Fault in the brain causes stammering
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The cause of stammering, which has eluded scientists for decades, has been found to be an abnormality in the left half of the brain.
Stammering affects one in 100 adults and can lead to frustration and embarrassment for sufferers, who include Pop Idol's runner-up, Gareth Gates.
Researchers knew the cause was genetic but have been unable to uncover its origin and structure. A study in The Lancet, published today, claims that a disconnection in speech-related areas in the brain is to blame.
Dr Martin Sommer and colleagues from the universities of Hamburg and Göttingen in Germany tested 15 people. Using magnetic resonance imaging, they assessed the brain tissue structure of those with a stammer and compared it with a control group of people with normal speech.
They found that the tissue structure of a region in the left hemisphere in stammering patients was significantly different to that in the controls. Fibres in this area connect a number of parts of the brain used for the articulation and planning of speech.
The theory is that the abnormality disturbs signal transmission, disrupting the timing of speech. The right side of the brain overcompensates, causing the stammer.
"This abnormality probably develops during the period of early language and speech acquisition in which many children experience a transient phase of stuttering," Dr Sommer said. "Our methods could be used to ascertain why certain children develop persistent stuttering, whereas others become fluent speakers."
Last year, the British Stammering Association said children with signs of the problem were more likely to overcome it if they received help before reaching school age.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments