Apraxia

Definition

Apraxia is a neurological disorder characterized by the inability to perform learned (familiar) movements on command, even though the request or command is understood and there is a willingness to perform the movement. It affects motor planning pathways in the brain rather than muscular coordination itself.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Apraxia can affect speech, known as apraxia of speech, leading to difficulties in articulating words correctly.
2. Nutritional support for patients with apraxia may need to focus on easy-to-swallow foods due to potential difficulties in coordinating swallowing.
3. Apraxia often occurs alongside other neurological conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, or neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
4. Occupational therapy and speech therapy are common interventions used to help manage apraxia symptoms.
5. Patients with apraxia may benefit from high-calorie nutritional supplements if they have difficulty consuming adequate nutrition due to their motor planning impairments.

Review Questions

• What is the primary characteristic of apraxia?
• How might apraxia affect nutritional intake and what dietary adjustments might be necessary?
• Which therapies are commonly used to assist patients with apraxia?

Related terms

Dysphagia:

Difficulty or discomfort in swallowing, often associated with neurological disorders.

Aphasia:

An impairment of language ability affecting production or comprehension of speech and the ability to read or write.

Neuroplasticity:

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life, important for recovery from neurological conditions.