Foreign Accent Syndrome
Foreign accent syndrome (FAS) is a rare speech disorder. 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
|Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
FAS is caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls the rhythm and melody of speech.
The damage may be due to:
FAS is also linked it to other symptoms, such as:
Aphasia—a communication disorder that can affect the ability to understand and express language
apraxia—a speech disorder that affects the ability to make sounds, syllables, and words
Factors that increase your chance of FAS include:
- High risk for stroke
- Aphasia or apraxia
Those with foreign accent syndrome speak in a distorted rhythm and tone, such as:
- Making vowel sounds longer and lower such as changing English “yeah” to German “jah”
- Changing sound quality by moving the tongue or jaw differently while speaking
- Substituting words or using inappropriate words to describe something
- Stringing sentences together 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, years, or may be permanent.
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done paying particular attention to the muscles used in speech. A psychological evaluation may also be done to rule out psychiatric conditions.
Your language skills will be assessed. This can be done with:
- Tests to assess reading, writing, and language comprehension
- Use of recordings to analyze speech patterns
Images will be taken of your brain. This can be done with:
Your brain's electrical activity may be measured. This can be done with an
Since this condition is rare, you will most likely be evaluated by a team of specialists, including:
- Speech-language pathologist
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
- Speech therapy—You may be taught how to better move your lips and jaw during speech.
—Since FAS is a rare disorder, you may feel isolated and embarrassed. Counseling can help you and your family better cope with the condition.
Since FAS is closely linked to stroke, follow these guidelines to prevent stroke:
If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to
- Drink alcohol only in moderation. Two drinks or less per day for men and one drink or less per day for women.
- Check your blood pressure often.
- Take a low dose of aspirin if your doctor says it is safe.
- Keep chronic conditions under control.
- Call for emergency medical services if you have symptoms of a stroke, even if symptoms stop.
Do not use
Foreign Accent Syndrome Support—University of Texas at Dallas
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
Speech-Language and Audiology Canada
About FAS. Foreign Accent Syndrome (FAS) Support website. Available at:
http://www.utdallas.edu/research/FAS/about. Accessed November 23, 2014.
Garst D, Katz W. Foreign accent syndrome.
Miller N. Foreign accent syndrome. Not such a funny turn.
Inter J Ther & Rehab.
Foreign accent syndrome. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website. Available at:
http://www.asha.org/Publications/leader/2006/060815/f060815c. Accessed November 23, 2014.
Reeves, R, Burke R, Parker, J. Characteristics of psychotic patients with foreign accent syndrome.
J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci.