Apraxia

Alternate names

Dyspraxia

Definition

Apraxia is a neurological disorder characterized by the inability to perform tasks or movements, despite having the desire and physical ability to perform them. Person is unable to perform tasks or movements when asked, even though:

• The request or command is understood
• They are willing to perform the task
• The muscles needed to perform the task work properly
• The task may have already been learned

Cause

Apraxia is caused by damage to the brain. When apraxia develops in a person who was previously able to perform the tasks or abilities, it is called acquired apraxia. The most common causes of acquired apraxia are:

• Brain tumor
• Condition that causes gradual worsening of the brain and nervous system (neurodegenerative illness)
• Dementia
• Stroke
• Traumatic brain injury
• Hydrocephalus
• Apraxia of speech is often present along with another speech disorder called aphasia.
• Depending on the cause of apraxia, a number of other brain or nervous system problems may be present.

Types

There are several types of apraxia, which may occur alone or together. These include: Buccofacial or orofacial apraxia is the inability to carry out facial movements on demand.

• This may include licking the lips, sticking out the tongue, whistling, coughing, or winking.

Ideational apraxia is the inability to carryout learned, complex tasks with multiple, sequential movements.

• This may include dressing, eating, and bathing.

Ideomotor apraxia is the inability to perform a learned task (such as using a tool) or communicate using gestures (like waving good-bye). Limb-kinetic apraxia is the inability to make fine, precise movements with an arm or leg.

• This may include buttoning a shirt or tying a shoe.

Verbal apraxia is difficulty coordinating mouth and speech movements.

• Verbal apraxia may be acquired or present from birth.

Constructional apraxia is the inability to copy, draw, or construct simple figures.

Oculomotor apraxia is difficulty moving the eyes on command.

Onset

Apraxia may also be seen at birth. Symptoms appear as the child grows and develops.

Signs and symptoms

• A person with apraxia is unable to put together the correct muscle movements.
• At times, a completely different word or action is used than the one the person intended to speak or make.
• The person is often aware of the mistake.

Symptoms of apraxia of speech include:

• Distorted, repeated, or left out speech sounds or words.
• The person has difficulty putting words together in the correct order.
• Struggling to pronounce the right word
• More difficulty using longer words, either all the time, or sometimes
• Ability to use short, everyday phrases or sayings (such as "How are you?") without a problem
• Better writing ability than speaking ability

Diagnosis

The following tests may be done if the cause of the disorder is not known:

• CT or MRI scans of the brain may help show a tumor, stroke, or other brain injury.
• An electroencephalogram (EEG) may be used to rule out epilepsy as a cause of the apraxia.
• A spinal tap may be done to check for inflammation or an infection that affects the brain.
• Standardized language and intellectual tests should be done if apraxia of speech is suspected.
• Testing for other learning disabilities may also be needed.

Treatment

• Treatment of apraxia may include physical, speech, or occupational therapy.
• If apraxia occurs as a symptom of another disorder, treatment should be directed to the underlying condition.

NIH genetic and rare disease info

• NIH info on Apraxia

Apraxia is a rare disease.

Apraxia Resources
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