Post Reports Deep Reads: A songwriter had part of his brain removed. The music flowed.
Sep 6, 2025
A songwriter's unexpected journey unfolds as he undergoes brain surgery to cure chronic pain that's stifled his creativity. Despite being unconscious, his voice echoes throughout the operating room, intertwining music and a deeply personal struggle. As he battles physical ailments that trigger mental health challenges, the story emphasizes the importance of emotional support. Post-surgery, he experiences a remarkable resurgence in creativity, leading to a transformative album that captures the essence of his recovery journey.
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Surgery Soundtracked By The Patient's Songs
- Mike Frazier lay unconscious while surgeon Lee Selznick opened a window into his brain during a three-hour operation.
- The team played a Spotify playlist of Mike's music as they worked to remove the source of his pain.
Pain Began On The Highway And Escalated
- Mike first felt a sudden stabbing gut pain on I-395 and later assumed it was a panic attack.
- Over two years the episodes worsened, became meal-triggered, and left him desperate and depressed.
A Lunch Conversation Led To Diagnosis
- During lunch Mike blanked out and convulsed briefly while talking with a friend, who later urged him to seek care.
- An MRI and tests with electrodes captured the pain event and revealed abnormal brain activity.