Constructional apraxia

Neurological disorder affecting the ability to construct or draw objects

Constructional apraxia is a neurological disorder characterized by the inability to accurately construct or draw objects, despite having the physical ability to do so. This condition is often associated with damage to the parietal lobe of the brain, which is responsible for integrating sensory information and spatial awareness.

Symptoms

Individuals with constructional apraxia may exhibit difficulty in tasks that require spatial organization, such as drawing, assembling objects, or copying geometric shapes. They may struggle to arrange parts into a coherent whole, leading to disorganized or incomplete constructions.

Causes

Constructional apraxia is typically caused by brain damage resulting from stroke, traumatic brain injury, or neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Damage to the right hemisphere of the brain is more commonly associated with this disorder, although left hemisphere damage can also result in constructional difficulties.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of constructional apraxia involves neuropsychological testing, where patients are asked to perform tasks such as drawing a clock, copying geometric figures, or assembling block designs. These tests help to assess the patient's spatial and constructional abilities.

File:Re-created clock drawings from patients with left and right hemisphere damage, hemineglect, and dementia.png

Re-created clock drawings from patients with left and right hemisphere damage, hemineglect, and dementia

Treatment

There is no specific cure for constructional apraxia, but treatment focuses on rehabilitation and compensatory strategies. Occupational therapy can help patients develop alternative methods to complete tasks, while cognitive therapy may improve spatial awareness and planning skills.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with constructional apraxia varies depending on the underlying cause and extent of brain damage. Some patients may experience significant improvement with therapy, while others may have persistent difficulties.

Related pages

• Apraxia
• Parietal lobe
• Stroke
• Alzheimer's disease

Re-created geometric drawings from patients with left and right hemisphere damage, hemineglect, and dementia