Page 18 - PIC Magazine Autumn Issue 16

18
NEUROLOGIC
It would be ideal if prior to any disengagement, a multidisciplinary
team be involved in
the patients’ recovery including specialists from each required field such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, SaLT, psychology and NMT.
For those living with a brain injury, rehab can be painful and monotonous which can lead to disengagement. Once the patient becomes disinterested in recovery, there is little hope of further improvement in their condition. One of the most positive effects of NMT is that the
music helps the patient engage in rehab. This is because generally, the music chosen for each session is of particular importance to the patient, it has some meaning to their life prior to the injury.
More often than not, the patient is able to choose the songs/music played during each session (if the patient themselves is unable to do so, then the relatives closest to them, can choose for them). This gives the patient a feeling of control during rehab, control being something they feel
they have lost as a result of the injury. Choosing songs personal to
them encourages concentration and improves mood, therefore helping improve engagement in rehab. Music also helps distract from painful
or repetitive exercises being carried out by another part of the MDT such as physiotherapy.
MUSIC THERAPY
Daniel Thomas, Joint Managing Director of Chroma Therapies talks about the reality of the cost-effectiveness of Neurologic Music Therapy as part of a Multidisciplinary Team in acute phase rehabilitation for victims of a TBI/ABI.
ong-term benefits of effective rehabilitation for those living with a brain injury are well-documented (1,2,3,4). With significant advances in medicine, many living with a
brain injury, whether that be an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or Stroke related, suffer little reduction to life expectancy, but, life- long disability. The possibility of working again is low and full-time care may be required for the rest of their lives. The economic burden of a brain injury is considered to be significantly high.
Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) incorporated within a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) has been found to be both a clinically and cost effective way to work with patients living with an ABI/TBI especially in the acute phase.
Wood2 found that those living with a brain injury who received a minimum of 6 months rehab from the onset of injury, were able to progress
to less dependent placements in the community, and maintain higher levels of social activity (independence) with fewer hours of care support.
A brain injury can affect the victim in numerous ways which is why a multidisciplinary team is required for rehab to prove effective. One team cannot do it all. To address the effects
of the brain damage, specialists in each field are required, for example physiotherapists for helping rebuild muscle strength.
Due to the sudden and traumatic effect the injury has upon the victim, it is common for the patient to become disengaged from the process of rehabilitation, for behaviour to become challenging and rehab becoming increasingly difficult.
One of the most positive effects of NMT is that the music helps the patient engage in rehab. This is because generally, the music chosen for each session is of particular importance to the patient, it has some meaning to their life prior to the injury.
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