dyspraxia
Pronunciation: dis-PRAKS-ee-uh
An acquired or developmental neurological condition affecting the planning and execution of coordinated voluntary movements, distinct from muscle weakness or sensory loss, relevant in geriatric rehabilitation following stroke or traumatic brain injury.
Full Definition
In the geriatric rehabilitation context, dyspraxia (also termed 'apraxia' when acquired in adulthood) refers to disruption in the higher-order motor programming required to perform purposeful, skilled actions. Patients may demonstrate difficulty initiating or sequencing tasks such as dressing, using utensils, or operating mobility aids, despite having adequate strength and sensation. Editors must be alert to the distinction between 'dyspraxia' (often used for developmental presentations) and 'apraxia' (the preferred clinical term for acquired adult presentations, particularly post-stroke). The two terms appear in the same documents and are sometimes used interchangeably by authors; editorial queries may be warranted. Neither should be confused with ataxia, which reflects cerebellar rather than motor-programming impairment.
Usage
Usage note: In adult geriatric rehabilitation documents, prefer 'apraxia' for acquired motor programming deficits post-stroke or brain injury; use 'dyspraxia' only if the source document uses that term or refers to a developmental history. Query authors on inconsistent usage.
In Context
- "The occupational therapist noted significant dyspraxia affecting the patient's ability to sequence the steps of meal preparation." — Occupational therapy assessment report
- "The editor queried whether 'dyspraxia' in the adult neurology chapter should be changed to 'apraxia' for consistency with the journal's preferred terminology." — Manuscript copy-editing note