Apraxia

[Raeanne Dimick]

Inability to perform particular purposive actions, as a result of brain damage.

[Dorothey Allen]

Apraxia is inability to execute purposeful, previously learned motor tasks, despite physical ability and willingness, as a result of brain damage. Diagnosis is clinical, often including neuropsychologic testing, with brain imaging (eg, CT, MRI) to identify cause. Prognosis depends on the cause and extent of damage and patient age. There is no specific treatment, but physical and occupational therapy may modestly improve functioning and patient safety.
Isolated apraxia is relatively uncommon.