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Apraxia


About this topic


Apraxia is a problem where you cannot do simple, learned actions or gestures. You want to do the actions but you cannot do them. There is a problem with the messages that get sent from the brain to the muscles that do the actions. A child can be born with apraxia or it can show up later in life. If it happens later, it is called acquired apraxia. ‚  

What are the causes?


Apraxia is caused by damage to the part of the brain which controls action or speech. This is because of a problem, such as: ‚  
  • Stroke
  • Cancer in the brain
  • Brain injury
  • Infection
  • Alzheimers disease or dementia
  • A disease that causes damage to the brain and nerves such as Huntington's disease or Parkinson's disease
  • Epilepsy or seizures

What can make this more likely to happen?


Apraxia is most often caused by a stroke. You have a higher chance for having a stroke if you: ‚  
  • Are over 60 years old
  • Have had a stroke before
  • Have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar
  • Smoke
  • Are on dialysis

What are the main signs?


There are many different types of apraxia. They are named for what part of the body is affected and their signs. You may not be able to: ‚  
  • Make sounds or words the right way. This is verbal or speech apraxia.
  • Move your face to do things like lick your lips, whistle, wink, or stick out your tongue. This is buccofacial or orofacial apraxia.
  • Copy or draw simple figures or shapes. This is constructional apraxia.
  • Walk the right way. You may have problems with moving your legs, stepping over things, or walking. This is gait apraxia.
  • Use tools the right way. This is conceptual apraxia.
  • Do exact movements of your hands and fingers. This means you may have problems doing things like flipping a coin. This is limb-kinetic apraxia.
  • Do a task the right way when given an object for that task. You may try to comb your hair with a toothbrush instead of brushing your teeth. You may try to write with a spoon instead of using it to eat with. This is ideomotor apraxia.
  • Dress yourself. This is dressing apraxia.

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


Your doctor will do an exam and take your history. The doctor may also ask you and your family about the types of problems you are having. Sometimes the doctor will want to watch you try to do an activity. The doctor may do tests that show how your brain works and how you use language. Your doctor may order other tests like: ‚  
  • CT or MRI scan
  • EEG
  • Spinal tap ¢ ˆ ’ to check for infection in your body that affects the brain

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


  • Physical therapy (PT)
  • Occupational therapy (OT)
  • Speech therapy

Are there other health problems to treat?


Sometimes, apraxia is a sign of some other disease or problem. If so, your doctor will treat the main problem right away. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may give you drugs to help with how the brain works if you have a problem like Alzheimers or Huntington's disease. Make sure that you take the drugs as ordered by the doctor. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Not able to function
  • Not able to communicate
  • Not able to do normal activities
  • Low mood
  • Worry
  • Frustration

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


It may be hard to prevent apraxia. Since it is often linked with strokes, work to lower your risk of stroke. Some of the things you can do are: ‚  
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Stay active and work out often.
  • Stop smoking.
  • Limit the amount of beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) you drink.
  • Have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis to make sure it is not too high.

Protect yourself from brain injury: ‚  
  • Wear protective gear like helmets when doing sports, skiing, snowboarding, rollerblading, and other injury-prone activities.
  • Wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle or other similar vehicle.
  • Always wear your seatbelt. Drive safely. Obey speed limits. Do not drink and drive.
  • For elderly people, keep living areas clutter-free to prevent falls. Remove throw rugs and cords that may be tripping hazards. Use nonslip mats in bathrooms.

Helpful tips


Attending a support group may help you or your family members get to know other people who have coped with this problem. Caregivers may need a short-term break from giving care. Your doctor or therapists can give you resources to help with care. They may suggest places like an adult daycare when caregivers need a break. ‚  

Where can I learn more?


National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ‚  
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/apraxia/apraxia.htm ‚  
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚  
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/766/viewAbstract ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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