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Experts find explanation for stutteringWritten by Bupa's medical team - 2nd August 2002 Scientists in Germany have discovered that stuttering is associated with a structural abnormality in the left side of the brain, following a study published in the medical journal The Lancet. Persistent stuttering affects 1 per cent of the adult population and the cause of the condition has been a mystery, although it has been suggested that genetics have a part to play. Using sophisticated 'magnetic resonance' imaging techniques, Dr Martin Sommer and researchers from the Universities of Hamburg and Gottingen studied the brain activity of 15 people with a stutter and 15 people with 'normal' speech patterns. The researchers found that tissue on the left hemisphere of the brain, which is connected to articulation and speech planning, differed significantly among the group who stuttered from those who didn't. Cherry Hughes, Education Officer for the British Stammering Association (BSA) welcomed the findings. She said: "The BSA is delighted that research into the causes of stammering is being carried out. This is a very prestigious project, the substance of which - that stuttering is connected to a dysfunction in part of the brain - is part of a coherent theme that points us the right direction to determining the cause of the condition." The researchers suggest that "[their] methods could be used to ascertain why certain children develop persistent stuttering whereas others become fluent speakers." They also believe that the abnormality in the left hemisphere of brain probably develops at the age when speech and language starts to develop. This could explain why around 5 per cent of children under the age of five display a temporary phase of stuttering. The BSA believes that this is a significant finding within the research. Cherry Hughes told Bupa: "The suggestion that the abnormality may start to occur at the age when speech and language develops is particularly significant to the BSA because diagnosis at pre-school age is crucial. "The BSA runs a Parental Awareness Campaign, in conjunction with the Department of Health, which helps parents to spot the signs of stammering and gives guidance on when to seek intervention from a speech and language therapist. If a child looks as though he or she is at a high risk of developing a persistent stammer we would recommend immediate intervention because we know that at pre-school age, intervention is 90 per cent efficacious." For information or advice on stuttering, call the BSA's helpline (local call rate) on 0845 603 2001. Links:
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