<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Contents</span></span></strong></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Causes</span></span></em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Symptoms</span></span></em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Exams and Tests</span></span></em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Treatment</span></span></em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Outlook (Prognosis)</span></span></em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Possible Complications</span></span></em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">When to Contact a Medical Professional</span></span></em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Prevention</span></span></em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Stuttering is a&nbsp;speech disorder&nbsp;in which sounds, syllables, or words are repeated or last longer than normal. These problems cause a break in the flow of speech (called disfluency).</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a id="1" name="1">Causes</a></span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">About 5% of children (1 out of every 20 children) aged 2 - 5 will develop some stuttering during their childhood. It may last for several weeks to several years.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">For a small number of children (less than 1%), stuttering does not go away and it may get worse. This is called developmental stuttering, and it is the most common type of stuttering.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Stuttering tends to run in families. Genes that cause stuttering have been identified.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">There is also evidence that stuttering may be a result of some brain injuries, such as stroke or traumatic brain injuries.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Stuttering may rarely be caused by emotional trauma (called psychogenic stuttering).</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Stuttering is more common in boys than girls. It also tends to persist into adulthood more often in boys than in girls.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a id="2" name="2">Symptoms</a></span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Stuttering may start with repeating consonants (k, g, t). If stuttering becomes worse, words and phrases are repeated.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Later, vocal spasms develop. There is a forced, almost explosive sound to speech. The person may appear to be struggling to speak.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Stressful social situations and anxiety can make symptoms worse.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Symptoms of stuttering may include:</span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Feeling frustrated when trying to communicate</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pausing or hesitating when starting or during sentences, phrases, or words, often with the lips together</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Putting in (interjecting) extra sounds or words (&quot;We went to the...uh...store&quot;)</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Repeating sounds, words, parts of words, or phrases (&quot;I want...I want my doll,&quot; &quot;I...I see you,&quot; or &quot;Ca-ca-ca-can&quot;)</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Tension in the voice</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Very long sounds within words (&quot;I am Booooobbbby Jones&quot; or &quot;Llllllllike&quot;)</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Other symptoms that might be seen with stuttering include:</span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Eye blinking</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Jerking of the head or other body parts</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Jaw jerking</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Children with mild stuttering are often unaware of their stuttering. In more severe cases, children may be more aware. Facial movements, anxiety, and increased stuttering may occur when they are asked to speak.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Some people who stutter find that they don&#39;t stutter when they read aloud or sing.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a id="3" name="3">Exams and Tests</a></span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">No testing is usually necessary. The diagnosis of stuttering may require consultation with a speech pathologist.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a id="4" name="4">Treatment</a></span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">There is no one best treatment for stuttering. Most early cases are short-term and resolve on their own.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Speech therapy may be helpful if:</span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Stuttering has lasted more than 3 - 6 months, or the &quot;blocked&quot; speech lasts several seconds</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">The child appears to be struggling when stuttering, or is embarrassed</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">There is a family history of stuttering</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Speech therapy can help make the speech more fluent or smooth, and can help the child feel better about the stuttering.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Parents are encouraged to:</span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Avoid expressing too much concern about the stuttering, which can actually make matters worse by making the child more self-conscious</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Avoid stressful social situations whenever possible</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Listen patiently to the child, make eye contact, don&#39;t interrupt, and show love and acceptance. Avoid finishing sentences for them.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Set aside time for talking</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Talk openly about stuttering when the child brings it up, letting them know you understand their frustration</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Talk with the speech therapist about when to gently correct the stuttering</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Drug therapy has NOT been shown to be helpful for stuttering.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">It is not clear whether electronic devices help with stuttering.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Self-help groups are often helpful for both the child and family.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a id="5" name="5">Outlook (Prognosis)</a></span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">In most children who stutter, the phase passes and speech returns to normal within 3 or 4 years. Stuttering that begins after a child is 8 - 10 years old is more likely to last into adulthood.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a id="6" name="6">Possible Complications</a></span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Possible complications of stuttering include social problems caused by the fear of ridicule, which may make a child avoid speaking entirely.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a id="7" name="7">When to Contact a Medical Professional</a></span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Call your provider if:</span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Stuttering is interfering with your child&#39;s school work or emotional development</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">The child seems anxious or embarrassed about speaking</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">The symptoms last for more than 3 - 6 months</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a id="8" name="8">Prevention</a></span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">There is no known way to prevent stuttering.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong>Source</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001490.htm">http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/stuttering.html</a></span></span></p>
