Logopedija, Vol. 16 No. 1, 2026.
Pregledni rad
https://doi.org/10.31299/log.16.1.5
Neuroscientific Approaches to Understanding Stuttering
Lana Majhan
; Poliklinika SUVAG Karlovac
*
Ana Leko
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Edukacijsko-rehabilitacijski fakultet, Odsjek za logopediju
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
Stuttering is a fluency disorder whose neurobiological basis is increasingly explained through abnormalities within a broad, functionally interconnected speech network that includes cortical and subcortical brain structures. Based on a review of recent literature, this paper presents contemporary insights into the neurological foundations of stuttering and the role of neuroplasticity in spontaneous and therapy-induced changes. Research points to the crucial role of structures involved in speech planning, sensorimotor control, temporal sequencing, and speech automatization. Structural and functional abnormalities have been identified, including alterations in grey matter volume, white matter integrity, and atypical patterns of brain activity and connectivity. Emphasis is placed on abnormalities in speech-related cortical regions of the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes of the left hemisphere, such as the inferior frontal gyrus and superior temporal gyrus, as well as the premotor and motor cortices, along with the increased activation of homologous regions in the right hemisphere. Abnormalities in the connectivity between these cortical areas and the basal ganglia are also highlighted, as well as the role of the cerebellum. Similarities in patterns of abnormalities in developmental and neurogenic stuttering suggest a shared neurological basis. These findings provide a framework for exploring the potential of neuroplasticity, both in spontaneous recovery during childhood and in therapy-induced neural reorganization. Despite numerous findings, further methodologically consistent research is needed to resolve remaining inconsistencies.
Ključne riječi
stuttering; neurological bases; sensorimotor integration; temporal sequencing; neuroplasticity
Hrčak ID:
350392
URI
Datum izdavanja:
30.8.2026.
Posjeta: 0 *