Pronounced: FOR-en AK-sent SIN-drome
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.
FAS is caused by damage to the brain, which may be due to:
FAS is also linked it to other conditions, such as:
These factors increase your chance of developing FAS:
Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors.
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:
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.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. She will also do a physical exam. Tests may include:
Since this condition is rare, you will most likely be evaluated by a team of specialists, including:
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
Since FAS is closely linked to stroke, follow these guidelines to prevent stroke:
RESOURCES:
Foreign Accent Syndrome Support
http://www.utdallas.edu/research/FAS/
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/index.asp
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://ww2.heartandstroke.ca/splash/
Speech-Language Pathology Website
http://home.ica.net/~fred/index.htm
References:
About FAS. Foreign Accent Syndrome (FAS) Support website. Available at: http://www.utdallas.edu/research/FAS/about/ . Accessed December 2, 2008.
Dente K. Apraxia, verbal. EBSCO Publishing Nursing Reference Center website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=16topicID=860 . Updated September 2007. Accessed November 16, 2008.
Garst D, Katz W. Foreign accent syndrome. ASHA Leader. 2006;11:10-11,31.
McCoy K. Aphasia. EBSCO Publishing Patient Education Reference Center website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=16topicID=1034 . Updated February 2008. Accessed November 16, 2008.
Miller N. Foreign accent syndrome. Not such a funny turn. Inter J Ther & Rehab. 2007;14:388.
Public stroke prevention guidelines. National Stroke Association website. Available at: http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=PREVENT . Accessed November 16, 2008.
Reeves, R, Burke R, Parker, J. Characteristics of psychotic patients with foreign accent syndrome. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2007;19:70-76.
Stedman’s Medical Dictionary. 28th ed. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005; B14;117;125; 1314
Last reviewed September 2009 by Marcin Chwistek, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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