The role of large-scale neural interactions for developmental stuttering

Using the structural equation modeling (SEM) method, the present study examined the role of large-scale neural interactions in developmental stuttering while 10 stuttering and nine non-stuttering subjects performed a covert picture-naming task. Results indicated that the connection patterns were significantly different between stuttering and non-stuttering speakers in both omnibus connection pattern and individual connection path coefficient. Specifically, stuttering speakers showed functional disconnection from the left inferior frontal gyrus to the left motor areas, and altered connectivity in the basal ganglia-thalamic-cortical circuit, and abnormal integration of supramodal information across the cerebellum and several frontal-parietal regions. These results indicate that the large-scale dysfunctional neural interactions may be involved in stuttering speakers' difficulties in planning, execution, and self-monitoring of speech motor sequence during word production.