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Pasculli G, Busan P, Jackson ES, Alm PA, De Gregorio D, Maguire GA, Goodwin GM, Gobbi G, Erritzoe D, Carhart-Harris RL. Psychedelics in developmental stuttering to modulate brain functioning: a new therapeutic perspective? Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1402549. [PMID: 38962146 PMCID: PMC11221540 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1402549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Developmental stuttering (DS) is a neurodevelopmental speech-motor disorder characterized by symptoms such as blocks, repetitions, and prolongations. Persistent DS often has a significant negative impact on quality of life, and interventions for it have limited efficacy. Herein, we briefly review existing research on the neurophysiological underpinnings of DS -specifically, brain metabolic and default mode/social-cognitive networks (DMN/SCN) anomalies- arguing that psychedelic compounds might be considered and investigated (e.g., in randomized clinical trials) for treatment of DS. The neural background of DS is likely to be heterogeneous, and some contribution from genetically determinants of metabolic deficiencies in the basal ganglia and speech-motor cortical regions are thought to play a role in appearance of DS symptoms, which possibly results in a cascade of events contributing to impairments in speech-motor execution. In persistent DS, the difficulties of speech are often linked to a series of associated aspects such as social anxiety and social avoidance. In this context, the SCN and DMN (also influencing a series of fronto-parietal, somato-motor, and attentional networks) may have a role in worsening dysfluencies. Interestingly, brain metabolism and SCN/DMN connectivity can be modified by psychedelics, which have been shown to improve clinical evidence of some psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.) associated with psychological constructs such as rumination and social anxiety, which also tend to be present in persistent DS. To date, while there have been no controlled trials on the effects of psychedelics in DS, anecdotal evidence suggests that these agents may have beneficial effects on stuttering and its associated characteristics. We suggest that psychedelics warrant investigation in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Pasculli
- Department of Computer, Control, and Management Engineering (DIAG), La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Italian Society of Psychedelic Medicine (Società Italiana di Medicina Psichedelica–SIMePsi), Bari, Italy
| | | | - Eric S. Jackson
- Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Per A. Alm
- Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Danilo De Gregorio
- IRCCS, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Gerald A. Maguire
- School of Medicine, American University of Health Sciences, Signal Hill, CA, United States
- CenExel CIT Research, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Guy M. Goodwin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - David Erritzoe
- Department of Medicine, Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin L. Carhart-Harris
- Department of Medicine, Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Psychedelics Division, Neuroscape, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Furlanis G, Busan P, Formaggio E, Menichelli A, Lunardelli A, Ajcevic M, Pesavento V, Manganotti P. Stuttering-Like Dysfluencies as a Consequence of Long COVID-19. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2023; 66:415-430. [PMID: 36749838 DOI: 10.1044/2022_jslhr-22-00381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We present two patients who developed neurogenic stuttering after long COVID-19 related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS AND RESULTS Both patients experienced both physical (e.g., fatigue) and cognitive difficulties, which led to impaired function of attention, lexical retrieval, and memory consolidation. Both patients had new-onset stuttering-like speech dysfluencies: Blocks and repetitions were especially evident at the initial part of words and sentences, sometimes accompanied by effortful and associated movements (e.g., facial grimaces and oro-facial movements). Neuropsychological evaluations confirmed the presence of difficulties in cognitive tasks, while neurophysiological evaluations (i.e., electroencephalography) suggested the presence of "slowed" patterns of brain activity. Neurogenic stuttering and cognitive difficulties were evident for 4-5 months after negativization of SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal swab, with gradual improvement and near-to-complete recovery. CONCLUSIONS It is now evident that SARS-CoV-2 infection may significantly involve the central nervous system, also resulting in severe and long-term consequences, even if the precise mechanisms are still unknown. In the present report, long COVID-19 resulted in neurogenic stuttering, as the likely consequence of a "slowed" metabolism of (pre)frontal and sensorimotor brain regions (as suggested by the present and previous clinical evidence). As a consequence, the pathophysiological mechanisms related to the appearance of neurogenic stuttering have been hypothesized, which help to better understand the broader and possible neurological consequences of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Furlanis
- Clinical Unit of Neurology, University Hospital and Health Services of Trieste, ASUGI, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Emanuela Formaggio
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Rehabilitation, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Alina Menichelli
- Neuropsychological Service, Clinical Unit of Rehabilitation, University Hospital and Health Services of Trieste, ASUGI, Italy
| | - Alberta Lunardelli
- Neuropsychological Service, Clinical Unit of Rehabilitation, University Hospital and Health Services of Trieste, ASUGI, Italy
| | - Milos Ajcevic
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Italy
| | - Valentina Pesavento
- Neuropsychological Service, Clinical Unit of Rehabilitation, University Hospital and Health Services of Trieste, ASUGI, Italy
| | - Paolo Manganotti
- Clinical Unit of Neurology, University Hospital and Health Services of Trieste, ASUGI, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy
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Jannati A, Ryan MA, Kaye HL, Tsuboyama M, Rotenberg A. Biomarkers Obtained by Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. J Clin Neurophysiol 2022; 39:135-148. [PMID: 34366399 PMCID: PMC8810902 DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0000000000000784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a method for focal brain stimulation that is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction where small intracranial electric currents are generated by a powerful fluctuating magnetic field. Over the past three decades, TMS has shown promise in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders in adults. However, the use of TMS in children has been more limited. We provide a brief introduction to the TMS technique; common TMS protocols including single-pulse TMS, paired-pulse TMS, paired associative stimulation, and repetitive TMS; and relevant TMS-derived neurophysiological measurements including resting and active motor threshold, cortical silent period, paired-pulse TMS measures of intracortical inhibition and facilitation, and plasticity metrics after repetitive TMS. We then discuss the biomarker applications of TMS in a few representative neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder, fragile X syndrome, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Tourette syndrome, and developmental stuttering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Jannati
- Neuromodulation Program and Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Division of Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mary A. Ryan
- Neuromodulation Program and Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Division of Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Harper Lee Kaye
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Division of Medical Sciences, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Melissa Tsuboyama
- Neuromodulation Program and Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Rotenberg
- Neuromodulation Program and Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Division of Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Busan P, Moret B, Masina F, Del Ben G, Campana G. Speech Fluency Improvement in Developmental Stuttering Using Non-invasive Brain Stimulation: Insights From Available Evidence. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:662016. [PMID: 34456692 PMCID: PMC8386014 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.662016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental stuttering (DS) is a disturbance of the normal rhythm of speech that may be interpreted as very debilitating in the most affected cases. Interventions for DS are historically based on the behavioral modifications of speech patterns (e.g., through speech therapy), which are useful to regain a better speech fluency. However, a great variability in intervention outcomes is normally observed, and no definitive evidence is currently available to resolve stuttering, especially in the case of its persistence in adulthood. In the last few decades, DS has been increasingly considered as a functional disturbance, affecting the correct programming of complex motor sequences such as speech. Compatibly, understanding of the neurophysiological bases of DS has dramatically improved, thanks to neuroimaging, and techniques able to interact with neural tissue functioning [e.g., non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS)]. In this context, the dysfunctional activity of the cortico-basal-thalamo-cortical networks, as well as the defective patterns of connectivity, seems to play a key role, especially in sensorimotor networks. As a consequence, a direct action on the functionality of "defective" or "impaired" brain circuits may help people who stutter to manage dysfluencies in a better way. This may also "potentiate" available interventions, thus favoring more stable outcomes of speech fluency. Attempts aiming at modulating (and improving) brain functioning of people who stutter, realized by using NIBS, are quickly increasing. Here, we will review these recent advancements being applied to the treatment of DS. Insights will be useful not only to assess whether the speech fluency of people who stutter may be ameliorated by acting directly on brain functioning but also will provide further suggestions about the complex and dynamic pathophysiology of DS, where causal effects and "adaptive''/''maladaptive" compensation mechanisms may be strongly overlapped. In conclusion, this review focuses future research toward more specific, targeted, and effective interventions for DS, based on neuromodulation of brain functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Giovanni Del Ben
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gianluca Campana
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Tendera A, Wells R, Belyk M, Varyvoda D, Boliek CA, Beal DS. Motor sequence learning in children with recovered and persistent developmental stuttering: preliminary findings. JOURNAL OF FLUENCY DISORDERS 2020; 66:105800. [PMID: 33207289 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfludis.2020.105800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous studies have associated developmental stuttering with difficulty learning new motor skills. We investigated non-speech motor sequence learning in children with persistent developmental stuttering (CWS), children who have recovered from developmental stuttering (CRS) and typically developing controls (CON). METHODS Over the course of two days, participants completed the Multi-Finger Sequencing Task, consisting of repeated trials of a10-element sequence, interspersed with trials of random sequences of the same length. We evaluated motor sequence learning using accuracy and response synchrony, a timing measure for evaluation of sequencing timing. We examined error types as well as recognition and recall of the repeated sequences. RESULTS CWS demonstrated lower performance accuracy than CON and CRS on the first day of the finger tapping experiment but improved to the performance level of CON and CRS on the second day. Response synchrony showed no overall difference among CWS, CRS and CON. Learning scores of repeated sequences did not differ from learning scores of random sequences in CWS, CRS and CON. CON and CRS demonstrated an adaptive strategy to response errors, whereas CWS maintained a high percentage of corrected errors for both days. CONCLUSIONS Our study examined non-speech sequence learning across CWS, CRS and CON. Our preliminary findings support the idea that developmental stuttering is not associated with sequence learning per se but rather with general fine motor performance difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Tendera
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - R Wells
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - M Belyk
- Department of Speech, Hearing, and Phonetic Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Language, University College London, UK
| | - D Varyvoda
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - C A Boliek
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - D S Beal
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada; Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; Department of Speech-Language Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
