Woman has foreign accent syndrome after surgery

Published 12:57 pm Saturday, June 25, 2016

HOUSTON — A Houston-area woman’s accent sounds completely different since she underwent jaw surgery in December, and doctors said she might have a neurological condition called foreign accent syndrome. 

In a  video posted online, Lisa Alamia’s accent swings between various British accents and a faint Australian twang.

Foreign accent syndrome is a rare medical condition that can result from trauma or an injury to the area of the brain that controls speech. The cause is often unknown, but it has been linked to strokes, head injuries and psychiatric conditions. Speech therapy can help patients restore their usual accents.

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Dr. Toby Yaltho said he believes she has the rare condition.

Alamia said she knows some people are skeptical and that she hopes to have her true accent back soon.