What is Apraxia

Apraxia is a neurological disorder characterized by the inability to perform purposeful, skilled movements despite having the physical strength and desire to do so. It occurs when the brain is unable to correctly plan, sequence, and execute the complex motor signals required for specific actions. Currently, 112 people with Apraxia have joined the DiseaseMaps community to share their experiences and support one another.

How does Apraxia affect the body?

Apraxia primarily affects the motor planning centers of the brain, most commonly in the left hemisphere. While the muscles themselves are healthy, the brain cannot transmit the "instructions" needed to complete a task. This can impact anything from simple gestures, like waving goodbye, to complex tasks like using a tool or speaking. Because Apraxia is a disorder of motor planning rather than muscle weakness, it is distinct from paralysis or sensory loss.

What are the different types of Apraxia?

There are several classifications of Apraxia, often defined by which tasks are most impaired:

• Ideomotor Apraxia: Difficulty mimicking gestures or performing movements on command, despite understanding the task.


• Ideational Apraxia: Difficulty with the sequential steps of a multi-step task, such as making a cup of coffee.


• Limb-Kinetic Apraxia: Difficulty with fine, precise movements of the fingers, hands, or arms.


• Apraxia of Speech (AOS): A specific type where the brain struggles to coordinate the lips, tongue, and jaw to produce speech sounds.

Who is typically affected by Apraxia?

Apraxia can occur at any age, though it is more frequently diagnosed in adults following a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or neurodegenerative disease like dementia. Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a distinct pediatric condition where a child has difficulty coordinating the complex movements required for speech. Because Apraxia often arises secondary to other conditions, exact global prevalence is difficult to determine; however, it is a significant clinical concern for those recovering from neurological trauma.

What differentiates Apraxia from other conditions?

It is vital to distinguish Apraxia from conditions like muscle weakness (paresis) or language disorders (aphasia). In Apraxia, the patient knows what they want to do and has the physical capability, but the "wiring" for the sequence of movement is disrupted. Unlike aphasia, where language processing is impaired, Apraxia of Speech is strictly a breakdown in the planning of the physical motor movements required to create sound.

Next steps

• Consult a neurologist or a speech-language pathologist for a formal evaluation.


• Connect with the 112 members of the Apraxia community on DiseaseMaps.org to share coping strategies.


• Work with an occupational therapist to develop compensatory strategies for daily activities.

Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

References

• NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)


• Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center


• Orphanet: Database of rare diseases


• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)