Music Therapy Methods with Children, Adolescents, and Adults with Severe Neurobehavioral Disorders Due to Brain Injury

Weblink:

http://mtp.oxfordjournals.org.libproxy.wlu.ca/content/29/1/5.full.pdf+html

Journal name, number (year), pp.:

Music Therapy Perspectives (2011) 29 (1): 5-13.

Authors:

Wendy L. Magee, PhD, NMT-F ARCM,
Felicity Baker, PhD, RMT,
Barbara Daveson, PhD, RMT,
Holly Hitchen, (NEE ROSHIER), BMUS(HONS) DIPMTH,
Jeanette Kennelly, BMUS ED. PGDIP MTHY, RMT,
Maggie Leung, BMUS, PGDIP MTHY, RMT and
Jeanette Tamplin, NMT, MMUS, RMT
Institute of Neuropalliative Rehabilitation, London, and Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Kings College London
The University of Queensland
Royal Hospital for Neurodisability, London
The Children’s Trust, Tadworth; and Strathmore School, Richmond-Upon-Thames, Surrey
The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Royal Children’s Hospital and Health Service District, Brisbane, Australia
Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia

Abstract:

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the application of music therapy intervention in neurobehavioral treatment programs with pediatric, adolescent and adult populations through the presentation of six case reports, with special reference to post-traumatic amnesia. Severe behavioral disorders stemming from brain injury are challenging for both the affected individual and their support network. Managing neurobehavioral disorders requires specialist skills and knowledge of various strategies to minimize behavioral incidents and decrease episodes of agitation. Music therapy interventions are effective in increasing orientation and decreasing agitation in people with post-traumatic amnesia following brain injury (Baker, 2001). However, there is little published guidance or research on music therapy interventions for use in interdisciplinary rehabilitation programs for patients with short-term or chronic neurobehavioral disorders following traumatic brain injury. Music therapy is well-placed as a part of interdisciplinary rehabilitation with this population, offering opportunities to enable emotional expression and improve pragmatic communication skills and social interaction. This case material provided illustrates how music therapists integrate family members into treatment programs, and work with others to enable multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary outcomes.