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Apraxia

Apraxia is a motor disorder arising from brain dysfunction that disrupts the ability to plan and sequence movements despite intact strength, sensation, comprehension, and coordination. It is not caused by paralysis, muscle weakness, or primary sensory loss.

Several forms are described: ideomotor apraxia, where a person cannot perform a learned movement on command

Most acquired apraxias result from damage to the left hemisphere, especially fronto-parietal networks. Common causes include

Diagnosis relies on neurological examination and targeted tests of praxis and gestures, to separate apraxia from

Treatment involves rehabilitative therapies focused on motor planning: occupational therapy to improve daily tasks, speech and

Apraxia can impact daily activities and communication. Understanding and support from caregivers are important, and management

despite
knowing
what
to
do;
ideational
apraxia,
where
sequencing
of
multistep
tasks
is
disturbed;
limb-kinetic
apraxia,
characterized
by
clumsy
or
slow
execution
of
fine
movements;
buccofacial
(orofacial)
apraxia,
affecting
movements
of
the
lips,
tongue,
or
jaw;
and
apraxia
of
speech,
a
related
disorder
of
motor
planning
for
speech.
stroke,
traumatic
brain
injury,
brain
tumors,
Alzheimer's
disease
and
other
degenerative
conditions.
Congenital
or
developmental
apraxia
can
occur
in
children.
weakness,
sensory
loss,
aphasia,
or
cognitive
deficits.
Imaging
such
as
MRI
or
CT
can
support
localization.
language
therapy
for
apraxia
of
speech,
use
of
cueing,
stepwise
teaching,
repetition,
and
compensatory
strategies
or
assistive
devices.
Treatment
is
individualized;
prognosis
varies
with
cause
and
extent
of
brain
injury.
often
requires
a
multidisciplinary
approach.