Abstract
BackgroundIn foreign language syndrome, patients switch from their native language and fixate for a period of time on a second language. There have been few reported cases. The language switch typically occurs postoperatively and spontaneously resolves after a short period of time. The primary cause of this switching remains unclear. There is speculation about the involvement of anesthesia, but its specific influence remains unclear.Case presentationA 17-year-old Dutch Caucasian male lost the ability to understand and speak Dutch for 24 hours after an orthopedic surgery, combined with a brief confused state including disorientation of place and the inability to recognize his parents. During the period, he communicated in English, which he had learned during school classes but had never spoken outside of school. Further follow-up, including neuropsychological examination, revealed no indication of cognitive impairment.ConclusionsThe exact pathophysiology of foreign language syndrome remains unclear, most specifically whether it is a syndrome of its own or a phenotype of emergence delirium. There is still much to be learned, and further research is needed.
Highlights
In foreign language syndrome, patients switch from their native language and fixate for a period of time on a second language
Some articles associate the language switch with “foreign language syndrome” (FLS), known as “transient post-anesthetic foreign language fixation” and formerly known as “non-native language syndrome” In Foreign language syndrome (FLS), patients switch from their native language and fixate on a second language for a period of time
There has been no broader analysis of possible mental disturbances with which FLS could be associated
Summary
The exact pathophysiology of foreign language syndrome remains unclear, most whether it is a syndrome of its own or a phenotype of emergence delirium.
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