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Learn more about the signs of apraxia and what you can do about it.
On this page:
What is apraxia?
Signs of apraxia
What can I do about apraxia?
What is apraxia?
Every time we move, our brain has to plan what it wants our body to do and make sure we do it in the right order. A stroke can affect your ability to do this, making it difficult to move parts of your body in the way you want to. This is called apraxia.
If you have apraxia, you’ll find it difficult to move when you’re asked to, even though you understand exactly what you’re being asked to do and know how to do it. This is because apraxia is a problem with planning movements. Even though you cannot wave properly to someone when they ask you to, you may wave without any problem when they go to leave, because you’re doing it without thinking. It often affects the ability to use ‘tools’ such as cutlery, when you need to make intentional movements to complete a task, like cutting up food on your plate.
Apraxia is quite common after a stroke and it can take some time to improve. It can also be difficult to notice it. Very often, people assume that their problem is physical. However, a doctor or therapist should be able to pick up on apraxia through the assessments they do with you.
Signs of apraxia
If you have apraxia, you may:
- Hesitate before doing things or seem to do them very slowly.
- Do things with the wrong amount of force. You may bang your mug on the table when you put it down.
- Move in the wrong way, like waving your hand forwards and backwards to say goodbye, rather than side to side.
What can I do about apraxia?
Usually if you have problems with apraxia, they will be picked up by your doctors or therapists while you’re in hospital or by your community team when you’re back at home. If they have not been, and you start to notice you may be having problems, then contact your GP.
If these problems are making day-to-day life difficult, then you need to be referred to an occupational therapist. They will work with you to find ways to help you cope. They will also be able to suggest aids and equipment that can help you.