Which term describes difficulty in performing purposeful movements despite intact understanding and motor function?

• A. Dysarthria
• B. Aphasia
• C. Apraxia
• D. Agnosia

Answer: (C)

Apraxia is a motor planning disorder where understanding a task and having the physical ability to move are intact, but the person cannot perform the intended action on command. The brain knows what to do and the muscles can move, yet the sequence or coordination needed to carry out a purposeful movement is disrupted. This often shows up after brain injury or stroke affecting areas responsible for planning movements. For example, a person may understand what it means to wave goodbye and have normal strength, but when asked to perform the gesture, their hand movement may be awkward or incorrect. This is different from dysarthria, which is a speech motor problem; aphasia, which is a language impairment; and agnosia, which is trouble recognizing objects despite normal sensation.