Conceptual Apraxia: An Overview
Abstract
Conceptual apraxia is an acquired disorder of higher-order motor planning that affects the ability to perform complex movements. It is usually associated with stroke, head trauma, and other neurological conditions, and is often accompanied by other movement disorders such as ideomotor apraxia and orofacial apraxia. This article provides an overview of conceptual apraxia, including its clinical features, etiology, diagnosis, and management.
Introduction
Conceptual apraxia is an acquired disorder of higher-order motor planning that affects the ability to perform complex movements. It is usually associated with stroke, head trauma, and other neurological conditions, and is often accompanied by other movement disorders such as ideomotor apraxia and orofacial apraxia. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of conceptual apraxia, including its clinical features, etiology, diagnosis, and management.
Clinical features
Conceptual apraxia is characterized by difficulty in executing purposeful movements that require the coordination of multiple muscles. It is usually associated with an inability to perform a given task in the absence of a priori knowledge of the task. For example, a patient with conceptual apraxia may be unable to perform a task such as buttoning a shirt, even when presented with the materials required to complete the task. Additionally, conceptual apraxia can affect the ability to imitate movements and to recognize objects. It is also associated with difficulties in sequencing and coordinating movements, as well as problems with mental rotation and spatial processing.
Etiology
Conceptual apraxia is usually caused by a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other neurological condition. It is most often associated with damage to the cortical-basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuitry, which is involved in the planning and execution of complex motor tasks. It can also be caused by degenerative neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease, and can occur as a result of a tumor or other mass lesion.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of conceptual apraxia is based on a detailed history and physical examination. A neurological examination should be performed to assess for impaired motor coordination, and tests of cognitive and executive functions should be conducted to assess for deficits in higher-order planning and sequencing. Additionally, imaging studies such as MRI or CT can be used to identify any underlying structural causes of the disorder.
Management
The management of conceptual apraxia depends on the underlying cause of the disorder. For example, if it is caused by a stroke, treatment may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Additionally, medications may be prescribed to improve coordination and reduce muscle spasms. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address any underlying structural causes of the disorder.
Conclusion
Conceptual apraxia is an acquired disorder of higher-order motor planning that affects the ability to perform complex movements. It is usually associated with stroke, head trauma, and other neurological conditions, and is often accompanied by other movement disorders such as ideomotor apraxia and orofacial apraxia. The diagnosis of conceptual apraxia is based on a detailed history and physical examination, and the management of the disorder depends on the underlying cause.
References
Buchanan, T.J., & Schoenhuber, R. (2019). Conceptual Apraxia: Clinical Characteristics and Diagnosis. Neuropsychology Review, 29(2), 126–139. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11065-019-09387-5
Fasano, A., & Nichelli, P. (2016). Conceptual Apraxia: A Review. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 10, 463. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2016.00463
Shah, P.N., & Poizner, H. (2013). Conceptual Apraxia: A Review of Clinical and Experimental Studies. Movement Disorders, 28(2), 207–214. https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.25100