What Are the Different Apraxia Symptoms?

Apraxia symptoms can vary, depending on the form a patient has, but generally include the inability to execute motor movements despite having the desire to do so. This can include not being able to follow direct orders in addition to being unable to mimic movements modeled by another person. In this condition, lesions in the brain impair the brain's ability to plan and execute movements, even though the patient understands what needs to happen and has the physical ability to move. Treatments are available, and usually involve physical therapy and intensive sessions with health care professionals like occupational therapists.

Some forms of apraxia involve trouble with motor movements across the body. Patients may have apraxia symptoms like difficulty walking or performing simple tasks such as brushing their hair. Other patients experience specific problems with facial movements, sometimes leading to apraxia of speech, where they are unable to execute the movements required to form speech. In developmental apraxia, children experience delays indicating the presence of lesions from early childhood. Adults can also acquire this condition.

Common apraxia symptoms include the inability to respond to commands and difficulty performing movements, despite clearly having the intent to do so. In apraxia of speech, the patient may make attempts at speech that are not intelligible, moving the jaws and mouth in a disordered way. Patients could fumble when trying to move their arms and legs, or might not be able to move them at all in response to a request like “wave your hand.” If a movement is modeled for the patient, the patient will not be able to follow suit.

Identifying apraxia symptoms can be challenging, as a number of conditions involve motor movement. A patient with a psychological disorder leading to catatonia, for example, will also have trouble moving and obeying commands. The key signs that the problems are probably rooted in apraxia are the clear desire to move, along with an understanding of how the movements should work, but an inability to do so; a catatonic patient, for example, will not try to speak, while a patient with apraxia will work her mouth in an attempt to communicate.

The earlier apraxia symptoms are spotted, the better. Patients can receive testing to determine the origins of the movement disorder and therapy to help them speak and perform fine motor tasks. It is usually necessary to practice at home in addition to attending therapy sessions. Doctors may recommend intensive inpatient therapy to help patients learn or relearn skills so they can apply them in real life. The prognosis varies, depending on the level of lesions and the patient's commitment to therapy.