Aphthongia
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Aphthongia is a condition characterized by the inability to speak due to spasms in the muscles innervated by the hypoglossal nerve. This 1930s encyclopedia entry notes its frequent occurrence in stutterers and its similarity to writer's cramp.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
APHTHONGIA (from the Greek a—negative particle, and phthongos—sound), the inability to pronounce words due to a spasm of the musculature innervated by the hypoglossal nerve. Aphthongia is frequently encountered in stutterers, sometimes assumes an occupational character, and is analogous to writer's cramp. Treatment, as with stuttering, is reduced to speech exercises.
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Cite this page
“Aphthongia.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/aphthongia/