Short case report: 'Speaking in tongues'--foreign accent syndrome

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Foreign accent syndrome (FAS) is a rare speech disorder characterized by altered pronunciation, making native speakers sound foreign.
• Historically, FAS is associated with acquired brain injuries (stroke, head trauma), psychogenic factors, or developmental issues.
• Over 60 cases have been documented since 1941.

Observation:

• This report presents a unique case of FAS in a patient experiencing a minor electrocution event.
• Neurological examinations and brain imaging revealed no structural brain abnormalities.
• The patient's speech changes were perceived as a foreign accent by native listeners.

Findings:

• The study identifies a novel cause of Foreign accent syndrome secondary to electrocution.
• Absence of detectable structural brain injury challenges traditional etiological understanding of FAS.
• This case highlights the complex relationship between neurological events and speech production.

Implications:

• The findings expand the known causes of Foreign accent syndrome beyond typical neurological insults.
• It suggests that even minor electrical injuries can potentially impact speech mechanisms.
• Further research is warranted to explore the neurophysiological underpinnings of FAS in non-traditional cases.