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Stuttering induced by theophylline
D B Rosenfield1, M McCarthy, K McKinney
1Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030.
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Theophylline may cause speech dysfluency in children with asthma. Discontinuing the medication resolved the stuttering, suggesting a potential link between theophylline and acquired stuttering.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease in children.
- Theophylline is a bronchodilator used in asthma management.
- Speech dysfluency, including stuttering, can impact communication and quality of life.
Observation:
- Three children with asthma experienced new-onset speech dysfluency after theophylline administration.
- The dysfluency resolved upon cessation of theophylline.
- Reintroducing theophylline in two children led to the recurrence of dysfluency.
Findings:
- A potential causal relationship between theophylline and acquired stuttering in susceptible children is suggested.
- The exact mechanism and classification (acquired vs. developmental stuttering) remain unclear.
- Further investigation is warranted to confirm the association and understand the underlying pathophysiology.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of potential speech dysfluency as an adverse effect of theophylline.
- Prompt evaluation and discontinuation of theophylline may alleviate stuttering symptoms.
- This observation could inform future research into the pharmacologic basis of stuttering.