Behavioral and multimodal neuroimaging evidence for a deficit in brain timing networks in stuttering: a hypothesis and theory

The fluent production of speech requires accurately timed movements. In this article, we propose that a deficit in brain timing networks is one of the core neurophysiological deficits in stuttering. We first discuss the experimental evidence supporting the involvement of the basal ganglia and supplementary motor area (SMA) instuttering and the involvement of the cerebellum as a possible mechanism for compensating for the neural deficits that underlies tuttering. Next, we outline the involvement of the right inferior front algyrus (IFG) as an other putative compensatory locus in stuttering and suggest a role for this structure in an expanded core timing-network. Subsequently, were view behavioral studies of timing in people who stutter and examine their behavioral per for manceas compared to people who donotstutter. Finally, we highlight challenges to existing research and provide avenues for future research with specific hypotheses.