Personalized music improves epileptiform activity, REM sleep and quality of life in children with epilepsies
Abstract
PURPOSE
There is an indication for EEG entrainment of rhythm, in particular in association with the regulation of frequencies related to epileptic seizures. We present the X-System model, which may predict the neurophysiological effects of music. We suggest that this may "entrain" healthy electrical brain activity more effectively than previously-used, intuitive choices of music.
METHODS
We enrolled 19 subjects (5-17 years old) with epilepsy. All children had overnight video/EEG monitoring and polysomnography before, upon starting and three weeks after starting all-night music treatment. A section of the EEG from the area contralateral to the epileptic region was audified to produce an audio representation of healthy brain activity. Using the X-System model to find the closest musical equivalents, tracks were selected from culturally relevant repertoires and processed into a personalized, all-night playlist for each individual subject. QOLIE-31 and ELDQOL were used to assess their quality of life.
RESULTS
The mean age was 10.74 years (range 5-17 years), 63% were male. The mean spike reduction for the whole group, n = 19, was 28.42%. The mean spike reduction in patients with focal epilepsies, n = 6, was 28.46%, and with generalized epilepsies, n = 13, was 28.33%. Polysomnography showed improvement in REM sleep in all patients (p = 0.0006) and an increase in sleep spindles along with reduced awakenings and improved sleep efficiency. During music treatment, melatonin saliva…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 19 participants or records.
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