View source for Stuttering (patient information)

__NOTOC__
'''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Stuttering|here]]'''

{{Stuttering (patient information)}}
{{CMG}}; {{AE}}[[Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan]], M.B.B.S.

{{SK}} Speech disfluency; Stammering

==Overview==
Stuttering is a speech disorder in which sounds, syllables, or words are repeated or last longer than normal. These problems cause a break in the flow of speech (called disfluency).

==What are the symptoms of Stuttering?==
*Stuttering may start with '''repeating consonants''' (''k, g, t''). If stuttering becomes worse, words and phrases are repeated.

*Later, '''vocal spasms''' develop. There is a forced, almost explosive sound to speech. The person may appear to be struggling to speak.

*[[Stress in childhood (patient information)|Stressful]] social situations and anxiety can make symptoms worse.

*'''Symptoms of stuttering may include:'''
:*Feeling frustrated when trying to communicate
:*Pausing or hesitating when starting or during sentences, phrases, or words, often with the lips together
:*Putting in (interjecting) extra sounds or words (''We went to the...uh...store'')
:*Repeating sounds, words, parts of words, or phrases (''I want...I want my doll,'' ''I...I see you,'' or ''Ca-ca-ca-can'')
:*Tension in the voice
:*Very long sounds within words (''I am Booooobbbby Jones'' or ''Llllllllike'')

*'''Other symptoms''' that might be seen with stuttering include:
:*Eye blinking
:*Jerking of the head or other body parts
:*Jaw jerking

*Children with mild stuttering are often unaware of their stuttering. In more severe cases, children may be more aware. Facial movements, [[anxiety]], and increased stuttering may occur when they are asked to speak.

*Some people who stutter find that they don't stutter when they read aloud or sing.

==What causes Stuttering?==
*About 5% of children ('''1 out of every 20 children''') aged 2 - 5 will develop some stuttering during their childhood. It may last for several weeks to several years.

*For a small number of children (less than 1%), stuttering does not go away and it may get worse. This is called '''developmental stuttering''', and it is the most common type of stuttering.

*Stuttering tends to '''run in families'''. Genes that cause stuttering have been identified.

*There is also evidence that stuttering may be a result of some brain injuries, such as stroke or traumatic brain injuries.

*Stuttering may rarely be caused by emotional trauma (called '''psychogenic stuttering''').

*Stuttering is more common in boys than girls. It also tends to persist into adulthood more often in boys than in girls.

==When to seek urgent medical care?==
Call your provider if:
*Stuttering is interfering with your child's school work or emotional development
*The child seems anxious or embarrassed about speaking
*The symptoms last for more than 3 - 6 months

==Diagnosis==
*No testing is usually necessary. 
*The diagnosis of stuttering may require consultation with a speech pathologist.

==Treatment options==
*There is no one best treatment for stuttering. Most early cases are short-term and resolve on their own.

*'''[[Speech therapy]]''' may be helpful if:
:*Stuttering has lasted more than 3 - 6 months, or the "blocked" speech lasts several seconds
:*The child appears to be struggling when stuttering, or is embarrassed
:*There is a family history of stuttering

*Speech therapy can help make the speech more fluent or smooth, and can help the child feel better about the stuttering.

*'''Parents are encouraged to:'''
:*Avoid expressing too much concern about the stuttering, which can actually make matters worse by making the child more self-conscious
:*Avoid [[Stress in childhood (patient information)|stressful]] social situations whenever possible
:*Listen patiently to the child, make eye contact, don't interrupt, and show love and acceptance. Avoid finishing sentences for them.
:*Set aside time for talking
:*Talk openly about stuttering when the child brings it up, letting them know you understand their frustration
:*Talk with the speech therapist about when to gently correct the stuttering

*Drug therapy has NOT been shown to be helpful for stuttering.

*It is not clear whether electronic devices help with stuttering.

*Self-help groups are often helpful for both the child and family.

==Where to find medical care for Stuttering?==

[http://maps.google.com/maps?q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|map+top+hospital+Stuttering}}}}&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl Directions to Hospitals Treating Stuttering]

==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?==
In most children who stutter, the phase passes and speech returns to normal within 3 or 4 years. 

*Stuttering that begins after a child is 8 - 10 years old is more likely to last into adulthood.

==Possible complications==
Possible complications of stuttering include social problems caused by the fear of ridicule, which may make a child avoid speaking entirely.

==Prevention==
There is no known way to prevent stuttering.

==Source==
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001427.htm

{{WH}}
{{WS}}

[[Category:For review]]
[[Category:Overview complete]]
[[Category:Template complete]]
[[Category:Disease]]
[[Category:Patient information]]
[[Category:Psychiatry]]
[[Category:Otolaryngology]]