Instantaneous dexterous reflex.

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      Re: Instantaneous dexterous reflex.
    


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Posted by ccfNeuro MD on June 09, 1997 at 10:37:28:

In Reply to: Instantaneous dexterous reflex.  posted by T on May 31, 1997 at 11:55:52:

: I am searching for a friend whi is trying to find out
  more about her medical condition.  The physicians have
  called it "Instantaneous dexterous reflex".  I only
   know that the body supposedly knows how to duplicate
  movements exactly as seen.  Is there a formal name for
   this condition so I can research it further?  Who is
  the leading researcher/clinician in this regard?
  Thank you for your assistance
============================================================
Unfortunately, I am not familiar with the term “instantaneous dexterous reflex”.  I could not find it in a literature search, either.  The condition you describe sounds similar to the term echopraxia.  It refers to the automatic imitation of another person’s gestures, (such as waving a hand in the air or scratching the head).  It is seen in different conditions.  
Perhaps the most common condition in which echopraxia is seen  is Tourette’s Syndrome.   It is characterized by involuntary brief movements (“tics”), involuntary vocalizations which are often socially inappropriate (such as shouting profanities) along with the imitation of other people’s gestures and behaviors (echopraxia).  Tourette’s syndrome begins during childhood or early adolescence and is more common in boys than girls.  It can be socially disabling as many people are unaware of the condition and may ostracize  patients with this syndrome.  Fortunately the condition may be treated with medications.
Echopraxia is also seen  in patients with  lesions in the frontal lobes.  In this instance,  echopraxia is often referred to as “imitation behavior”.  The frontal lobes are in the anterior part of the brain. The frontal lobes help process  information that the brain receives from the environment, such as different sights and sounds.  The frontal lobes help “decide” if the body should move in response to this information and will inhibit the body’s movements if  it is  “decided” that movement is not indicated.  In patients with frontal lobe lesions, this processing system may be damaged  and  lack the inhibition the frontal lobe usually provides.  In these people, their body moves automatically in response to what it sees, and may imitate gestures.  The frontal lobes also have  key roles in behavior and people with lesions in the frontal lobes often have behavioral changes ; and they may be unconcerned and lack insight into these changes.
I hope this explanation is of some help to you.  There is a specialist in Tourette’s Syndrome at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Erenberg is a  Pediatric Neurologist.  If  applicable,  your friend can call 216-444-5559 for a second opinion. This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.  Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options of your specific medical condtion.