Apraxia
Pronunciation: ah-PRAK-see-ah
Inability to perform learned voluntary movements despite having the physical ability and understanding to do so.
Full Definition
Apraxia is a neurological condition characterized by the inability to perform previously learned voluntary movements despite intact motor function, sensation, and comprehension. It results from damage to brain areas involved in motor planning and execution, commonly following stroke or traumatic brain injury. Types include ideomotor apraxia (cannot perform movements on command), ideational apraxia (cannot sequence complex tasks), and limb-kinetic apraxia (loss of fine motor control). Speech apraxia specifically affects the ability to coordinate speech movements. Treatment involves repetitive practice, cueing strategies, and task modification.
Usage
Usage note: Often co-occurs with aphasia but represents a distinct motor planning deficit.
In Context
- "The patient demonstrated ideomotor apraxia, unable to pantomime brushing teeth on command." — Occupational therapy evaluation
- "Apraxia of speech significantly impaired the patient's ability to communicate verbally." — Speech pathology assessment