to check out:
- Congenital Hypertrichosis Lanuginosa
- Stendhal Syndrome
- Capgras
- Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria
- Alice in Wonderland Disorder
References
“Alien Arm Syndrome” YouTube. Video <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0uaNn_cl14&feature=related>
“Aquagenic Pruritus.” Wikipedia. 29 Oct 2008. 30 Nov 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquagenic_pruritus>
Aquagenic Pruritus Picture
“Cotard Delusion.” Wikipedia. 27 Nov 2008. 30 Nov 2008 <
Cotard’s Syndrome Picture <http://cdn-www.cracked.com/articleimages/wong/walkingcorpse1.jpg>
Cotard’s Syndrome Picture
“Definition of Alien Hand Syndrome.” MedicineNet. 12 Dec 2000. 30 Nov 2008
Ellis, Cynthia R. “Eating Disorder: Pica.” eMedicine. 18 Feb 2006. 30 Nov 2008 <
Garst D, Katz W. “Foreign Accent Syndrome.” The ASHA Leader. 15 Aug 2006: 11(10), 10-11, 31
Pearn J, Gardner-Thorpe C. “Jules Cotard (1840-1889): his life and the unique syndrome which bears his name.” Neurology. 2002 May 14;58(9):1400-3.
Pica Picture
“Woman Wakes Up With Foreign Accent.” ABC News. Video. < http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=6244704>
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