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Foreign Accent Syndrome
- DOUGH GOOD
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
Waking up from a coma with a completely new accent may seem like a fictional occurrence, but it is a real condition that has over 100 confirmed cases. This is known as foreign accent syndrome, or FAS, a brain-related condition that affects verbal communication. The way one talks changes noticeably, and it may sound like the affected individual is speaking in a distinct new accent. Although at times the accent sounds similar to an already established one, it’s typically a change in how the person articulates specific sounds.
What are the types of foreign accent syndrome?
FAS has two main types: structural and functional.
Structural FAS happens when areas of the brain that control muscles used to speak are damaged.
Functional FAS occurs without a known cause, potentially after migraines or seizures, or due to mental health conditions involving hyperactivity and disorganized activity. Adding on, there are two subtypes: mixed and developmental. Mixed FAS refers to functional FAS along with an unrelated structural abnormality. Developmental FAS is typically found in neurodivergent people, likely due to differences in brain development and activity.
What are some symptoms of foreign accent syndrome?
More/longer pauses mid-word or mid-sentence
Drawing out sounds longer than necessary
Talking slower/with varying speeds
Slurring words
Having trouble pronouncing certain sounds
Dropping or substituting sounds
Switching sounds or their order
Changes in...
Talking speed
Pitch
Tone
Articulation
Stressing of syllables
Volume
Inflections
Length of sounds
Symptoms of Structural FAS:
Trouble choosing words
Tremors
Uncontrolled muscle movements
One-sided muscle weakness
Related Symptoms of Functional FAS:
Psychosis
Hallucinations
Delusions
Losing the ability to tell what’s appropriate to do/say
Mania- or depression-like mood/energy changes
What causes FAS?
Structural FAS is typically caused by damage to the frontal lobe, mostly the left side. Some causes of this include:
Stroke
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Brain aneurysm
Brain cancer
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Frontotemporal dementia
Progressive primary aphasia
Functional FAS has no known causes as of date. However, research has found some correlation to schizophrenia, dissociative disorders, functional neurological symptom disorder, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions.
How is foreign accent syndrome treated?
All cases of FAS benefit from speech therapy, helping the individual correct or improve the sound changes. Structural FAS is treated by addressing its underlying cause. However, the success of this treatment may or may not affect FAS, but a healthcare professional can suggest the most helpful treatment. Functional and mixed FAS are also treated in the same way, through medications, mental health therapy, or any other treatments for the underlying condition. As for treatment time, some cases can be cured in days, others in weeks or months, and some can last for life.
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Works Cited
“Foreign Accent Syndrome — a Known Condition That Only Sounds Unfamiliar.” Cleveland Clinic, 11 Sept. 2023, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/25242-foreign-accent-syndrome-fas.
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