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Apraxia of Speech

A speech disorder of motor planning and programming.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon department. Book Appointment →

What is Apraxia of Speech?

Apraxia of speech is a speech disorder resulting from impaired motor planning and programming of speech. Despite the absence of muscle weakness or paralysis, the patient cannot coordinate the correct muscle movements needed to produce speech sounds.

There are two main forms: acquired (adult, most often due to stroke) and developmental (childhood apraxia). It is usually seen together with Broca aphasia but can also occur in isolation.

Features include articulation errors, struggle, groping behavior, inconsistency of errors and prosody disturbances. Treatment is based on motor learning principles.

Symptoms

Effort and groping movements during speech
Inconsistent articulation errors
Prolonged sound transitions
Misplaced stress and prosody disturbances
Automatic speech (good) vs volitional speech (poor)
Silent postural search

Risk Factors

Left hemisphere stroke (Broca area)
Traumatic brain injury
Brain tumors
Primary progressive apraxia (degenerative)
Childhood developmental disorder
Neurodegenerative diseases

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Difficulty with speech planning after stroke
  • Speech developmental delay in a child
  • Inconsistent articulation errors
  • Motor planning difficulty alongside aphasia
  • Degenerative speech disorder

Treatment Methods

01
Apraxia-specific assessment
02
PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets)
03
Melodic Intonation Therapy
04
Motor learning-based repetitive exercise
05
Sound Production Treatment (SPT)
06
Use of mirror and audiovisual feedback
07
AAC support systems
08
Intensive treatment programs

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.