Ideomotor Apraxia
Pronunciation: eye-dee-oh-MOH-tor ah-PRAK-see-ah
Inability to perform learned motor tasks on command despite intact comprehension and motor function, affecting gesture and tool use.
Full Definition
Ideomotor apraxia is a neurological disorder characterized by the inability to perform learned, purposeful movements on command, despite having intact comprehension, motor strength, and coordination. Patients understand what they are asked to do but cannot execute the motor plan correctly. This condition typically results from lesions in the left parietal lobe, affecting the motor programming areas. Common manifestations include difficulty with gesture imitation, pantomiming tool use, or performing sequential motor tasks. In rehabilitation settings, ideomotor apraxia significantly impacts occupational therapy goals and requires specific intervention strategies focusing on errorless learning, visual cues, and actual object use rather than pantomiming.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from ideational apraxia - ideomotor affects execution of individual movements, while ideational affects sequencing of complex tasks.
In Context
- "Ideomotor apraxia prevents the patient from demonstrating how to use a toothbrush on command, though actual use is possible." — occupational therapy evaluation
- "Treatment for ideomotor apraxia emphasizes using real objects rather than pantomiming actions." — rehabilitation treatment plan