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Subcortical infarction resulting in acquired stuttering.
A M Ciabarra1, M S Elkind, J K Roberts
1New York-Presbyterian Medical Center, Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology, 710 West 168th Street, New York, New York 10032, USA.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|September 16, 2000
Summary
This study reveals that subcortical brain lesions, not just cortical ones, can cause acquired stuttering. These findings highlight the role of subcortical speech control and timing mechanisms in stuttering.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Acquired stuttering is a rare stroke symptom, typically linked to left cortical lesions.
- Previous research associated stuttering with aphasia and impaired rhythmic motor control.
Observation:
- This study examines three patients with subcortical lesions presenting as acquired stuttering.
- One patient had a pontine infarct with cerebellar dysfunction.
- Another patient experienced a left basal ganglia infarct affecting timing estimation.
- A third patient had a left subcortical infarct and mild aphasia.
Findings:
- Subcortical lesions, including pontine and basal ganglionic infarcts, can lead to acquired stuttering.
- Disruptions in timing estimation were observed in patients with subcortical lesions.
- These cases expand the known lesion locations associated with acquired stuttering.
Implications:
- Subcortical structures play a crucial role in speech production and timing.
- Understanding subcortical mechanisms is vital for the pathophysiology of acquired stuttering.
- This research broadens the differential diagnosis for acute stroke presentations.