Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
apraxia
The inability to perform learned motor movements despite intact motor function and comprehension.
Full Definition
Apraxia is a neuropsychological disorder characterized by the loss of ability to execute or carry out skilled movements and gestures, despite having intact motor function, sensation, and comprehension of the required task. This condition typically results from damage to the left parietal lobe or related neural networks. Types include ideomotor apraxia (cannot perform gestures on command), ideational apraxia (cannot perform sequential movements), and constructional apraxia (difficulty with spatial construction tasks).
Usage
Usage note: Specify type of apraxia (ideomotor, ideational, constructional) and provide specific examples of impaired tasks.
In Context
- "The patient demonstrated ideomotor apraxia, unable to pantomime brushing teeth despite intact motor strength and comprehension." — Neuropsychological assessment
- "Constructional apraxia was evident in the patient's severely impaired clock drawing and block design performances." — Cognitive evaluation report
Also known as
motor planning disorder
praxis dysfunction
Contrasted with
intact praxis
normal motor planning
Don't confuse with
aphasia
ataxia
motor weakness