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NINDS Apraxia Information Page
Reviewed 12-17-2001 Table of Contents (click to jump to sections) What is Apraxia?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Organizations
What is Apraxia?
Apraxia is a neurological disorder characterized by loss of the ability to execute or carry out learned (familiar) movements, despite having the desire and the physical ability to perform the movements. There are several types of apraxia including limb-kinetic (inability to make fine, precise movements with a limb), ideomotor (inability to carry out a motor command), ideational (inability to create a plan for or idea of a specific movement), buccofacial or facial-oral (inability to carry out facial movements on command, i.e., lick lips, whistle, cough, or wink) - which is perhaps the most common form, verbal (difficulty coordinating mouth and speech movements), constructional (inability to draw or construct simple configurations), and oculomotor (difficulty moving the eyes). Apraxia may be accompanied by a language disorder called aphasia. Is there any treatment?
Generally, treatment for individuals with apraxia includes physical and or occupational therapy. If apraxia is a symptom of another disorder, the underlying disorder should be treated. What is the prognosis?
The prognosis for individuals with apraxia varies. With therapy, some patients improve significantly, while others may show very little improvement. What research is being done?
The NINDS supports research on movement disorders such as apraxia. The goals of this research are to increase scientific understanding of these disorders, and to fine ways to prevent, treat, and cure them. Select this link to view a list of all studies currently seeking patients.
Organizations American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA)
10801 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852-3279
actioncenter@asha.org
http://www.asha.org
Tel: 301-897-5700 800-638-8255
Fax: 301-571-0457
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history. All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
Provided by:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
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