Apraxia Diagnosis and Treatment

Clinical Characteristics

Limb apraxia is more common after left hemispheric than right hemispheric stroke and is associated with reduced independence in daily life activities 1, 2, 3
Apraxia negatively affects quality of life and independence in daily activities 1
Despite not traditionally being believed to affect daily function, evidence now shows that apraxia is associated with reduced independence in activities of daily living 1, 2, 3
Apraxia can coexist with other post-stroke deficits such as aphasia, which can further complicate rehabilitation 4

Strategy training or gesture training may be considered for apraxia (Level IIb, B evidence) 1, 2, 3
Task practice with and without mental rehearsal may be considered (Level IIb, C evidence) 1, 2, 3
The presence of aphasia can complicate the assessment and treatment of apraxia, as communication difficulties may interfere with understanding instructions 4