The Woman Who Woke Up With a Chinese Accent
The woman who woke up with a chinese accent
After suffering from extreme migraines Sarah Colwill awoke in hospital to find her West Country accent had disappeared, replaced by what sounds like Chinese. She suffers from a rare neurological condition called Foreign Accent Syndrome.
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Sarah Colwill from Devon
The case of a woman who went to bed with a migraine and woke up sounding Chinese is proving to be one of the most fascinating ever documented. Sarah Colwill from Devon was diagnosed with Foreign Accent Syndrome, a condition which sees the sufferer’s own accent suddenly replaced with a foreign language. The symptoms of this unusual medical condition are thought to be caused by damage or trauma to the frontal lobe of the brain.
Colwill lost her strong Devon drawl overnight in one of only 20 known cases of Foreign Accent Syndrome worldwide. She claims she had no previous knowledge of the language and has never visited China. Her husband Patrick has taken on the role of carer while she attempts to get to the bottom of what caused her baffling condition.
She is now the subject of a BBC documentary which airs tonight. The film follows Sarah as she battles to try and understand her new accent and why it won’t go away. She also faces the curious reactions of her friends and family.
A number of people who have suffered from this bizarre medical condition have regained their original accent after intensive speech therapy. Others however have realised that their new accents are here to stay. The condition is mainly believed to be caused by damage or trauma to the brain’s frontal lobe which controls speech and word formation. Some cases are triggered by strokes or traumatic brain injury while others seem to be catalysed by psychiatric illness.
It is not uncommon for migraines to trigger a change in voice but the sudden onset of Foreign Accent Syndrome has baffled doctors. The most common changes are errors in voicing, difficulty with consonant clusters and a tendency to delete or distort consonants and vowels during speech. This can lead to words being pronounced incorrectly or with excess stress.
This strange phenomenon is not as rare as some would like to believe. It is possible that there are many unreported cases around the world. The case of Sarah is just the latest to capture the public imagination.
Migraines
Migraines can cause a variety of symptoms including slurred or jumbled speech. The condition can also cause visual disturbances known as auras, which are sometimes described as bright flashes of light or heat waves. They can also cause pain in the head and neck, vision changes and even numbness in the arm or fingers. Migraines can be extremely debilitating for sufferers and some people are unable to work or drive during attacks. Medication can help to manage the pain and other symptoms.
Some people suffering from migraines develop a foreign accent as a side effect, a condition known as Foreign Accent Syndrome. Usually, this is the result of damage to the brain caused by a stroke or traumatic injury but in some cases it can occur for no apparent reason. UT Dallas reports that Sarah Colwill, who features in a new BBC documentary, was diagnosed with the condition after she went to hospital with a severe migraine.
The programme explores the effects of this rare disorder and tries to find out why it happens. It also looks at the different treatments available to sufferers, who are often able to return to their original accents after treatment. Despite this, some people have to learn to live with the condition forever, which can cause problems in social and professional life.
Stroke
A stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts or, more commonly, when a blood clot blocks part of the brain. Without immediate treatment, brain cells in the affected area die and serious disability or death can result. If someone you know has a stroke, look for these symptoms:
F. Face weakness: Does one side of the mouth or eye droop? A. Arm strength: Ask them to raise their arms. If one arm stays higher while the other drifts downward, it’s time to call 911. S. Speech: Listen for slurred words or trouble choosing the right ones. T. Time: The earlier you get help, the better — within three to four-and-a-half hours is ideal. Within that window, medications called thrombolytic drugs are available that dissolve existing clots and can prevent further damage.
The good news is that the brain has a remarkable ability to change and adapt. It can “re-map” an ability, transferring it from a damaged to an undamaged part of the brain. Some stroke therapy methods take advantage of this ability, speeding up the recovery process.
Some people experience foreign accent syndrome after a migraine, but it can also happen after other kinds of brain trauma or injury. Others develop a new accent after having a stroke, or lose their previous accent completely. In such cases, doctors haven’t been able to explain what causes the change.
Stroke can affect anyone, but some are at greater risk than others. Age (about two-thirds of strokes happen in people over 65), high blood pressure and other medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes increase your risk. So, if you have these conditions, see your doctor for regular check-ups to find out your risk level. If you’re at high risk, your doctor may prescribe medication to lower it. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can also reduce your chances of having a stroke. Going to rehabilitation/therapy appointments and putting in your best effort can make a big difference in how well you recover from a stroke. You should also talk to your healthcare provider if you’re feeling down or depressed – depression and anxiety can keep you from getting the care you need.
Voice Therapy
Gender-affirming voice therapy is a specialized form of speech therapy that can help you change your vocal pitch to match your gender identity. It is important to choose a healthcare provider who understands how your gender and voice are connected. You should also ask your provider if they have experience treating transgender and nonbinary people.
A therapist will start by evaluating your voice to determine the best course of treatment for you. They will take into account your lifestyle and personal goals. The therapist will also recommend specific exercises and techniques that you can practice outside of sessions. They may also encourage you to avoid certain behaviors that can lead to a hoarse or cracked voice, such as throat clearing, yelling, excessive crying, and talking over background noise.
After completing the evaluation, the therapist will put together a personalized voice therapy plan for you. They will use a variety of techniques to improve your vocal quality, including breathing and resonance exercises. They may also suggest that you avoid certain foods or drinks that can irritate your throat, such as dairy products and acidic foods. Lastly, the therapist will teach you how to relax your voice so that it does not become tired out.
Behavioral voice therapy is often recommended for patients with psychogenic voice disorders. These conditions are triggered by anxiety or stress, and they can result in vocal changes, such as a hoarse or cracked voice. Behavioral therapy can help you identify the cause of your anxiety and address it directly. It can also teach you how to cope with the anxiety and reduce the symptoms of your disorder.
In addition to voice exercises, a therapist can also help you with other issues related to the health of your voice, such as nodules or polyps on the vocal cords, muscle tension dysphonia, and aging voice changes. Ultimately, this will allow you to speak more clearly and feel more comfortable in your own skin. It is also a good idea to get regular checkups with your doctor and follow their recommendations for healthy breathing and exercise to help prevent further problems with your voice.
