Abstracts

Rationale: Several publications supported the effect of music on neurological conditions including epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to define the immediate effects of music on epileptic discharges/ EEG and heart rate (HR) in Lebanese children with epilepsy, while comparing western music (Mozart’s) to an oriental music (Chawa’s). Methods: All children underwent extended EEG with simultaneous cardiac monitoring. During the recording, the child listened to 3-minute segments of Mozart's sonata K.448 and Chawa's 'Dance of the Pharaoh's Daughter' music in a pre-established randomized order. A manual count of epileptic discharges on EEG with HR measurement was done by two blinded readers at eight different times (before, during, and after each music). The children had to be in the same waking state (23 asleep). Results: Among 47 recruited children, 28 satisfied inclusion criteria and were retained, aging 6-15 years (16 girls,17 with focal seizures). A statistically significant effect of the music over time (p = 0.019) was found on both EEG discharges (p = 0.021) and HR (p = 0.014). The effect on reducing epileptic discharges was optimal at the beginning of listening to the music and on the HR reduction towards the end. This was independent from the epilepsy type or order and type of music selected. There was a trend to observe a decrease in the HR and discharges when the epileptic focus was right sided. Conclusions: Our study showed that music is a non-pharmacological, enjoyable, and beneficial adjuvant therapy in children with epilepsy. For the first time, the immediate effect of oriental music was studied and compared to Mozart's music classically used in music therapy, resulting in a decrease in epileptic discharges and HR in these children. An underlying parasympathetic mechanism is possible. Further studies are required to investigate long term consequences. Funding: Saint Joseph University and Antonine University