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Regional cerebral blood flow in developmental stutterers.
K D Pool1, M D Devous, F J Freeman
1Neuroscience Research Center, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.
Archives of Neurology
|May 1, 1991
Summary
This study found reduced blood flow in the brains of people who stutter, suggesting a neurogenic origin for this communication disorder. Specific brain regions involved in speech motor control showed significant differences.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Stuttering is a prevalent communication disorder with unclear origins.
- A neurogenic basis for stuttering is increasingly suspected.
- Previous research has not identified clear neurological distinctions in developmental stuttering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate neurological differences in stutterers compared to non-stutterers.
- To examine regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in individuals who stutter.
- To explore the link between brain activity and stuttering severity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized xenon 133 single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).
- Assessed regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in 20 adult stutterers.
- Analyzed global and regional blood flow patterns and asymmetries.
Main Results:
- Identified global reductions in absolute cerebral blood flow.
- Observed relative flow asymmetries (left < right) in anterior cingulate, superior temporal, and middle temporal gyri.
- Found milder changes in the left inferior frontal gyrus, with correlations between rCBF in specific regions and stuttering severity.
Conclusions:
- Findings support a neurogenic etiology for stuttering.
- Suggests involvement of cortical regions critical for speech-motor control.
- Highlights potential biomarkers for stuttering within specific brain regions.
