Stuttering and Brain Damage

Paper Summary:

This paper relates that hypotheses that attempt to explain stuttering point to the roots of this condition in the neurophysiology and/or neuropsychology of the individual experiencing the dysfluency. The paper further discusses that, while theories do exist that place stuttering into a behavior dependant on learning and conditioning due to environmental aspects, the fact remains that stuttering, whether learned or conditioned, is the result of a neurophysiological response manifested as dysfluent speech. The paper maintains that, upon examination of the nature of stuttering both in terms of research into etiology and effective treatment, the conclusion that stuttering is the result of brain damage is the one most applicable and probable.

From the Paper:

"According to earlier research statistics, approximately 25 to 35 percent of individuals who have developed stuttering sustained a form of brain damage, either at birth or during early childhood (Guitar, 2006). The reported factors, including anoxia at birth, premature birth, head injury, and mild cerebral palsy, all point to a disruption in the fetal development of a normal central nervous system (Guitar, 2006). Since there appears to be this correlation between brain damage and stuttering, research has been done to determine how brain functions are different in these individuals. Electroencephalographic (EEG) studies have shown a possible right-hemisphere dominance in terms of language production in individuals who stutter and cerebral blood flow (CBF) studies have shown these results as well (Guitar, 2006). "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Alm, P. A. (2004). Stuttering and the basal ganglia circuits: a critical review of possible relations. Journal of Communication Disorders, 37, 325-369.
• Guitar, B. (2006). Stuttering: An Integrated Approach to Its Nature and Treatment. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
• Roseberry-Mckibbin, C. (2006). An Advanced Review of Speech-Language Pathology: Preparation for Praxis and Comprehensive Examination. Pro-Ed.
• Traumatic Brian Injury: All About Traumatic Brain Injury. (2007). Retrieved April 20, 2008. Website: http://www.allabouttbi.com/brain-damage.

More papers on Stuttering and Brain Damage:

• Essay # 46516 : "Brain Damage and Amnesia"
• Essay # 88291 : "Recovery from Stroke and Brain Injury"
• Essay # 88243 : "Learning and Brain Research"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: