Apraxia

Definition

Apraxia is being unable to perform tasks or movements you've already learned, even though your muscles and senses work properly. It is a disorder of the nervous system.

Alternative Names

Considerations

There are many different forms of apraxia. Some are listed below:

• Buccofacial or orofacial apraxia. You have difficulty carrying out movements of the face on demand. For example, you may not be able to lick your lips or whistle.
• Ideational apraxia. You can no longer carry out learned complex tasks in the proper order, such as putting on socks before putting on shoes.
• Ideomotor apraxia. You can no longer voluntarily perform a learned task when given the necessary objects. For instance, if given a screwdriver, you may try to write with it as if it were a pen. Or, you might try to comb your hair with a toothbrush.
• Limb-kinetic apraxia. You have difficulty making precise movements with an arm or leg
• Verbal apraxia. You have trouble coordinating mouth movements and speech.

Other conditions contain the term "apraxia," but they are not officially a form of the condition. These "apraxia-like syndromes" include:

• Dressing apraxia (difficulty buttoning a shirt or tying a shoelace)
• Gait apraxia (difficulty starting to walk)
• Lid-opening apraxia (difficulty opening the eyelids)

Apraxia may be occur with a language disorder called aphasia.

OUTLOOK

Many people with apraxia are no longer able to be independent. They should avoid activities in which they might injure themselves or others.

Occupational therapy and counseling may help both patients and their caregivers learn ways to deal with the apraxia. However, because people with apraxia have trouble following instructions, occupational therapy for stroke or other brain injury is difficult.

No drug has been shown useful for treating apraxia.

Causes

• Brain tumor
• Dementia
• Hemodialysis (long-term)
• Condition that causes the nervous system to deteriorate (neurodegenerative illness)
• Stroke

References

Heilman KM, Watson RT, Gonzalez-Rothi LJ. Praxis. In: Goetz CG. Goetz: Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 4.