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Music Heals Brains: Nimhans Stroke Rehab Breakthrough
9 Feb
Summary
- Music therapy aids stroke patients in regaining cognitive abilities.
- Therapy uses rhythmic elements to retrain damaged brain regions.
- Patients show improvements in speech, motor skills, and cognition.
Neuropsychologists at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Nimhans) in Bengaluru are pioneering the use of music-based techniques for stroke rehabilitation. This approach focuses on retraining brain regions to compensate for damage, with experts reporting significant cognitive recovery in patients. The therapy employs universal rhythmic elements, such as metronomes or rhythmic counting, to support speech and motor skills.
Patients have demonstrated notable improvements in expressive speech, verbal fluency, and daily living independence. One case involved a 42-year-old executive who regained speech and cognitive functions after a stroke. Another example is a 27-year-old who improved speech and numerical skills through rhythmic cues.
Clinicians in other hospitals also integrate music into personalized recovery plans for traumatic brain injuries. These strategies are combined with multidisciplinary assessments involving neurologists and rehabilitation specialists. Some practitioners also use calm music to aid patient relaxation, particularly for those with PTSD.
