The Man Who Could Not Shake Hands

 


A 54 yo BM with a history of hpertension and coronary artery disease came to the ER with a mild right hemiparesis and motor aphasia. A neurology consultant was called and noted that the patient was having an unusual difficulty with his left upper extremity. The patient could not squeeze the examiner's fingers with his left hand when asked. He could not perform coordinated movements with the left upper extremity when asked, although he could with his weaker right side. The consultant noticed the patient was moving his left upper extremity spontaneously without difficulty. In fact, the patient could not shake hands or salute with his left hand when asked to do so, but he shook hands spontaneously when the consultant left the room.

 

Questions:

  1. What could be wrong with the pt's left upper extremity?

  2. Define apraxia.

  3. What are five types of apraxia?
Last updated by Webmaster on August 18, 2009

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