LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 13:12 December 2013
ISSN 1930-2940

Managing Editor: M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.
Editors: B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. A. Sharada, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         Lakhan Gusain, Ph.D.
         Jennifer Marie Bayer, Ph.D.
         S. M. Ravichandran, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         L. Ramamoorthy, Ph.D.
         C. Subburaman, Ph.D. (Economics)
Assistant Managing Editor: Swarna Thirumalai, M.A.

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Effectiveness of Speech Therapy in Neurogenic Stuttering:
A Case Study

Theaja Kuriakose, M.Sc. Speech and Hearing
Indu Thammaiah K., M.Sc. Speech Language Pathology

Abstract

Introduction:

Stuttering associated with acquired neurological disorders is an acquired disorder of fluency characterized by notable, involuntary repetitions or prolongations of speech that are not the result of language formulation or psychiatric problems.” Neurogenic stuttering has been reported following various lesions or degenerative disease conditions and as such does not appear to be associated exclusively with a particular neurological disorder or disruption in any particular brain area.

Aim: To compile the dysfluency characteristics of a subject with neurogenic stuttering and to study the efficacy of speech therapy.

Method: A 40yrs old male came to the department with the complaint of recent onset of dysfluent speech, after his head hit against the wooden plank. Detailed fluency assessment revealed that he has increased rate of speech, repetition was observed in both content and in function words, filled and unfilled pause was seen, prolongations and some secondary behaviors (rapid blinking) were present. Presence of stuttering on non-initial syllables was noticed in his speech. There was no adaptation effect, situational variability, individual variability and sound or word fear observed. The stuttering severity instrument Riley (1972) was administered and the result revealed moderate degree of stuttering. The therapy was given for 14 sessions.

Result: After 14 sessions SSI was re-administered and the result revealed mild stuttering. During the course of therapy, rate of speech was reduced, fluency and speech intelligibility were improved.

Conclusions: This case study highlights the salient features of neurogenic stuttering which are most commonly mentioned in the literature. This case study also throws light on favorable outcomes of therapy. It also helps in differential diagnosis among neurogenic stuttering and developmental stuttering.

Introduction

Fluent speaking is, perhaps, the most refined motor act performed by humans requiring complex coordination of many different muscle groups. It can be sensitive to even small changes in neurological status, which may be why stuttering occurs in a wide range of neurological disorders from Parkinson’s disease to close head injury (Helm Estabrooks 1999). Stuttering is classified as a communication disorder. It has been shown to be associated with increased incidence of mental health problems and lowered quality of life (Craig, Blumgart, & Tran, 2009).

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

Theaja Kuriakose, M.Sc. Speech and Hearing
JSS Institute of Speech and Hearing
Ooty Road
Mysore 570 025
Karnataka, India
thejakuriakose@gmail.com

Indu Thammaiah K, M.Sc. Speech Language Pathology
JSS Institute of Speech and Hearing
Ooty Road
Mysore 570 025
Karnataka, India
indu.thammaiah@gmail.com

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