Apraxia: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Apaxia is a neurological condition that affects the ability to perform voluntary movements or gestures. It is not a problem with muscle strength, coordination, or sensation that causes apraxia. People with apraxia may have difficulty speaking, writing, dressing, or using tools. The brain's parts that store the memory of learned movements are damaged or malfunctioned, causing this disorder.
Causes of Apraxia
Apraxia can occur due to various factors that affect the brain, such as:
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Stroke
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Head trauma
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Brain tumor
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Dementia
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Infection
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Genetic disorder
Although apraxia is more common among older adults due to neurological diseases such as stroke and dementia, it can also affect children and young adults who have congenital or acquired brain disorders.
Symptoms of Apraxia
Despite having the physical and mental capacity, apraxia causes the person to be unable to carry out simple movements or gestures. In spite of understanding the command or intention to move, the person may not be able to do so. For instance, a person with apraxia may not be able to tie their shoelaces, button up a shirt, or brush their teeth.
The symptoms of apraxia may vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. There are different types of apraxia that affect different aspects of movement, such as:
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Limb-kinetic apraxia: difficulty with fine and precise movements of the fingers, hands, arms, or legs
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Ideomotor apraxia: difficulty with imitating or following commands for movements, such as waving, saluting, or pointing
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Conceptual apraxia: difficulty with understanding the purpose or function of objects or actions, such as using a spoon, a hammer, or a scissors
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Ideational apraxia: difficulty with planning and sequencing a series of movements, such as getting dressed, cooking, or driving
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Buccofacial apraxia: difficulty with making facial expressions or movements of the mouth, tongue, or lips, such as smiling, blowing, or whistling
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Constructional apraxia: difficulty with drawing, copying, or assembling shapes, figures, or objects
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Apraxia of speech: difficulty with producing speech sounds or words, such as pronouncing, articulating, or sequencing sounds
Apraxia may also affect other cognitive or physical functions, depending on the underlying cause and location of the brain damage. The ability to understand or use words may be impaired by apraxia, for example, or by aphasia, which is a language impairment. Alternatively, a person with apraxia may also have dysarthria, which is a speech impairment caused by muscle weakness or coordination problems that affects the quality or clarity of speech.
Diagnosis of Apraxia
The diagnosis of apraxia is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the person's medical history, neurological examination, and speech and language assessment. To determine the type and extent of apraxia, the doctor may have the patient perform a variety of tasks or movements. To visualize the brain and detect any abnormalities or lesions that may cause apraxia, a doctor may order imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
Treatment of Apraxia
The treatment of apraxia depends on the cause, type, and severity of the condition. The main goal of treatment is to improve the person’s functional abilities and quality of life. The treatment may include:
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Medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, blood thinners, and antibiotics, may help reduce the symptoms of apraxia or treat the underlying condition that causes it.
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Surgery: Some cases of apraxia may require surgery to remove or reduce the size of a brain tumor, repair a blood vessel, or relieve pressure on the brain.
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Apraxia may require surgery to remove or reduce a brain tumor, repair a blood vessel, or relieve pressure on the brain in some cases the person’s motor skills and communication abilities. Rehabilitation may include:
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In physical therapy, exercises, stretches, massages, or electrical stimulation of the muscles are used to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination.
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It may involve adaptive devices, strategies, or modifications of the environment to help the person perform daily activities and tasks.
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The purpose of speech therapy is to improve a person's ability to produce and comprehend speech. It may involve exercises, drills, cues, or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, such as pictures, symbols, or electronic devices.
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It may involve games, puzzles, or tasks that challenge the person's cognitive abilities to improve memory, attention, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
Prevention of Apraxia
As apraxia is caused by factors outside a person's control, such as stroke, head trauma, or genetic disorders, it cannot be prevented. However, some steps may help reduce the risk of developing apraxia or minimize its effects. These include:
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Infection, stroke, dementia, and other conditions that may cause apraxia can be prevented or managed with a healthy lifestyle. It is important to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking and alcohol, and manage stress as part of a healthy lifestyle.
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Apraxia may be prevented or treated if you seek medical attention promptly for any signs or symptoms of a neurological problem, such as headache, dizziness, weakness, numbness, or confusion. The outcome and recovery of apraxia may be improved by early diagnosis and treatment.
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The individual's functional abilities and quality of life may be improved by following the rehabilitation plan and recommendations of the doctor and therapist. If the person practices and repeats the exercises and strategies regularly, they may be able to overcome or compensate for the difficulties caused by apraxia.
