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Foreign Accent Syndrome

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello Doctor,

I recently read about something called "Foreign Accent Syndrome. I have noticed that after a mild head injury, my accent seems to have changed, and people think I sound like I am from another country. Is this possible, and what could cause it?

Answered by Dr. Gokul Kruba Shankar

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Gokul Kruba Shankar is a skilled General Physician with expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions. He specializes in preventive healthcare, routine health screenings, and the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal disorders. Known for his patient-focused and holistic approach, he is committed to improving long-term health outcomes through personalized care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to Icliniq.

I understand your concern.

Foreign Accent Syndrome (FAS) is a very rare condition, often resulting from brain injury, stroke, or other neurological conditions. It affects the speech patterns, causing them to resemble an accent from a different region or country, even if you have never been exposed to it. This happens because of changes in how your brain coordinates speech, including tone, rhythm, and pronunciation. While it can be unsettling, FAS is not usually harmful on its own. However, it is crucial to investigate the underlying cause, such as the head injury you mentioned. I recommend scheduling a neurological evaluation, which might include imaging studies like an MRI (magnetic resonence imaging) or CT (computed tomography) scan, to rule out more serious issues. Speech therapy can also help you regain your natural speaking patterns over time.

Have you noticed any other symptoms, like difficulty finding words or changes in memory?

Patient's Query

Hello Doctor,

Okay doctor.

Thank you for the responses.

Answered by Dr. Gokul Kruba Shankar

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Gokul Kruba Shankar is a skilled General Physician with expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions. He specializes in preventive healthcare, routine health screenings, and the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal disorders. Known for his patient-focused and holistic approach, he is committed to improving long-term health outcomes through personalized care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Thanks for choosing Icliniq again.

Your welcome.

Let me know if you have any other concerns.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello Doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I have not noticed any memory issues, but sometimes I feel a slight headache or dizziness. Could that be related to the Foreign Accent Syndrome or the head injury?

Answered by Dr. Gokul Kruba Shankar

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Gokul Kruba Shankar is a skilled General Physician with expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions. He specializes in preventive healthcare, routine health screenings, and the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal disorders. Known for his patient-focused and holistic approach, he is committed to improving long-term health outcomes through personalized care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome again to icliniq.com.

It is good that you are paying attention to these symptoms. Headaches and dizziness can indeed be related to the head injury you mentioned, especially if it occurred recently. These symptoms might indicate a concussion or post-concussion syndrome, which sometimes co-occurs with conditions like Foreign Accent Syndrome. While FAS itself does not typically cause headaches or dizziness, these signs could suggest that your brain is still healing from the injury. It is crucial to monitor your symptoms closely. If the headaches or dizziness worsen or you develop other symptoms like nausea, confusion, or difficulty concentrating, please seek medical attention immediately. In the meantime, make sure to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and avoid activities that could strain your brain, like prolonged screen time. Let’s also arrange for further evaluation to ensure there are no complications, such as swelling or bleeding in the brain.

I hope this helps.

Thank you!

Published At November 28, 2024
Reviewed At March 17, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Gokul Kruba Shankar is a skilled General Physician with expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions. He specializes in preventive healthcare, routine health screenings, and the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal disorders. Known for his patient-focused and holistic approach, he is committed to improving long-term health outcomes through personalized care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

MS General Surgery

Professional Bio:

Dr.Madhan Kumar Madathupalayam Velusamy is a skilled Surgical Gastroenterologist. He completed his MBBS at Coimbatore Medical College and his MS in General Surgery at Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai. He received his DNB in Surgical Gastroenterology from Gem Hospital, Coimbatore, which was awarded by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). He has more than 25 years of clinical experience. He serves as a part of the medical reviewer team at iCliniq and brings his clinical and healthcare experience to create high-quality content. Apart from this, he is a Laparoscopic Surgeon at MNP Nursing Home, Kumarasamy Hospital Erode, Sudha Institute of Medical Sciences, Erode, and is a visiting surgeon and faculty in many hospitals in Western Tamil Nadu.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Gokul Kruba Shankar is a skilled General Physician with expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions. He specializes in preventive healthcare, routine health screenings, and the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal disorders. Known for his patient-focused and holistic approach, he is committed to improving long-term health outcomes through personalized care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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