Stuttering: Symptoms and Diagnosis

Stuttering Symptoms: More Than Meets the Ear

Most of us are familiar with many of the symptoms of stuttering, and probably have experienced them for ourselves at one time or another. Repetition of hard c-c-c-onsonant sounds, or syl-syl-syllables and the prolongation of sssofter sounds and sy-y-y-yllables are all easy to recognize characteristics of stuttering.

Still, stuttering is also characterized by long pauses between words and/or syllables that interrupt the normal flow (fluency) of speech. Conversely, those who stutter often speak rapidly, hurrying to express an idea before stuttering can begin. Because of the breaks in speech or a rush of words to convey a thought, stuttering is easily confused with “cluttering” and spasmodic dysphonia, which are two other speech disorders.

However, stuttering may also present a number of physical symptoms. Tension or quivering of the lips, mouth, and/or jaw, rapid eye blinks, foot tapping or other gestures may also signify a problem with stuttering as frustration builds for the person who unsuccessfully tries to vocalize his or her thoughts. Moreover, a person who stutters on the phone may have no difficulty in speaking to a co-worker or friend. Conversing with a relative may be easier than talking to a stranger.

Although stuttering is rarely pathogenic (i.e. caused by mental or emotional problems) the disorder can lead to a number of problems. One who stutters may begin to avoid speaking in difficult situation or just avoid words or sounds that are difficult. Although these seem like small vexations, they serve to undermine the confidence and self-esteem of the person who stutters.

Diagnosis of Stuttering

Because of the variance and range in symptoms of stuttering, diagnosis is best obtained from a speech-language pathologist, a professional who is trained to understand and treat voice disorders. As well as noting the noticeable symptoms of stuttering, a speech pathologist also completes a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s speech and language abilities. The diagnosis is usually based on the history of the disorder, such as when it was first noticed and under what circumstances, as well as a complete evaluation of speech and language abilities including the physical and mental development of the patient, and in the case of children, behavior and performance in school.

Seek the advice of an ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association)-certified speech-language pathologist if:

Stuttering doesn’t lessen as your child matures (which is normally the case is developmental stuttering)
You or your child are concerned about his or her speech
Stuttering becomes frequent
Language appears to be strained or takes extreme effort.

In some cases, stuttering may be the result of a stroke or other type of brain or head injury. In the case of this type of stuttering, neurogenic stuttering, diagnostic criteria may also include an evaluation of hearing and motor skills as well. The speech pathologist also may order other tests to rule out other conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, tumors, or meningitis, or stuttering caused as a side effect of certain medications.