Apraxia

Reprinted from: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

What is Apraxia?

Apraxia is a neurological disorder characterized by loss of the ability to execute or carry out learned (familiar) movements, despite having the desire and the physical ability to perform the movements. There are several types of apraxia including limb-kinetic (inability to make fine, precise movements with a limb), ideomotor (inability to carry out a motor command), ideational (inability to create a plan for or idea of a specific movement), buccofacial or facial-oral (inability to carry out facial movements on command, i.e., lick lips, whistle, cough, or wink) - which is perhaps the most common form, verbal (difficulty coordinating mouth and speech movements), constructional (inability to draw or construct simple configurations), and oculomotor (difficulty moving the eyes). Apraxia may be accompanied by a language disorder called aphasia.

Is there any treatment?

Generally, treatment for individuals with apraxia includes physical and or occupational therapy. If apraxia is a symptom of another disorder, the underlying disorder should be treated.

What is the prognosis?

The prognosis for individuals with apraxia varies, With therapy, some patients improve significantly, while others may show very little improvement.

What research is being done?

The NINDS supports research on movement disorders such as apraxia. The goals of this research are to increase scientific understanding of these disorders, and to fine ways to prevent, treat, and cure them.