Mozart sonatas versus alternative therapies in childhood epilepsy : difference in seizure frequency

Abstract

Background: The World Health Organization defines epilepsy as a persistent, non-communicable neurological disorder that affects people of all ages. What makes epilepsy distinctive is the recurrent seizures, which are brief bursts of involuntary movement that can affect the entire body or only a part of it. Although the first treatment for epilepsy is usually the prescription of anti-epileptic medications, Mozart sonatas and compositions are currently being studied. Research Question: Do Mozart sonatas in childhood epilepsy affect seizure frequency, when compared to alternate forms of therapy? PICO Elements: The population (P) were children suffering from epilepsy. The intervention (I) Mozart sonatas was compared (C) with alternate forms of therapy (Mozart compositions and quiet environments). The outcome (O) was the difference in seizure frequency. Method: The PICO components were used to develop alternate keywords. A thorough search of reliable databases, including HyDi, PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCO, and Medline, was conducted using these alternative phrases, together with boolean operators. Peer-reviewed articles published in English, between 2014 and 2022, were eligible for inclusion. Only systematic reviews (SRs), meta-analyses (MA), and randomised control trials (RCTs), were considered. The most important articles were chosen for screening, using the PRISMA flow diagram. Four relevant studies, two RCTs and two SRs, were critically appraised using the tools from Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP). Outcomes and Conclusion: Both Mozart sonatas and alternative therapies have some benefits. Mozart compositions (Alternative therapy), such as the flute concerto (K. 314), violin concertos 1 and 4, piano concerto 22 (K. 482) and symphonies 41 and 46, have a higher benefit, according to the current studies. All research, however, has come to the conclusion that there is not enough evidence to determine if Mozart's sonatas K.448 and K.545, or other compositions, produce a superior result. This literature evaluation however emphasises the need for additional research on Mozart sonatas and alternative therapies for childhood epilepsy. Implications and Recommendations: Further research, education, and the implementation of Mozart therapy in the local settings, employing both sonatas and compositions, can be implemented as they are all feasible recommendations.