The neurological bases of apraxia of speech

Abstract

Which site(s) of brain damage are associated with apraxia of speech (AOS)? There appears to be little agreement. The article first considers some reasons why not. Even allowing for factors that may have influenced findings, a definitive answer to the question of the neurological bases of AOS is not currently possible. The article goes on to look briefly at developments in the field of motor control, and limb and buccofacial apraxia in particular, that may hold clues to an answer or at least to asking the right questions. In particular, if AOS is to be understood as a motor disorder, then models compatible with motor control and its neurophysiological underpinnings must be sought. Current models of motor control and apraxia stress the sensorimotor, distributed, interactive nature of control across multiple brain areas.