Abstract
Apraxia of speech (AOS) is a motor speech disorder that disrupts the planning and
programming of speech motor movements. In the acute stage of stroke recovery, AOS
following unilateral (typically) left hemisphere stroke can occur alongside dysarthria,
an impairment in speech execution and control, and/or aphasia, a higher-level impairment
in language function. At this time, perceptual evaluation (the systematic, although
subjective, description of speech and voice characteristics) is perhaps the only “gold
standard” for differential diagnosis when it comes to motor speech disorders. This
poses a challenge for speech-language pathologists charged with the evaluation of
poststroke communication abilities, as distinguishing production impairments associated
with AOS from those that can occur in aphasia and/or dysarthria can be difficult,
especially when more than one deficit is present. Given the need for more objective,
reliable methods to identify and diagnose AOS, several studies have turned to acoustic
evaluation and neuroimaging to supplement clinical assessment. This article focuses
on these recent advances. Studies investigating acoustic evaluation of AOS will be
reviewed, as well as those that have considered the extent that neuroimaging can guide
clinical decision making. Developments in the treatment of AOS will also be discussed.
Although more research is needed regarding the use of these methods in everyday clinical
practice, the studies reviewed here show promise as emerging tools for the management
of AOS.
Keywords
Apraxia of speech - speech production assessment - differential diagnosis - diagnostic
imaging
