The Mozart Effect & Epilepsy
“The earth has music for those who listen.” Shakesphere
There are many different types of medicines and remedies throughout our world today. Ranging from conventional (traditional), alternative, complementary, herbal, therapeutic, to standard medicines and remedies. One researched remedy that I recently took notice of in my journey, entitled “The Mozart Effect” captured my interest and as someone who has a love for music, I decided that I would dig deeper into this Mozart Effect to grasp a better understanding in my pursuit for a cure. So…
What Is The Mozart Effect?
A theory is in existence that states that listening to “Mozart’s Sonata For Two Pianos In D Major, K448” (Also Known As Mozart K448) may improve how well the brain works. This may very well be a beneficial treatment for some living with a neurological condition such as epilepsy. This theory has been called the “Mozart Effect”.
The term Mozart Effect was first used in 1993, by a group of researchers. They studied what happened to a group of students, after they listened to Mozart K448 for 10 minutes. The researchers took notice that for an estimated 10 to 15 minutes after listening to the music, they had better ‘spatial-reasoning skills’. This means they performed better in certain tasks they were given, which included paper cutting and folding.
Since then, various researchers and doctors have carried out studies to look at how listening to Mozart K448 might have an effect on those living with epilepsy.
- In 1998, researchers asked 29 people with epilepsy to listen to Mozart K448 while having an EEG test. The people who were selected indicated lots of epileptiform activity in part or all of their brain during previous EEG tests. For 23 individuals who took this test, the EEG test showed less epileptiform activity in their brain while they were listening to the music.
- In Taiwan in 2011, 58 children with focal epilepsy listened to 8 minutes of Mozart K448, once a day. They then had EEG tests after one, two and six months. For 47 of the children, each EEG test showed a further decline in epileptiform activity.
- In addition in Taiwan in 2011, 11 children with refractory (difficult to control) epilepsy were studied. Most of the children had learning difficulties. The number of seizures they had in six months were counted. After this, they listened to Mozart K448, once a day before bed, for six months. During this time, their seizures were counted again. Of the 11 children, eight became seizure free, or had a high reduction in their seizures, in the months they listened to the music.
To summarize, there have been a few, small studies undertaken, looking at the effects of listening to Mozart’s music for those living with epilepsy. The studies have focused on Mozart’s music, rather than music by other composers. Some believe that the results look promising and that listening to Mozart should be considered as an additional treatment for some with epilepsy. Although, others believe that there is still not enough evidence, understanding or proof to indicate that this might be beneficial.
In order to determine whether or not the Mozart Effect really could benefit more people with epilepsy, more research is necessary. This would involve a larger number of volunteers, researchers and more. I believe it’s an avenue worth exploring. How about you?
Questions For The Reader
- Have you tried the Mozart Effect?
- Have you noticed a difference in your seizure activity?
- What are your thoughts on the Mozart Effect?
- If you’ve tried the Mozart Effect, would you recommend it? Why or why not?
Tiffany Kairos
I am a happily-ever-after wife, an epilepsy diagnosee, advocate for epilepsy awareness (The Epilepsy Network), life lover & Christ inspired! Life is a journey and I'm loving every moment of it. Even the bumps in the road!
9 Comments
Chistabel
My 9 months old daughter has seizure and makes me desperate and now everyday i try to listening k448 on her
Wish her luck
Justin
Very interesting article . I’ve had epilepsy for the better part of 37 years. During my teen years I learned to play the piano. A few years later after progressing I was introduced to Mozart and Betwoven by one of my teachers. Playing the piano was always theraputic and helped focus my energy in a positive way. To this day music is a big part of my life and has always provided me relief. I’m going to try listening to some Mozart in the Key you mentioned. If it provides relief I’ll certainly let you know. I’m going to write that D major chord down and create some music of my own. Thanks for the resources, all the best to you.
Barb
This article fascinated me. My youngest son has gran mal seizures that are not fully controlled by his medicines. It’s been very difficult to watch him go through a seizure cluster every month. I read this and thought why not give it a try. He loves music. It’s a lively piece. It’s been almost a week since I’ve been playing it for him at bedtime. He is very attentive when he listens to it. Fingers crossed that it may help him. Regardless, it’s a lovely piece of music to listen to and quite soothing so it’s a win on just that alone.
Tiffany Kairos
Hi Barb 🙂 I pray that your son’s seizures will soon be controlled. I know that it must be difficult to watch him go through such a challenge. How wonderful that he loves music! Music, in my opinion, is medicine in itself. 🙂 That is great that he gets to enjoy this piece before bedtime each night. I do hope that it will help him! Yes I do agree, it is very soothing.
God bless and all the best!
Sherree
My 8 year old daughter has severely intractable seizures , epc + 10-50 stronger ones per day , medicine helps a little but just doesn’t make them quit ….ever . I will try this on her 10 min a day listening to Mozart k448. I am desperate and would be willing to try anything to help her even if it’s just a little .
Tiffany Kairos
Hi Sherree –
My heart goes out to you and to your daughter as she goes through this difficult journey! I understand how you are feeling. Sometimes medicines work, however sometimes medicines don’t always work. I pray that this music will help her. 🙂 God bless!
Nicole
Your daughter really has that many every DAY?! I have partial complex seizures(and non epileptic) and they hit a few times a week
Jonathan
Music is very powerful, nice article
tkairos
Thank you Jonathan! 🙂