Neuropsychologists at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences' Music Cognition Lab have spent the past few years exploring music-based techniques in neuro-rehabilitation, particularly for stroke. Treating at least ten patients a month, they say these interventions play a key role in helping stroke survivors regain cognitive abilities, The Times of India reported.
Rhythm as therapy
The lab relies on evidence-based, neuroscience-driven tools. The music is universal rather than culture-specific and can be as simple as a metronome, rhythmic counting, structured rhythm phrases or rhythmic syllables that support speech. The aim is to train intact brain regions to compensate for damaged ones.
One patient, a 42-year-old HR executive, suffered a stroke at 37 that left her unable to walk or speak. Three years later she still had deficits in expressive and written language, verbal fluency, working memory and arithmetic. With neurologic music therapy alongside other targeted therapies, she showed notable improvements in speech, arithmetic, work engagement and daily independence. Another patient, a 27-year-old medical representative who could understand several languages but not speak, read or write after his stroke, relearned complex medication names through rhythmic cues and rebuilt numerical skills with finger movements and rhythmic patterns until he could count into the thousands and calculate money again.
"Music is one of the highest forms of cognitive function, though it is often viewed merely as something cultural or recreational," said the lab's lead neuropsychologist. "I break it down into its fundamental components and use those building blocks to enhance core cognitive functions including attention, memory, planning, decision-making, and response inhibition."
Personalised recovery plans across the city
Across Bengaluru, clinicians in different settings are using music to support patients with traumatic brain injuries. "Patients are identified through multidisciplinary assessments involving neurologists, psychologists, and rehabilitation specialists, and the therapy is integrated into personalised recovery plans rather than used as a standalone intervention," said Neha Cadabam, Senior Psychologist and Executive Director at Cadabam's Hospitals. Other clinicians described using calming music alongside regular interventions, particularly for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Support at Cadabam's Hospitals
Recovery after a stroke or brain injury is about more than the body. Cadabam's Hospitals offers integrated neuro-rehabilitation that combines neuropsychological assessment, psychotherapy and creative therapies within a personalised plan for each patient and family. Our team is here to help.