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Neurogenic stuttering is one of the three main types in stuttering disorders. This form of stuttering occurs as a result of some injury or trauma to the central nervous system, which could be either, the brain, the neural pathway areas or the spinal cord. Some of the common diseases and injuries that could bring about neurogenic stuttering are:

• Head trauma
• Cardiovascular strokes
• Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
• Cysts and tumors
• Ischemic attacks
• AIDS, meningitis and Guillain-Barre Syndrome
• Side-effects due to drugs or medication

This form of stuttering can occur in people of age but is mostly seen in adults. The symptoms of neurogenic stuttering are most similar to those of developmental stuttering. People suffering from developmental stuttering may often find their symptoms worsening after a neurological trauma or injury. There is a high possibility of individuals who have overcome developmental stuttering, facing a re-appearance of symptoms post a neurological injury. Common symptoms seen in neurogenic stuttering are:

• Unexpected pauses and hesitations in appropriate locations during speech.
• Ending of speech when in the process of producing a word without actually finishing the word.
• An extremely fast rate of speech that may be unintelligible.
• Repetition of sounds, words, phrases, sounds or syllables
• Prolongation of sounds
• Excessive levels of revisions and interjections in the flow of speech.
• Irrelevant or invasive additional sounds when producing speech.
• Inappropriate or involuntary movements of the jaw, lips, or tongue, when trying to speak.

Secondary or associated behaviors may also arise due to an individual’s attempt to mask, force or overcome this speech impediment, like decreased eye contact, limb and/or head movements when talking, struggle and tension during creation of speech, delay in saying a word, and/or avoiding words during speech.

Treatment can be prescribed only after a thorough diagnosis which will be conducted via tests. Symptoms may vary widely depending on the severity and type of neurological trauma, previous stuttering history and age. A speech-language practitioner will often use a combination of therapies as treatment. Some of these therapies are:

• Controlled Fluency: This form of therapy trains individuals to slow their rate of speech, and be able to identify moments of when the stuttering occurs. It begins with exaggerated efforts to prolong vowels sounds, pace and pause, as well as slow speech initiation, and this gradually helps to work up to a more normal speech pattern.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Here therapists help individuals explore the connection between their feeling, thoughts, behavioral responses and physical reactions to stuttering occurrences. It works on developing coping strengths, and problem solving skills, reducing negativity, and thinking positively
• Electronic Devices: Are designed specifically to assist in decreasing stuttering by using the delayed auditory feedback methodology. It induces a slower rate of speech, and/or mirrors your speech to sound like you are talking in unison with another person. These devices come in the form of an ear-piece that fits into your ear or headphones that are connected to a pocket-size box.
  

There are also things you can do by yourself in conjunction with conventional treatment to help you cope with stuttering

• Practice controlled yoga breathing exercises with the help of a trained and certified yoga instructor. Certain yoga asanas help with coordination and balance of the brain, aids in sending signals out from the brain to the central nervous system, and is effective in reducing stress. Be sure to let your yoga instructor know of your medical condition as well as consult with your physician before attempting yoga.
• Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet. Certain foods can sometimes act as stress-triggers, especially food additives, processed foods, and caffeinated and carbonated drinks.
• Get enough rest. Sleep is extremely important for it is when the body is repairing itself. A body that is not well-rested can result in a stressed mind.
  

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stuttering/DS01027/DSECTION=causes

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

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