About this topic
Apraxia is a problem where you cannot do simple, learned actions or gestures. You want to do the action 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. Apraxia is caused by harm to the part of the brain which controls action or speech. It can also be from diseases that affect the brain or nerves such as dementia. ‚
There are many 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.
What care is needed at home?
- The doctor will tell you what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Make sure your home is calm and quiet. This may lower stress and worries.
- Family members should be patient and talk calmly. Using simple words and short directions. You may need to repeat things more often. Give extra time to learn new things or to do a task.
- Involve family and friends with your therapy. Then, they can learn how to best help you do things at home. Your therapist may suggest other tools or ways to communicate.
What follow-up care is needed?
- The doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- The doctor may send you to a doctor called a psychiatrist or psychologist to help with low mood and worry.
- The doctor may suggest other treatments like:
- Speech therapy ¢ ˆ ’ Helps you learn to communicate better to speak more clearly. It also helps with swallowing problems.
- Physical therapy ¢ ˆ ’ Helps you to work on motor skills like walking and balance
- Occupational therapy ¢ ˆ ’ Helps you to work on skills for activities of daily living like using the toilet and dressing
- Cognitive therapy ¢ ˆ ’ Helps you improve problem-solving skills and learning
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. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Your physical activity may be limited. Avoid activities that may cause harm to you or others. You may not be able to drive if you have certain problems. Take extra care if you have problems with coordination or grip. Ask your doctor what activities are safe for you. ‚
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.
- Keep children in safety seats and booster seats as recommended.
- 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.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- You or your family member are having trouble coping with the problems
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
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. ‚
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what kind of therapy I need to have.
- I can tell you how to lower my risk of stroke or brain injury.
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. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