For Houston jazz pianist Barry Seelen, music is more than a profession—it’s his way of life. The feel of the ivory keys under his fingers and the sound of a beautiful melody are as natural to him as breathing. But a massive stroke threatened to silence his music forever. The stroke left him with a devastating condition called dysphagia, the inability to swallow. This meant he couldn't eat, drink or even manage his own saliva, a life-altering and frightening reality.
A Life Interrupted
Dysphagia is a common and serious complication after a stroke, caused by damage to the parts of the brain that control swallowing. For Barry, this meant a feeding tube and the constant risk of life-threatening aspiration pneumonia.
The simple pleasure of a meal, a cool drink on a hot day, was gone. His world narrowed, and the joy he found in his music began to fade.
New Treatment Hope
Just when his future seemed bleak, an innovative new treatment offered a glimmer of hope. Justine Chen, MD, neurologist with UTHealth Houston Neurosciences and affiliated with Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, along with a team of speech-language pathologists with Memorial Hermann introduced Barry to the Phagenyx® Neurostimulation System. This groundbreaking therapy uses pharyngeal electrical stimulation (PES) to retrain the brain and restore swallowing control.
The nonsurgical treatment works by delivering small, precise electrical pulses to the back of the throat, stimulating the sensory nerves that are critical for a safe and efficient swallow. This process helps to reawaken the neural pathways and rebuild the brain-to-muscle connection that was damaged by the stroke. The treatment sessions are conducted by speech-language pathologists who have received special training in dysphagia management and treatment. The team was the first in Texas to implement this therapy modality.
Finding His Rhythm Again
Barry began his series of treatments with the speech-language pathology team. Each day, for a short period, he underwent the gentle electrical stimulation. The results were nothing short of remarkable. After a series of treatments, Barry’s ability to swallow began to return. He was soon able to eat and drink on his own again, a milestone that brought immense relief and joy.
"To lose the ability to eat and drink is to lose a fundamental part of your life," says Dr. Chen. "With this therapy, we are seeing patients like Barry regain that ability, and with it, their independence and quality of life. It’s a game-changer for stroke recovery."
Today, Barry is once again enjoying the simple pleasures of life, such as eating a good meal. His recovery is a testament to his own strength and resilience, and to the innovative care available at Memorial Hermann.
If you or a loved one is recovering from a stroke, learn more about the comprehensive stroke care and rehabilitation services available at Memorial Hermann.