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Tezel-Bayraktaroglu O, Bayraktaroglu Z, Demirtas-Tatlidede A, Demiralp T, Oge AE. Neuronavigated rTMS inhibition of right pars triangularis anterior in stuttering: Differential effects on reading and speaking. BRAIN AND LANGUAGE 2020; 210:104862. [PMID: 32979643 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandl.2020.104862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Functional neuroimaging studies show an overactivation of speech and language related homologous areas of the right hemisphere in persons who stutter. In this study, we inhibited Broca's homologues using 1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and assessed its effects on stuttering severity. The investigated cortical areas included pars opercularis (BA44), anterior and posterior pars triangularis (BA45), mouth area on the primary motor cortex (BA4). We collected reading and speaking samples before and after rTMS sessions and calculated the percentage of syllables stuttered. Only right anterior pars triangularis stimulation induced significant changes in speech fluency. Notably, the effects were differential for reading and speaking conditions. Overall, our results provide supportive evidence that right anterior BA45 may be a critical region for stuttering. The observed differential effects following the inhibition of right anterior BA45 merits further study of contributions of this region on different language domains in persons who stutter.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zubeyir Bayraktaroglu
- Istanbul Medipol University, International School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, 34815 Beykoz, Istanbul, Turkey; Istanbul Medipol University, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Restorative and Regenerative Medicine Research Center (REMER), functional Imaging and Cognitive Affective Neuroscience Laboratory (fINCAN), 34810 Beykoz, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Asli Demirtas-Tatlidede
- Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, 34093 Capa, Istanbul, Turkey; Bahcesehir University, School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, 34734 Kadikoy, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tamer Demiralp
- Istanbul University, Hulusi Behcet Life Sciences Research Laboratory-Neuroimaging Unit, 34093 Capa, Istanbul, Turkey; Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, 34093 Capa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - A Emre Oge
- Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, 34093 Capa, Istanbul, Turkey
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Busan P, Del Ben G, Tantone A, Halaj L, Bernardini S, Natarelli G, Manganotti P, Battaglini PP. Effect of muscular activation on surrounding motor networks in developmental stuttering: A TMS study. BRAIN AND LANGUAGE 2020; 205:104774. [PMID: 32135384 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandl.2020.104774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies regarding developmental stuttering (DS) suggest that motor neural networks are strongly affected. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to investigate neural activation of the primary motor cortex in DS during movement execution, and the influence of muscle representations involved in movements on "surrounding" ones. TMS was applied over the contralateral abductor digiti minimi (ADM) motor representation, at rest and during the movement of homologue first dorsal interosseous muscles (tonic contraction, phasic movements cued by acoustic signalling, and "self-paced" movements). Results highlighted a lower cortico-spinal excitability of ADM in the left hemisphere of stutterers, and an enhanced intracortical inhibition in their right motor cortex (in comparison to fluent speakers). Abnormal intracortical functioning was especially evident during phasic contractions cued by "external" acoustic signals. An exaggerated inhibition of muscles not directly involved in intended movements, in stuttering, may be useful to obtain more efficient motor control. This was stronger during contractions cued by "external" signals, highlighting mechanisms likely used by stutterers during fluency-evoking conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Busan
- IRCCS Ospedale San Camillo, via Alberoni 70, 30126 Venice, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Del Ben
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, via Fleming 22, 34100 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Antonietta Tantone
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, via Fleming 22, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Livia Halaj
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, via Fleming 22, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Natarelli
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padua, via Venezia 8, 35100 Padua, Italy.
| | - Paolo Manganotti
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Piero Paolo Battaglini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, via Fleming 22, 34100 Trieste, Italy.
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Busan P. Developmental stuttering and the role of the supplementary motor cortex. JOURNAL OF FLUENCY DISORDERS 2020; 64:105763. [PMID: 32361030 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfludis.2020.105763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Developmental stuttering is a frequent neurodevelopmental disorder with a complex neurobiological basis. Robust neural markers of stuttering include imbalanced activity of speech and motor related brain regions, and their impaired structural connectivity. The dynamic interaction of cortical regions is regulated by the cortico-basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical system with the supplementary motor area constituting a crucial cortical site. The SMA integrates information from different neural circuits, and manages information about motor programs such as self-initiated movements, motor sequences, and motor learning. Abnormal functioning of SMA is increasingly reported in stuttering, and has been recently indicated as an additional "neural marker" of DS: anatomical and functional data have documented abnormal structure and activity of the SMA, especially in motor and speech networks. Its connectivity is often impaired, especially when considering networks of the left hemisphere. Compatibly, recent data suggest that, in DS, SMA is part of a poorly synchronized neural network, thus resulting in a likely substrate for the appearance of DS symptoms. However, as evident when considering neural models of stuttering, the role of SMA has not been fully clarified. Herein, the available evidence is reviewed, which highlights the role of the SMA in DS as a neural "hub", receiving and conveying altered information, thus "gating" the release of correct or abnormal motor plans.
