Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Vicki, Valencia, CA — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:15:05 GMT

My father suffered a major stroke, and when he was recovering, spoke in a combination of gibberish and some sort of accent that we couldn't define. Thank you for giving me more information on it.

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Andrea, Kent, Ohio — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:30:40 GMT

Oh wow, of all the things that happen to people. That would be kind of fun, I think. Not having the injury, of course, but the inotation that comes with it.

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

KC, Burbank, CA — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 17:52:59 GMT

Sounds like the Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks!

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Jim, Albuquerque, NM — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 17:57:21 GMT

I knew a girl in high school in Kansas that had the lovliest French accent. She had what most people described as a speech impediment, and though she was beautiful, she was very shy and embarrased about her speech. Thinking back on it, perhaps she had this same syndrome?

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Rinkrat — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:11:07 GMT

I think George W. Bush has "aphasia" (the loss or impairment to use or comprehend words).

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Chase Ansok — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:29:53 GMT

To be more specific, it's Broca's area in the inferior left frontal lobe that deals with language. It'd be nice to know precisely where CindyLou's damage was.

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Zenbob96, Pismo Beach, California — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:58:37 GMT

A wasted article -- scientific labels but no facts, no new insights and no revelatory citations. In fact, many cases have been diagnosed and confirmed where trauma, including fevers and comas not only altered the accent of the patient, but in fact, allowed them to speak a foreign language, often an ancient or very rare dialect, quite clearly and conversationally. Certainly, this remarkable change cannot be ascribed to mere synaptic alterations in the brain's structure. If so, then we are all "hard wired" with a vast variety of potential languages, that only get activated by early childhood exposure to one or more particular languages or dialects -- and as interesting as that might be, it strains credulity. This entire area of neuroscience needs much more study, an open minded approach and vastly better journalism than what was provided in this article.

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Sarah Roesler, Swanton, NE — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:38:05 GMT

Why was there no mention of what a Speech-Language Pathologist's role is in treating Apasia and prosody errors after a TBI or Stroke?

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

KC, Burbank, CA — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 20:08:06 GMT

Sounds like the Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks!

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Roe, Minneapolis, MN — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 20:30:47 GMT

I've never heard it referred to as "The" Family Guy before.

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Confuscious — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 22:38:56 GMT

I tried to learn Latin by wacking myself in the head with a hammer but that didn't work out so well...

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Doug George — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:37:27 GMT

Fascinating! Foreign Accent Syndrome appears to explain something that happened to me in 1981 when I nearly died from viral encephalitis. During my long recovery my doctors related an episode during which I broke out of a near death coma to appear confused about who and where I was, as well as why I was there. They said I spoke in a heavy British accent (I'm from Ohio). According to my doctors, my talkative British character laid down after about 30 minutes and returned to my coma. They said the whole episode fascinated them. I remember nothing about it other than what they related to me. It took me about two years to recover from the encephailtis. I'm still plagued with some minor seizures, controlled by carbamazepine. It appears my encephalitic brain trauma brought on the FAS.

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Big Al Tomatoes — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 01:14:08 GMT

I can tell you that one of the Catholic church's defined requirements to prove demonic possession is the sudden ability to speak a foreign language that was not previously known. I wonder if a foreign accent qualifies?

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Rich, Pennsylvania — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:47:27 GMT

Short sentences and single words? Sounds like "William Shatner Syndrome".

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

mmurphy1049@charter.net — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:03:36 GMT

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Jammer McHammer — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:15:55 GMT

Yea baby, talk dirty to me!

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

jdsisney@yahoo.com — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:21:59 GMT

It's not brain science. It's obviious that it is proof of reincarnation. Check out Edgar Casey ! !

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Paul, Richmond VA — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:55:05 GMT

Just what I always suspected - you have to be brain damaged to be French.

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Jon J., Providence, RI — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:23:15 GMT

I saw something about this on Discovery Health Channel, but the woman with this condition had begun speaking in a British accent. This accent change wasn't entirely unbelievable to me, but she started using British terms we would never use as Americans. She would refer to the trunk of her car as the "boot" or to a policeman as a "bobby." I was at a loss to understand how a brain injury could effect not only our speech but our vocabulary. Has anyone else seen this show?

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Joann Kuhn, SLC, UT — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:35:33 GMT

Makes sense to me after reading this article. I had blunt trauma to the head back in the 70's, police in the ER (after I woke up) asked what nationality I was, as they detected an accent of some sort. Wrong. Just a local Chicago girl!

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Lisa Watters — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:22:45 GMT

I have NO accent, but I am a foreigner immigrating at age 19 without knowing the american language. Yet my comprehension is that of a german and it's extremely tough to explain why I can not follow instructions.

