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From: John Tetnowski
Date: 11 Oct 2004
Time: 11:00:14 -0500
Remote Name: 130.70.143.78
Dear M, There are many reasons for vocal fold atrophy. It is more likely that atrophy comes from some sort of muscular or neurological condition, particularly those affecting the lower motor neuron (the last connection from the central nervous system to the muscle itself). There are other conditions that could cause the atrophy, but I wonder why the physician specifically talked about "malnutrition". That does seem a bit odd to me. There are some studies that look at the connection of vocal fold function and stuttering (there really are quite a few). I suggest looking at the following article that may help: Title: Common features of fluency-evoking conditions studied in stuttering subjects and controls: an (H2OPET)-O-15 study Author(s): Stager SV, Jeffries KJ, Braun AR Source: JOURNAL OF FLUENCY DISORDERS 28 (4): 319-336 WIN 2003 Another article that looks specifically at the function of the muscles in the larynx is: Title: Activity of intrinsic laryngeal muscles in fluent and disfluent speech Author(s): Smith A, Denny M, Shaffer LA, Kelly EM, Hirano M Source: JOURNAL OF SPEECH AND HEARING RESEARCH 39 (2): 329-348 APR 1996 I think that the real issue here is that stuttering is a multi-dimensional disorder. That is, not all people with vocal fold atrophy (for example, following traumatic injury and atrophy of the muscles that produce voice) will stutter. this is clearly documented. Can vocal fold atrophy add to the likelihood of stuttering????? It is possible, but probably not the primary cause. In conclusion, with most people who stutter, it may be important to find the cause. However, for most people who treat stuttering, eliminating or minimizing the symptoms (whether they be behavioral or affective) is the real key to success. Thanks for the comment. I look forward to more discussion in this area. John Tetnowski