Praxis SLP Licensure Exam

In a patient recovering from a stroke, increased speech disfluencies may suggest what type of issue?

1. Developmental stuttering problem

2. Need for an MRI

3. Neurogenic origin stuttering

4. Psychogenic stuttering

The correct answer is: Neurogenic origin stuttering

Increased speech disfluencies in a patient recovering from a stroke can indeed suggest a neurogenic origin for stuttering. Neurogenic stuttering often arises from neurological damage, which could include tissue loss or disruption in the areas of the brain responsible for speech planning and execution. This type of disfluency typically manifests as inconsistent and irregular speech patterns and can be exacerbated by stress or fatigue. In contrast, developmental stuttering usually occurs in childhood and is characterized by a different pattern of disfluency that stems from the normal fluctuations in speech development. An MRI, while important for diagnosing brain damage, does not directly relate to the presence of stuttering but rather on identifying the extent of any brain-related issues. Psychogenic stuttering is associated with emotional or psychological factors, which may not be as relevant immediately following a neurological event like a stroke. In summary, the presence of speech disfluencies in the context of a stroke recovery is most consistent with a neurogenic origin, as it directly connects to the brain's health and function after the injury.