Treatment for apraxia usually relies on an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause. Patients may not realize that they have apraxia until they are asked to perform a task. Once apraxia has been identified in a patient, a physician may rule out potential contributing factors, such as muscle weakness or language and comprehension problems, which may be interfering with the patient’s ability to perform the task. A physician may refer the patient to a neurologist. Several imaging tests may be conducted, including computed axial tomography (CAT) scans, MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) and x-rays. Blood tests or a spinal tap may also be conducted.

Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, treatment for apraxia is aimed at rehabilitating patients and recovering their motor function abilities. This may include physical therapy and occupational therapy. Apraxia caused by certain neurological disorders may require treating the underlying condition. What treatment is used will depend on the disorder or condition causing the apraxia. The recovery process can be long and frustrating, after which time the patient may or may not recover complete control of motor skills. Treatment is more successful if it is started as soon as possible.

Other factors which affect recovery include the extent of the neurological damage, the level of a patient’s motivation, and the age and health of the patient. Children who are born with childhood speech apraxia can be treated with speech/language therapy but may never speak as fluently as other children. In severe cases, verbal apraxia that results in an inability to communicate effectively may require the use of gestures, sign language or other means of communication. Devices that can aid communication (e.g., a computer that writes and produces speech) may also be required.

An important part of the recovery process for the patient is the education of the patient’s family and friends. Caregivers and others should be aware of the nature of the patient’s limitations and should be educated about how to communicate with the patient, especially in the case of verbal apraxia. People with apraxia may become dependent on caregivers for many aspects of their daily life.    

In most cases, apraxia cannot be prevented. Because some cases of apraxia are caused by stroke, one way of preventing apraxia may be to protect the body against stroke. This may include eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking and controlling high blood pressure. People can also prevent head injuries, which may cause apraxia, by wearing a seatbelt while traveling in a car and wearing protective head gear while operating a motorcycle or while playing contact sports.