Affiliations: [a] Perception and Eye Movement Laboratory, Departments of Neurology and Clinical Research, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Switzerland | [b] Division of Cognitive and Restorative Neurology, Department of Neurology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Switzerland
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Tim Vanbellingen, PT, MPTSc, Drs., Perception and Eye Movement Laboratory, Departments of Neurology and Clinical Research, Inselspital, University Hospital, Pavillon 52A, 3010 Bern, Switzerland. Tel.: +41 31 632 33 68; Fax: +41 31 632 09 94; E-mail: tim.vanbellingen@dkf.unibe.ch; tvanbellingen@yahoo.com
Abstract: Apraxia is a higher-order motor disorder impairing the ability to correctly perform skilled, purposive movements as the result of neurological disorders most commonly stroke, dementia and movement disorders. It is increasingly recognised that apraxia negatively influences activities of daily living (ADL). Early diagnosis and treatment should be part of the neurorehabilitation programme. The aim of the present article is to describe the most important subtypes of apraxia such as ideational and ideomotor apraxia as well as their impact on ADL and outcome. Furthermore, the relationship to associated disorders such as aphasia is discussed. Finally, strategies concerning assessment, management and treatment of the disorder are presented.