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Linda — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:14:39 GMT

I have Foreign Accent Syndrome resulting from surgery for a malignant tumor that was underneath my brain and attached to my brainstem. This was 15 years ago. I was told I would never have an audible voice again because my vocal were separated and paralysized from my tumor and cranial nerves IX, X, XI, and XII were taken out with the tumor. When I awoke from 5 days semi-comatose later I had and after 15 years STILL have what most people, including my doctors say is a "British" accent. No one has been able to tell me why, but has assumed that during the surgery the language part of my brain was dsturbed. I am a native Kansan!!!

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

BSSG - Florida — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:49:48 GMT

My brother still suffers from traumatic brain injury due to a motorcycle accident 5 years ago. He suffers from seizures and loss of memory and forgetfulness. He always worked with his hands as a mechanic i.e. machines, autos and motorcycles. He still has some ability with autos but has forgotten most of what he knew. What is amazing is that he now can look at anything and duplicate it with wood. He never worked with wood unless as a helper to someone else. So I can believe that some can have FAS. We do need more studies.

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Michelle, Greensboro, NC — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:00:12 GMT

I know you can't tell, but I'm actually typing this with a foreign accent.

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Gene — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 22:09:56 GMT

Concerning the comments of C Ansok (above). Broaca's area certainly plays a major role in organizing the production of connected speech and in the grammatically correct use of the morphemes of English (e.g. the "-ing", "-er" endings). But Broca's area is not THE 'area that deals with language'. Nearly the whole of the brain deals, in one way or another, with some aspect of what would be called 'the ability to use language'.

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Theresa Sullivan Bothell, WA 98021 — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 22:57:51 GMT

My daughter suffered a serious brain injury on a snow board. She found it easier to learn a new language (Swedish) than repair the old. She speaks with a distinct Swedish accent ever since. Learned the language over the summer and completed her masters degree in Molecular biology in the Swedish Language with honors. Thought she needed some recognition for a incredible accomplishment.

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Burl, Zenith, WV — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 13:25:26 GMT

[c]What's in a word?[/c]
[b]Ruminations on the strangeness of all things medical[/b]might lead one to wonder. "Apoptosis" for instance is a signal from the brain to the stored lipid-fats to send hormonal therapy to a particular area of the body. Often the signal is not recieved and cancer can result.

I advised a cable-guy to apply hamburger grease to his skin condition. [b][u]caution :[/b][/u] "Eshemia" is a skin condition that can result from prolonged use of an air-blocking ointment.

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Mesmerized in the Midwest — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:18:48 GMT

Her first mistake obviously was going to a "Quack-practer" for back pain. So, she spoke gibberish and now has a lovely European accent. Who cares? Clearly, however from the insightful messages above, motorcycles are associated with "Brain Injuries". Duh

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Martha, Batesville, AR — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 20:55:35 GMT

Other things cause this, too. Seizures and parts of the brain removed in surgery to fix seizure problems. I also spoke a little differnt for a short time and could if I wanted, too. But, different reasons help cause differnt results.

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

C Stevens, Washington, DC — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 01:18:29 GMT

Maybe Madonna got a knock on the dead whixch would explain her recently acquired British accent.

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Angie Guyer, Tucson AZ — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 03:17:40 GMT

22 years ago I was in an auto accident. Everyone who meets me asks me where I am from because of my "Accent" Sometimes it is hard for me to form words correctly. Or I cant speak the words in my head. I don't know how to better explain it. This speech issue has caused me a lot of embarrasement and humiliation growing up. I am glad to see that science is now finding an explanation of what happens and maby they can find a way to reverse it.

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

TDG, AZ — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 02:01:03 GMT

My kids said I spoke like a completely different person after severe TBI, after a car rammed my car from behind at 45 mph at a red light. L hemisphere and frontal Lobe particulary injured. Surprisingly, sign language (ASL) is very easy for me without formal training. Watch it- know it. There is an ongoing, continual, and devestating realization, a journey to redefine self. It starts with sitting on a broken swing trying to swing--no fun in it, learning to walk, see, think, express, again. Seizures, hallucinations, rotated eye, the world of Picasso. A strong support system is priority, the first ray of hope.

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

JoAnn, Ithaca, NY — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 06:37:54 GMT

Some of these comments are hilarious!

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Jonathan, Yakima, WA — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:32:28 GMT

Interesting. My sister, bother and I have all been accused of having British or German accents all of our lives, and now my sons report the same thing. All of use grew up in the northwest, and this was noted long before any studied other languages or dialects. When I visited Europe and the UK many yers ago, everyone thought I was British! Odd.

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

G Dave, new brunswick, new Jerz — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:23:31 GMT

Of the 50-60 documented cases of FAS world-wide, it's amazing that about half those people seem to be posting on this message board!..just think it's weird is all...

and re Zenbob, you are not born programmed with every language, one of which is activated: you're born with a blank language processing center that is capable of learning any mode of communication and the oral ability to make the 400-something different sounds that are accounted for in every language globally. This is also why babies which are born deaf and taught sign language initially babble with their hands, rather than their mouths- it is the same process by which they are learning to "speak" with the same part of their brain

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Donna, Las Vegas, Nevada — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:49:48 GMT

I saw the show someone mentioned on the Discovery channel. I think this syndrome has to do more with past lives too.

