Definition

Foreign accent syndrome (FAS) is a rare and acquired speech disorder. In many cases, it is caused by a stroke. Damage to the brain affects the rhythm and melody of speech. If you have FAS, you adopt what sounds like a foreign accent, even though you may never have traveled to that particular country.

Stroke—Common Cause of Foreign Accent Syndrome

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Causes

FAS is caused by damage to the brain, which may be due to:

• Stroke (main cause)
• Trauma to the brain, such as a sharp blow to the skull
• Brain hemorrhage
• Multiple sclerosis

FAS is also linked it to other conditions, such as:

• Aphasia —communication disorder that can affect the ability to understand and express language
• Speech apraxia —speech disorder that affects the ability to make sounds, syllables, and words

Risk Factors

These factors increase your chance of developing FAS:

• Being at high risk for stroke
• Having one of the above conditions related to FAS

Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors.

Symptoms

If you have any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to FAS. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:

• Distorting the rhythm and tone of speech, such as:
  • Making vowel sounds longer and lower (eg, changing English “yeah” or German “jah”)
  • Changing sound quality by moving tongue or jaw differently while speaking
  • Substituting words or using inappropriate words to describe something
  • Stringing sentences together in the wrong way

If you have FAS, you may be able to speak easily and without anxiety. Other people are able to understand you. The “accent” that you have adopted could be within the same language, such as American-English to British-English.

Symptoms can last for months or years.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. She will also do a physical exam. Tests may include:

• Psychological evaluation (to rule out psychiatric conditions)
• Assessment of language skills, such as:
  • Tests to assess reading, writing, and language comprehension
  • Use of recordings to analyze speech patterns
• Examination of muscles used in speech
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) —a test that records the brain’s activity by measuring electrical currents through the brain
• MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the brain
• CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the brain
• Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan—an imaging test that shows blood flow in the brain
• PET scan —a test that produces images to show the amount of functional activity in the brain

Since this condition is rare, you will most likely be evaluated by a team of specialists, including:

• Speech-language pathologist
• Neurologist
• Neuropsychologist
• Psychologist

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:

• Speech therapy—Some reports have shown that speech therapy can help with FOS. For example, you can learn how to better move your lips and jaw during speech.
• Counseling —Since FOS is a rare disorder, you may feel isolated and embarrassed. Counseling can help you and your family better cope with the condition.

Prevention

Since FAS is closely linked to stroke, follow these guidelines to prevent stroke:

• Exercise regularly.
• Eat a healthful diet.
• Quit smoking and limit how much alcohol you drink.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Check your blood pressure often.
• Take a low dose of aspirin if your doctor says it is safe.
• Keep chronic conditions under control.
• Call 911 if you have symptoms of a stroke, even if symptoms stop.
• Do not use drugs.