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Busan P, Del Ben G, Russo LR, Bernardini S, Natarelli G, Arcara G, Manganotti P, Battaglini PP. Stuttering as a matter of delay in neural activation: A combined TMS/EEG study. Clin Neurophysiol 2019; 130:61-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Dinoto A, Busan P, Formaggio E, Bertolotti C, Menichelli A, Stokelj D, Manganotti P. Stuttering-like hesitation in speech during acute/post-acute phase of immune-mediated encephalitis. JOURNAL OF FLUENCY DISORDERS 2018; 58:70-76. [PMID: 30220403 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfludis.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Neurogenic stuttering may be evident after a lesion/dysfunction of wider neural networks. Here we present a case of acquired stuttering as the consequence of immune-mediated encephalitis. METHODS The case of a 71-year old male who complained about the progressive onset of stuttering and disequilibrium as the consequence of immune-mediated encephalitis, is here reported. Administration of corticosteroid methylprednisolone was useful to recover from impairments. An in depth analysis of the electroencephalography (relative power of brain rhythms and source localization) during different phases of the disease/treatment was also realized. RESULTS The patient showed a stuttering-like slowed speech with blocks and repetitions, especially at the beginning of words/sentences, with associated movements of the oro-facial muscles. Speech and general motor skills resulted slowed in their preparation/execution phases. Electroencephalography showed a "slowed" pattern, with delta/theta waves mainly in the prefrontal cortex and in sensorimotor networks. CONCLUSION This case reports a probable immune-mediated encephalitis that resulted in acquired stuttering. The effect of "slowed" oscillatory brain activity on motor skills requesting sequencing and fine coordination (e.g. speech) could result in less "synchronized" systems, easily prone to disruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Dinoto
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34100, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Pierpaolo Busan
- Fondazione Ospedale San Camillo IRCCS, Via Alberoni 70, 30126, Venice, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Formaggio
- Fondazione Ospedale San Camillo IRCCS, Via Alberoni 70, 30126, Venice, Italy.
| | - Claudio Bertolotti
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34100, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Alina Menichelli
- Neuropsychological Unit, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, ASUI Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34100, Trieste, Italy.
| | - David Stokelj
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34100, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Paolo Manganotti
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34100, Trieste, Italy.
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Whillier A, Hommel S, Neef NE, Wolff von Gudenberg A, Paulus W, Sommer M. Adults who stutter lack the specialised pre-speech facilitation found in non-stutterers. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202634. [PMID: 30303960 PMCID: PMC6179203 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Persistent developmental stuttering is a speech fluency disorder defined by its symptoms, where the underlying neurophysiological causes remain uncertain. This study examined the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms of the speech planning process, using facilitation in the motor cortex during speech preparation as an analogue. METHODS transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) pulses induced motor evoked potentials (MEPs), which were recorded from the tongue. Eighteen adults who stutter (AWS) and 17 adults who do not stutter (ANS) completed three experiments, which involved reading a German prefix+verb utterance from a screen. Each experiment involved 120 trials with three distinct levels of speech production: immediate speech, delayed speech without pacing and delayed speech with predefined pacing. TMS was applied shortly before speech onset. Trial MEPs were normalised to average non-speech MEPs. MEP amplitude, MEP facilitation ratio (amplitude: pre-speech offset) and group difference were the outcomes of interest analysed by multiple regression, as well as speech reaction time analysed by correlation. RESULTS MEP values were 11·1%-23·4% lower in AWS than ANS (by standardised Beta), across all three experiments. MEP facilitation ratio slopes were also 4·9%-18·3% flatter in AWS than ANS across all three experiments. Reaction times for AWS were only significantly slower than for ANS in immediate speech and predefined pacing experiments. No stuttering was detected during the trials. The group difference in immediate speech was 100% and 101% greater than the other two experiments respectively. DISCUSSION While performance of both ANS and AWS worsens under disturbed speech conditions, greater disturbance conditions affected controls worse than AWS. Future research and therapy in stuttering should focus on non-disturbed speech.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Whillier
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sina Hommel
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nicole E. Neef
- Department of Neuropsychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Science, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Walter Paulus
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Martin Sommer
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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