Hello and wlecome to MS Health Central.

I would trust your doctor on this one.  If they are telling you that this drug can cause stuttering then it probably can.  In reading the literature...it is true that MS can cause ataxia or problems with coordinating speech or stuttering.  But the fact that you are telling us that your spinal tap and MRI came back normal would seem to indicate that you don't have MS. 

But I am not a doctor and only your neurologist can interpret your tests and/or make a diagnosis. 

What are they telling you may be causing your symptoms?  I am hoping that they tell you soon what is going on with you.  I know you must be very worried. 

Let us know what happens.  Do come back if you have any more questions.

Hi,

I just saw your question.  Stuttering can certainly be a neurological symptom caused by apraxia.  Please read through the comments on Mandy's post - Cognitive Function Fears - MS or Aging?

From National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders - "There are two main types of speech apraxia: acquired apraxia of speech and developmental apraxia of speech. Acquired apraxia of speech can affect a person at any age, although it most typically occurs in adults. It is caused by damage to the parts of the brain that are involved in speaking, and involves the loss or impairment of existing speech abilities. The disorder may result from a stroke, head injury, tumor, or other illness affecting the brain. Acquired apraxia of speech may occur together with muscle weakness affecting speech production (dysarthria) or language difficulties caused by damage to the nervous system (aphasia)."

Also from NIDCD - "People with either form of apraxia of speech [acquired or developmental] may have a number of different speech characteristics, or symptoms. One of the most notable symptoms is difficulty putting sounds and syllables together in the correct order to form words. Longer or more complex words are usually harder to say than shorter or simpler words. People with apraxia of speech also tend to make inconsistent mistakes when speaking. For example, they may say a difficult word correctly but then have trouble repeating it, or they may be able to say a particular sound one day and have trouble with the same sound the next day. People with apraxia of speech often appear to be groping for the right sound or word, and may try saying a word several times before they say it correctly. Another common characteristic of apraxia of speech is the incorrect use of "prosody" -- that is, the varying rhythms, stresses, and inflections of speech that are used to help express meaning."

Certainly, your physician is the one who would know more about your particular case.  If it was a side-effect which went away after stopping the drug, or if it was a symptom caused by neurological damage may not be easily known.

I hope wish you well and thanks for your question.