A groundbreaking study reveals that music therapy can significantly aid in assessing consciousness levels in children recovering from severe brain injuries. Researchers have developed an innovative tool called MuSICCA (Music therapy Sensory Instrument for Cognition, Consciousness and Awareness) to evaluate consciousness in young patients aged 2 to 18. This tool addresses the critical lack of reliable diagnostic methods for this age group and could revolutionize understanding of awareness in children with disorders of consciousness.
MuSICCA employs live, personalized music performed by a qualified music therapist to stimulate and gauge a patient's level of consciousness. The therapist carefully observes and records the child's responses to different musical stimuli, measuring these against a diagnostic scale to evaluate awareness. This approach provides clearer insights into a child's cognitive state.
Evaluations of MuSICCA, involving therapists, family members, and healthcare professionals, have shown overwhelmingly positive results. Eighty-five percent of evaluators strongly agreed on the tool's validity and suitability for use with children. Dr. Jonathan Pool, Senior Research Fellow at Anglia Ruskin University, emphasizes that MuSICCA offers a rigorous and comprehensive assessment method, providing valuable information to medical teams and families. The research, published in Frontiers in Psychology on May 5, 2025, suggests MuSICCA's potential to transform care for children with brain injuries.