Stuttering occurs when a person repeats or prolongs words, phrases and syllables. People who stutter often blink repeatedly or tense up when they are stuttering and find that these episodes are accompanied by stress, fatigue or feelings of self-consciousness. While the exact cause of why people stutter is still under investigation, researchers have identified many contributing factors.
A major National Institute of Health study recently uncovered several locations on a couple of different chromosomes that may point to a genetic reason for stuttering. “The data supports our previous conclusions about the role of genetics in stuttering. Progress in this area will produce some of the most important information in this research in decades,” says Prof. Ehud Yairi from the Tel Aviv University School of Medicine. Over the years, many other studies of families and twins show patterns that suggest nature might deliver a propensity toward stuttering and anxiety.
However, another argument as to why people stutter is that it may be nurture more than nature. Since we learn to talk by listening to people around us, we may pick up bad habits from hearing other family members who may have speech problems. Many parents argue that they do not stutter around their children, although we often stutter when we are nervous or excited, without even realizing it. Several studies found that the most chronic cases of childhood stuttering were found in households where the father also stuttered, which suggests that either nature or nurture is at play.
Over the years, there will be more research into why people stutter. As brain scan/MRI technology improves, scientists will be able to get a more accurate glimpse into brain activity during stuttering episodes to understand which regions are at play. Also, the mapping out of the human genetic code will enable the pinpointing of specific genes associated with chronic stuttering. Treatment options including stuttering medication, and early intervention speech/stuttering therapy will then be developed in response to the new findings.
Sarah Lomas is a foremost expert in the natural cure yeast infection. She has had extensive experience and conducted countless experiments in finding natural remedy for yeast infections treatment. She is also a highly acclaimed writer in the cure for yeast infection field and you can find out more at remedyforyeastinfection.com.
