Stuttering
(Stammering; Disfluent Speech)
Definition
Stuttering is a speech disorder. It causes a person to repeat sounds, syllables, or words. Some sounds may be long and speech may be interrupted.
Causes TOP
The exact cause is not known. It may happen when:
- A child's ability to speak does not match his verbal demands
- Certain genes
- A person has a stroke, head trauma, or other type of brain injury
- A person has emotional trauma (rare)
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Risk Factors TOP
Stuttering is more common in males and in children who are 2 to 6 years of age. Family history also raises the chances of stuttering.
Symptoms TOP
Problems may be:
- Repeating sounds, syllables, or words
- Making long sounds within words
- Between-word pauses and lack of sound
- Spurting speech
Diagnosis TOP
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. A speech language therapist may also do an exam. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.
Treatment TOP
There is no cure. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms. This can with therapy to:
- Improve the ability to speak smoothly
- Learn ways to lessen stuttering, such as speaking more slowly or using breathing methods
RESOURCES:
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
http://www.asha.org
The Stuttering Foundation
http://www.stutteringhelp.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Stuttering Association
http://www.stutter.ca
University of Alberta—Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research
http://www.istar.ualberta.ca
REFERENCES:
Cruz C, Amorim H, Beca G, Nunes R. Neurogenic stuttering: a review of the literature. Rev Neurol. 2018;66(2):59-64.
Stuttering. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed April 9, 2020.
Stuttering. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders website. Available at:
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Updated March 6, 2017. Accessed April 9, 2020.
Last reviewed February 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Rimas Lukas, MD
Last Updated: 4/9/2020