Using Mozart to treat medication-resistant epilepsy

Researchers at Dartmouth University working on a program, are examining the effects of listening to Mozart on epilepsy patients resistant to medication. Data from the study indicates that controlled exposure to this stimulus might modulate electrical activity in the frontal cortices of the brain.

Using Mozart to treat medication-resistant epilepsy. Photo: Diogo Nunes/Unsplash

The findings have potential for an intervention that is noninvasive and can help patients who experience suboptimal outcomes with pharmaceutical therapeutics.

Participants in the study listened to 15- to 90-second audio clips while an EEG measured their electrical brain activity.

Data revealed that listening to between 30 and 90 seconds of Mozart's composition Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major, or Mozart K448, correlated with a significant reduction in the amount of epilepsy-associated electrical activity spikes in the brain.

The left and right frontal cortices that regulate emotional responses recorded the most profound impact.

After more than 30 seconds of exposure to the music, participants experienced what is termed the "Mozart K448 Effect," a reduced level of epileptiform activity.

Lengthy and repeated exposure produced activity in the frontal cortices that could be triggered by a positive reaction to stimulation.

The findings suggest that positive emotional responses intensify the effects of K448. (National Science Foundation)

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Study finds link between sleep habits and weight gain in newborns

Infants who sleep longer through the night and with fewer interruptions may be less likely to (...)

Novel analysis finds new mechanism underlying red blood cell aging

Researchers probe mechanical performance of red blood cells.

How T cell reload their weapons

Cambridge researchers have discovered how T cells are able keep on killing as they hunt down and kill cancer cells, repeatedly reloading their toxic weapons.

Wildfire pollution linked to fatal heart, respiratory illness

Wildfire smoke linked to fatal heart and lung conditions.

Engineers grow pancreatic 'organoids' that mimic the real thing

Organoids could help researchers develop and test new treatments for pancreatic cancer.

Long hours ‘a key cause of work-related deaths’

Almost two million people worldwide die of work-related causes, according to joint estimates by (...)