Course

Supplementary motor area (SMA) strokes — initiation problems, ‘alien hand’, and detection (Advanced)

Advanced course: SMA strokes (often ACA/MCA border) can cause trouble initiating movement/speech, gait-start hesitation, and sometimes ‘alien hand’ phenomena. Learn ischemic vs hemorrhagic differences and how MRI/CT localize

FoundationsCaregiver, SurvivorAdvanced40 minPlain (6–8)

Educational only

Educational only — not medical advice.

What you'll learn

  • Recognize SMA-related symptoms (initiation, akinesia, gait start)
  • Understand ‘alien hand’ as a brain network symptom
  • Understand how ACA territory and medial frontal location relate to SMA deficits
  • Know how CT/MRI detect ischemic vs hemorrhagic injury and what rehab targets help

Practice check

Check your understanding

A few untimed questions. Pick an answer to see instant feedback, then continue to the next lesson.

0 of 3 answered

Question 1

1. Some strokes mainly affect starting movements rather than raw strength.

Question 2

2. SMA injury may cause…

Question 3

3. A helpful question is…