Description
Stuttering is a speech disorder that involves repeating or prolonging sounds, words or phrases. The individual that stutters knows what they want to say but has difficulty fluidly speaking the words. Stuttering may be present in normal speech development. Tools exist to predict whether stuttering is likely to continue and whether therapy is necessary.
Symptoms
Symptoms include repeating sounds, words or phrases, difficulty starting words, rapid eye blinking and lip/jaw tremors.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis is made based on the person's speech.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis is made based on the person's speech.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the cause and severity of stuttering. Traditional treatment involves a combination of speech therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and electronic auditory feedback devices.