Music and Epilepsy

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Research has offered the theory that music can be effective, when used in conjunction with a treatment plan, to improve behavioral and attention issues in children with epilepsy. For children who have epilepsy, and experience complex partial seizures, some exhibit difficulties controlling their behavior and remaining focused on activities. (Semrud-Clikeman M; Wical B, 1999) Sumrund and Wical understood that epileptic children may have a predisposition to attention and behavioral issues, more so than children who do not have epilepsy. In a cross-sectional study performed at the Neurological Clinic at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health with 100 epileptic children ages 6-10, 57% of the children presented with behavioral problems and 32% of them were moderate to severe. (Piyasil V; Sriudomkajorn S; Suwanpairat J, 2008)

For adolescents dealing with epilepsy, education and social situations can be difficult. Low self-worth is a harsh consequence of the unexpectedness surrounding seizures and is detrimental to their lives. (Collins S, 2011) Without support, children can develop depression and become lonely if they feel that their peers are uneasy because of their medical issues. By treating with music therapy to facilitate greater focus and control, as well as reduce the episodes of epileptic seizures, the patients may improve with their depression more effectively while living more productive and socially connected lives.

Historically, music has been revealed to be effective in modifying the mood, behavior and health of people in an encouraging manner. The first time music therapy was mentioned in the US as a treatment was in an unsigned 1789 article in Columbian Magazine; however it has been noted throughout history as ...

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... background music on the on-task-performance of fifth-grade children. Journal Of Educational Research, 80(1), 29-33

Hallam S; Price J, (1997). Can the use of background music improve the behaviour and academic performance of children with emotional and behavioural difficulties? British Journal of Special Education 25(2), 88-91

Piyasil V; Sriudomkajorn S; Suwanpairat J. (2008). Behavioral problems of epileptic children at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand, 91(3) 9-14

Semrud-Clikeman, M. & Wical, B. (1999). Components of attention in children with complex partial seizures with and without ADHD. Epilepsia, 40(2), 211-215

Sidorenko, V.N. (2000). Effects of the medical resonance therapy: Music in the complex treatment of epileptic patients. Integrative Physiological & Behavioral Science, 35(3), 212-217.

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