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Neurological disorder affecting motor planning

Apraxia is a neurological disorder characterized by the inability to perform learned (familiar) movements on command, even though the command is understood and there is a willingness to perform the movement. It is not due to a lack of comprehension, motor weakness, or incoordination. Apraxia is often associated with damage to the parietal lobe of the brain.

Types of Apraxia

Apraxia can be classified into several types, each affecting different aspects of motor planning and execution:

Ideomotor Apraxia

This type involves difficulty in executing the correct movements in response to a verbal command. Patients may know what they want to do but cannot translate that into the correct motor action. For example, they may be unable to wave goodbye when asked, even though they understand the request.

Ideational Apraxia

Ideational apraxia is characterized by an inability to conceptualize a task and impaired ability to complete multistep actions. Patients may have trouble sequencing the steps needed to complete a task, such as making a cup of coffee.

Buccofacial or Orofacial Apraxia

This type affects the ability to carry out movements of the face on command, such as licking lips or whistling. It is often seen in conjunction with aphasia.

Constructional Apraxia

Patients with constructional apraxia have difficulty with tasks that require the construction or arrangement of objects, such as drawing or assembling objects.

Limb-Kinetic Apraxia

This involves difficulty in making precise movements with a limb, despite having the strength and coordination to do so.

Causes

Apraxia is typically caused by damage to the brain, particularly the parietal lobe, which is responsible for integrating sensory information and coordinating motor actions. Common causes include:

• Stroke
• Traumatic brain injury
• Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease
• Brain tumors

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of apraxia involves a comprehensive neurological examination and assessment of the patient's ability to perform tasks on command. Neuroimaging techniques such as MRI or CT scan may be used to identify areas of brain damage.

Treatment

There is no specific cure for apraxia, but treatment focuses on improving the patient's ability to perform daily activities. This may include:

• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Physical therapy

Therapists work with patients to develop strategies to compensate for their difficulties and improve their quality of life.

Prognosis

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

Related pages

• Aphasia
• Dyspraxia
• Neurological disorder
• Parietal lobe

Gallery

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  Illustration of brain areas involved in apraxia