After taking a nap to alleviate a migraine, Verity Went was shocked to wake up speaking with a completely different accent. The 28-year-old woman from Penkridge, Staffordshire, now finds herself communicating in a thick Geordie accent, even in her dreams and sleep talk. She recently tested her new voice in Newcastle and found that locals didn’t even notice the change.
Verity has been diagnosed with a rare condition known as foreign accent syndrome. Initially terrified by the sudden transformation, she has now embraced her new voice, considering it to be a true reflection of herself. Despite the initial shock on October 4, 2023, she has grown to love her Geordie accent, which has remained unchanged since the incident.
The unexpected accent shift occurred after Verity experienced slurred speech upon waking up from her nap. Having been diagnosed with functional neurological disorder (FND) a year earlier, she sought medical attention immediately. Although initially upset by the change, she has gradually accepted and even grown fond of her new accent.
While working with an occupational therapist specializing in FND to understand her body’s changes, Verity has come to terms with her transformed voice. She believes the alteration is likely permanent, as her inner thoughts, dreams, and even sleep talking now reflect her Geordie accent. Despite the challenges, she has chosen to embrace her new identity and hopes for stability in her voice going forward.