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Ely Miami Florida — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 03:38:42 GMT

This his something unbelievable b/c I had something happen to me in 1995 when I was living in Oklahoma were I had some brain concussion that made me forget even who I was not even my name I even had to learn how to talk b/c there was a lot of thing I didn't know how to say I was confused angry etc I came to Miami after the accident & I was upset b/c I was born in NY live in Oklahoma for so many yrs my mother is American my father is Puerto rico speak perfect English & I want raise w/ him I meet him that same year a month after that happen I leave in puerto Rico when I was smaller b/c my step father was in the army but even that time I didn't had a accent I spoke clearly really good English after that it was like if I wasn't American anymore like if I was from another country & until this day I speak w/ a accent sometime I get embraces when I speak b/c I even have speech problem Im glad that I read this b/c this way I had a answer to my question.

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Rebekah Price, Fredericksburg, VA — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:10:22 GMT

What is most interesting is that this happened after a visit to a chiropractor. Chances are, the
chiropractor likely stroked her during spinal manipulation by dissecting the vertebral artery or some other such anatomy. The original TBI (traumatic brain
injury) in 1981 did not just manifest this condition 17 years later.

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Rosanne Schillings Fort Worth Texas — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 05:47:52 GMT

I was worshiping God on January 22 "07 and started talking in a British,South African accent. People ask me where I am from and I tell them California! Though I have lived in Texas most of my life. This situation will last minutes to as long as a couple of weeks. I can't speak Texan as much as I try. At first I could actually feel something happening to my vocal cords right before I would have the accent. At this time I also use words that I don't know where they came from and speak very "properly", British style. As a side note I had a strong desire to worship God, pray, and stay in His presence. I also had visions and knew what was wrong with someone even though they never told me anything.

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Mr. Z, Long Island, NY — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:26:04 GMT

This simply begets the question, just how much information is hardwired into DNA, and just how fragile an organic wetware program is it?

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Annie Balsbaugh, Conover,Ohio — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 12:59:00 GMT

Very interesting stuff!, my mother had a stroke nine years ago, and has spoke with what we think is German accent, she is asked all the time if she is German. I know she would love to have a Irish or scottish accent, thats not what God gave her, we're just thankful we still have her here! It can be very hard to understand her. Must be difficult for her.I'm glad to learn about this subject.

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

RM, Dallas, TX — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 04:22:52 GMT

Hmmm.. I wonder if one of you would volunteer to hit me on the head, so I could get rid of my foreign accent, even though I have lived in the US for 26 years. Would save money on a voice coach.... :-)

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

w.smallwood sidwell avon nc — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 23:29:49 GMT

i often dream in german......read german books and letters??? have no idea why? never had a brain injury. Was in a car wreck several years ago.....maybe it all happened then??? All very strange since i am from west virginia!!!!! lol

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Rich B., Mooresville, NC — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:20:05 GMT

When researching what a chiropractor's influence on the body and health is, you will find a strong neurological component involved. Neurologically speaking a Chiropractic adjustment could have just activated something that was already present. To associate this woman's case with a stroke, that had no mention in the medical report, is uninformed at best.

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

L. Whit, Monroe, LA — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 02:53:32 GMT

Before you post a comment about your "similar situation", you should read a little more into the disorder. (1)Patients with this syndrome do not actually have a foreign accent; their speech and language errors are only perceived as a foreign accent to an untrained ear. (2)Because of the previous statement, patients do not have words or phrases from those accents they seem to possess. If they do use words of another language, it is simply something they have "picked up"; not something that just simply "shows up". Agreeing with G. Dave, only 50 or so cases are documented, so it is unlikely that you have the actual syndrome, but could possibly have similar symptoms. Happy researching!

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Delilah Layla Saliba Lazar — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 06:34:12 GMT

Thank GOD there's an answer for it.
I too, sustained an acquired brain injury in 1985 in Australia.
I had slurred speech for quite some time and when I started talking it was in an American/Canadian accent.
I have no recollection of my life pre injury, I just go by what people have said.

Brain injury gives woman a foreign accent

Fleta W., Center Point AL — Fri, 29 May 2009 19:20:25 GMT

Almost 3yrs ago, my daughter was at work making SUV parts for a major car company. There was a "Safety Feature Failure" with a Robot that struck her in the head attached with a piece of steel as the finish product. I was told by a "Miracle" that the robot didn't cut head clean off, Thank God it didn't! she was in the hospital for over 3 months. Now she speaks with an accent, my grandkids says "she sounds Hispanic" others say "from the Islands" she says "I just sound funny" and get really upset & depressed when asked about it. She will never fully recover after her Closed Head Injury & these Doctor's aren't giving her the help she really needs. Oh yeah,her job fired her with no benefits including medical & blamed her for their mistakes. She needs help outside of Alabama!!!!