Devon man with locked-in syndrome becomes published author

A man with locked-in syndrome has written a chapter for a medical book to educate people on the condition.

Bram Harrison was 20 years old when a bicycle accident left his whole body paralysed apart from his eyes, though he could still see, hear, and feel. Now, 27 years since the accident, Bram is a published author, using an eye-controlled computer.

The book, ‘Giving a Voice to Those Living with Locked-In Syndrome’, edited by neuroscientist Shannan Keen, was published in May this year with contributions from Bram and other patients living with the condition around the world.

Emerging from darkness

Bram explained how being diagnosed with locked-in syndrome was a “great thing” for him, as it meant doctors acknowledged his presence: “I’ve written about emerging from a comatose darkness; and then, after nine years of silence, using an eye-controlled computer, I spoke to the whole world.”

Bram noted how technology is constantly opening new opportunities. It has allowed him to write, as well as do work as a local radio DJ in Exeter.

He added: “I hope my words can help future victims of this condition. I’ve always wanted my life to be recorded in some way. I didn’t think I would be a writer though.”

He commented that now, “making the most of a complicated life is my main concern”.

Meaningful life

Shannan Keen noted how, for people with locked-in syndrome, “the feeling of desperation and not understanding, A: what’s happened, and B: what their future can hold is very difficult”.

She said that Bram’s experience was fascinating: “to read how his life had unfolded; what happened, how he’d been before he had his accident, the feelings that he had during his recovery, and how’s he’s managed to move forward with his life and create a really meaningful life for himself”.

All royalty payments for the book will go to the charity Mind Care International Foundation, which provides help and support for people with brain injuries and their families.