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Toward a Tailored Acoustic‐Based Approach in Music Neuromodulation in Epilepsy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Music-based neuromodulation has garnered interest as a potential therapeutic approach for drug-resistant epilepsy. This study expands on prior research by examining the effects of different musical features on interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) within intracerebral EEG (iEEG). METHODS: Twenty-five patients with drug-resistant epilepsy undergoing presurgical iEEG evaluation participated in the study. Over 2 days, patients listened to various musical compositions characterized by distinct acoustic properties. EEG measurements were recorded before and after each listening session to evaluate IED changes. RESULTS: The study identified individualized patterns in IED reduction, with certain acoustic properties showing consistent effects across musical genres. Mozart's "Piano Concerto No. 27" K 595c globally reduced IEDs by 28% while listening to music (p = 0.0191) and 19% in the postmusic resting state (p = 0.0111); relaxation music increased IEDs by 55% (p = 0.0197). Based on the acoustic analysis of individuals, we identified compositions that significantly reduced IEDs, with reductions ranging from 32% to 44% (p = 0.0001). In contrast, compositions with differing acoustic properties did not result in significant changes in IEDs. These results suggest that specific acoustic properties, rather than genre, primarily influence IEDs. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that specific acoustic properties can influence brain activity in a reproducible manner at the individual level, modulating IEDs based on personalized testing and selection across a spectrum of musical genres. These results suggest the potential for music-based neuromodulation as a personalized therapeutic approach in epilepsy management, emphasizing the importance of acoustic features over musical genre. Further research is needed to explore individual aspects of music-based interventions.

Source: European Journal of Neurology

DOI: 10.1111/ene.70151