What is ecopraxia and why does it occur?

The consequences of the pathologies that occur in the Central Nervous System are varied, which can cause cognitive damage, in speech, in language, among others. One of these disorders is related to body movement and is called echopraxia.

In this article, we will explain what echopraxia consists of and we will mention the causes for which it can occur.

What is ecopraxia?

Ecopraxia is an ancient Greek term, used to indicate theimitation of gestures or body movements of other peopleunconsciouslyand involuntarily so it is a reaction outside theconsciousof the individual. (1)

This imitative behavior can occurwith or withoutthe presence of other people and can represent the presence of a major pathology that is hidden in the body, in which case it manifests as a symptom.

On the other hand, this disorder belongs to a particular form of “ecophenomenon”, referring to pathological forms of endless and constant repetition of words or phrases, produced by others (echolalia) or by movements observed in others (echopraxia).

You should know: Echopraxia due to its neurological origin, is closely related to speech disorderswithin which arepalilalia,echolalia, coprolalia, logocloniaandapraxia of speech.

What causes ecopraxia?

The causes for which this condition can occur, are related to the neurological system of the human body and that we mention below:

1. Tourette’s Syndrome

Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder that can occur during childhood or adolescence, characterized by repetitive movements or unwanted sounds (tic), which cannot be easily controlled. (two)

To highlight: Clinical studies associate the symptom of echopraxia with Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome. (3)

2. Autism spectrum disorders

Autism Spectrum Disorder, commonly called autism, is defined as a chronic neurological dysfunction , which has a strong hereditary component, appears from an early age and manifests itself in dysfunctions related to social interaction, communication and lack of flexibility. in reasoning and imitative behaviors. (4)

You should know: In people with autism, echopraxia manifests itself because the patient does not believe that imitation should be repressed or may be socially inappropriate. In fact, scientific studies show the presence of ecopraxia in the autistic spectrum. (5)

3. Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer ‘s is a type of dementia due to neurological damage to the brain , causing problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. (6)

Note: Due to the cellular deterioration of the neurons, the imitative action of the brain before some movements of other people cannot be inhibited , which is why echopraxia arises.

4. Schizophrenia, catatonia and dementia

Schizophrenia has been described as personality disturbances , Hallucinations , and loss of contact with reality. (7)

This disorder manifests itself in the patient, expressing that he sees or hears things that do not exist and shows extremely disorganized or abnormalmotor behavior, including movements that he cannot control such as imitation, which is why it is related to echopraxia.(8)

To highlight: In the case of catatonia, patients are characterized by the presence of catalepsy, a condition in which there is impossibility of movementdue to a state of muscle rigidity that prevents muscle contraction and flexibility. Scientific studiesidentify echopraxia as one of the symptoms of catatonia. (9)

In relation to dementia, it refers to a group of symptoms that affect the brain regions involved in motor activity, especially those that inhibit imitative behavior , which can cause the symptom of echopraxia. 

5. Aphasia and brain lesions

Patients with aphasia ( inability or difficulty to carry out a voluntary movement directed towards an action) and brain lesions can likewise alter the functioning of the brain in the area where the movement imitative center is located, avoiding its inhibition.

You should know: This can happen because there is a strong sensitivity in the tic stimulus-response associations , caused by brain damage and consequently the appearance of echopraxia is inevitable.

How is the treatment for echopraxia?

Because echopraxia is manifested by neurological damage, treatment is aimed at intervening in the underlying pathology, however it can help reduce its appearance. Among these interventions are:

1. Behavioral therapy

Behavioral therapy is aimed at treating those pathologies that cause disorders in human behaviorand that one of its symptoms is echopraxia. These therapies are intended to treat schizophrenia, dementia or autism.

Note: At this point, the therapist collects all the essential information about the patient and their relatives in order to create an appropriate and personalized strategy .

2. Drugs

Pharmacological therapy is indicated for those pathologies where echopraxia occurs, in order to mitigate both individual and family discomfort caused by diseases such as Alzheimer’s, aphasias, brain injuries or Tourette Syndrome .

Important: This medication must be prescribed and supervised by a specialist doctor, after having made a diagnosis.

3. Special education

Special education consists of another complementary strategy, aimed at specifically treating long-term echopraxia.

To highlight: At present there are academic careers, where professional educators specialized in these areas of motor dysfunction are trained, who can help many children to overcome this symptom and please their integration into society.

Key Conclusions

• Echopraxia is a medical term used to indicate the imitation of gestures or body movements of other people.
• This symptom belongs to a particular form of “ecophenomenon” , referring to pathological forms of repetition.
• Due to its neurological origin , echopraxia is closely related to symptoms related to speech disorders.