Foreign Accent Syndrome (FAS) is a rare condition where a person’s speech unexpectedly changes to a different accent without any reference, familiarity, or history to the place of origin of the accent. For instance, an Indian man suddenly starts speaking in a French accent. While it may sound fascinating, it is often the result of serious underlying neurological events such as stroke or trauma. But before moving towards the risk factors, it is crucial to understand more about FAS.
OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Darshan Doshi, Consultant Neurology, P D Hinduja Hospital & MRC, Mahim, Mumbai, who sheds light on this condition, its causes, and potential treatments.
Understanding Foreign Accent Syndrome
Dr Doshi explains, “FAS is a rare condition where a person's speech undergoes sudden and noticeable changes, resembling a foreign accent. However, this shift is typically due to alterations in how certain sounds are produced rather than the adoption of an actual accent. FAS may indicate something is disrupting brain function, like stroke, trauma, or space-occupying lesions.”
FAS does not involve learning a new accent but rather arises from changes in speech rhythm, tone, and articulation caused by brain dysfunction. It is often associated with neurological damage, such as that resulting from a stroke.
How Stroke Can Lead to FAS
The brain plays a crucial role in language production, with specific areas dedicated to speech and phonetics. According to the National Institute of Health, when a stroke occurs, blood flow to parts of the brain is interrupted, causing damage to areas responsible for controlling speech patterns.
According to Dr Doshi, “FAS following stroke typically happens because of damage that affects the frontal lobe of the brain, especially on the left side.” Damage to this region can disrupt language processing and phonetic control, altering how words are formed and giving rise to an apparent foreign accent.
Symptoms and Onset of FAS
The symptoms of FAS can manifest in various ways. Dr Doshi talked about some common symptoms and said, “FAS primarily alters speech rhythm, affecting speed, volume, tone, pitch, articulation of speech, and unusual stresses on syllables. Common features include slower or variable speech, extended pauses mid-sentences, and unnecessarily drawn-out sounds.”
These changes can occur immediately after a stroke or develop gradually over time, depending on the severity of the brain damage.
Risk Factors and Susceptibility
Certain risk factors make individuals more susceptible to developing FAS following a stroke. Dr Doshi advises, “Controlling traditional risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, avoiding smoking, and alcohol reduces the risk of stroke and thereby any chance of having FAS.”
By managing these risk factors, individuals can lower the likelihood of experiencing a stroke and subsequent complications like FAS.
Also read: Can Working Long Hours Raise Stroke Risk? Neurologist Answers
Is FAS Permanent or Temporary?
The prognosis for FAS varies significantly. Dr Doshi explains, “The duration of FAS depends on how much permanent brain damage has been caused by the stroke and can be transient or permanent.”
In some cases, patients may regain their original speech patterns as the brain heals, while in others, the condition may persist.
Rehabilitation and Treatment Options
Treatment for FAS is tailored to address both the underlying cause and the speech abnormalities. Dr Doshi highlighted the importance of therapy and said, “Treatment for FAS after a stroke generally revolves around treating the stroke and its risk factors. Speech therapy is beneficial for all cases of FAS. It helps individuals identify and address sound changes, develop strategies to improve communication, and feel more confident in social interactions.”
Speech therapists work closely with patients to retrain the brain’s language centres, improving articulation, rhythm, and phonetics. This therapy can significantly enhance quality of life and restore confidence in social situations.
Also read: How Cold Weather Increases The Risk Of Strokes: Neurologist's Insights
Conclusion
Foreign Accent Syndrome, though rare, can be a life-altering consequence of stroke or trauma. It underscores the delicate nature of the brain’s language-processing abilities and the importance of maintaining brain health. Dr Doshi emphasises, “Managing risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol is vital in reducing the likelihood of stroke and its potential complications, including FAS.”
For those affected, early intervention with speech therapy can make a significant difference, helping patients regain their original speech patterns or adapt to their new way of speaking. Ultimately, understanding and addressing the root causes of FAS is key to improving outcomes and supporting individuals on their path to recovery.