apraxia of speech
Pronunciation: uh-PRAK-see-uh
Neurological disorder affecting the motor programming of speech movements, resulting in difficulty coordinating the precise movements needed for clear articulation.
Full Definition
Apraxia of speech is a neurological speech disorder that affects the motor programming and sequencing of speech movements. Unlike dysarthria, which involves weakness or paralysis of speech muscles, apraxia of speech involves difficulty with the voluntary, purposeful programming of movements necessary for speech production. Patients know what they want to say but struggle to coordinate the precise, complex movements of the lips, tongue, and jaw required for clear speech. The condition commonly results from left hemisphere brain damage, particularly in areas involved in motor planning for speech. Speech characteristics include inconsistent errors, groping movements, and difficulty initiating speech.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguished from dysarthria (muscle weakness) and aphasia (language disorder). Motor planning deficit, not muscle weakness.
In Context
- "The speech-language pathologist diagnosed apraxia of speech based on the patient's inconsistent articulatory errors and groping behaviors." — Speech therapy evaluation
- "Apraxia of speech therapy focused on intensive motor practice of speech sound sequences." — Treatment plan