Brain imaging reveals clues to stuttering

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Article: http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2016/12/05/Brain-imaging-reveals-clues-to-stuttering/7941480946486/

Summary: The article was is about how the prevalence of stuttering can be seen through brain imaging. It is stated that abnormalities within brain imaging correlate to the severity of one’s stuttering. The research conducted by Dr. Bradley Peterson had 94 participants. 47 were children and the other 47 were adults. Age span was not indicated. However, some participants stuttered, while others did not. Instead of the use of an MRI, an MRS (magnetic resonance spectroscopy). This imaging device looks at nerve tissue density in the brain. It should be noted that stuttering is rather rare, and is most prominent during childhood, but is typically outgrown.


Reflection: I thought this article was very relevant to our class. We spent a lot of time discussing areas of the brain, the frontal lobe in particular, where speech production occurs. I just found it interesting that you’re able to look at an area and the imaging of that area can reveal an issue that the person being imaged is dealing with. 

Comments

  1. Valerie VainqueurMay 2, 2017 at 5:05 PM

    I never thought much about stuttering, I am aware that it typically a child can outgrow their stuttering, but what if an adult has a serious stuttering problem. I actually know a women who stutters really bad, sometimes it is really hard for her to complete her sentences or really even say much? Also, in the process of trying to talk she seems very tired. From what I am aware of she has no past issues or dilemmas. If there is no trauma to the brain or stroke, does the density of the tissue alone determine the reason for stuttering? Could it also possibly be inherited in genes?

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  2. Alexander EikenbergMay 2, 2017 at 11:02 PM

    I was disappointed that the article only refers to general pathways in the brain that are linked to stuttering speech without naming particular areas or structures involved. The article does talk about stuttering as involuntary, and points at faulty or short-circuiting wiring in areas of the brain, but I'd very much like to see which regions were specifically affected. I imagine that Broca's area is prime real-estate for stutter origination, but perhaps an issue in the PFC's ability to plan the words/motions that come next is more important.

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