The most important reflex you never think about | Maggie-Lee Huckabee | TEDxChristchurch

Everybody swallows, but we almost never think about it -- until our ability to do it is impaired. But is it even possible to rehabilitate a reflex? Using novel approaches, Professor Maggie-Lee Huckabee is retraining people to swallow -- and giving them their lives back.
Prof Maggie-Lee Huckabee, PhD practiced as a clinician for 13 years before the frustration of never knowing ‘the answers’ led her to an academic career. She is now Professor in the Department of Communication Disorders, University of Canterbury and Director of the UC Rose Centre for Stroke Recovery and Research in Christchurch, New Zealand. Her research interests focus on the complexities of behaviorally-driven neural adaptation and biomechanical change leading to swallowing recovery. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx