Althia Bryden, a 58-year-old woman from Highbury, North London, experienced an extraordinary aftermath following a stroke: she developed an Italian accent and the ability to speak Italian, a language she had never learned.
Her stroke was caused by a carotid web, a rare condition that disrupts blood flow to the brain. After being found unresponsive by her husband, Winston, she spent nine days in the hospital. Three months later, following surgery to remove the carotid web, Althia regained her speech—but with a surprising twist.
She explained:
“Out of the blue, I just started speaking. At first, I didn’t even recognize my own voice. Doctors and nurses were stunned, and soon it became clear I had a strong Italian accent.”
Doctors believe she has Foreign Accent Syndrome (FAS), a rare neurological condition that alters speech patterns to resemble a foreign accent.
Remarkably, Althia can also speak Italian words without prior knowledge of the language. She noted:
“My brain just converts English words into Italian mid-conversation without me realizing. It’s like my thoughts have an Italian accent too.”
While her condition has been described as a “medical marvel” by healthcare professionals, living with the syndrome has been emotionally challenging.
“I wake up hoping my old voice will return, but it doesn’t feel like me with this accent,” she shared.
