New Research Reveals Music May Help Detect Concussion in Children
A new diagnostic approach is emerging in pediatric care, one that uses music therapy to help assess consciousness in children with severe brain injuries. Developed through a collaboration between Anglia Ruskin University, The Children’s Trust, and Temple University, the tool—MuSICCA—offers a novel way to identify signs of awareness in children aged 2 to 18 using live, personalized music.
A Response to a Longstanding Gap
Assessing consciousness in children with brain injuries has long been a challenge, especially due to the developmental changes that occur across different age groups. Existing tools have often lacked the flexibility or specificity needed to account for those changes. In response, researchers created MuSICCA, short for Music therapy Sensory Instrument for Cognition, Consciousness and Awareness.
MuSICCA integrates live music performance into a clinical setting. A trained therapist plays music tailored to the patient and monitors the child’s behavioral responses. These observations are recorded and measured against a structured scale that helps determine the child’s level of consciousness. All respondents agreed that the MuSICCA is an assessment of consciousness and awareness, with 85% strongly agreeing with this statement.
How It Works in Practice
During a session, music is adjusted in real time to match the child’s reactions. This interaction aims to bring out subtle behavioral cues that might indicate awareness—such as changes in facial expression, body movement, or attention. Because each session is adapted to the individual, the tool allows therapists to explore a wide range of possible responses.
The data collected can be shared with broader care teams and families, helping to communicate what the child may be capable of and how they are responding. This makes MuSICCA not just an assessment tool, but also a bridge for understanding in complex care environments.
Photo Credit: Crambridge Network
Early Feedback from the Field
To evaluate MuSICCA’s potential, researchers engaged healthcare professionals, music therapists, and families in a review of the tool. After observing demonstrations and participating in feedback sessions, the majority of participants supported its use in clinical care. A significant portion of respondents strongly agreed that the tool appeared both valid and suitable for children.
Some of the key benefits identified include its clarity, ease of use, and ability to capture nuanced patient responses that might otherwise go unrecognized. Its flexibility and inclusion of caregiver insight were also seen as valuable.
Looking Ahead
Children with disorders of consciousness rely on their care teams for every aspect of daily life. Being able to accurately assess their awareness is essential for planning treatments and support strategies. With limited options currently available, MuSICCA offers a new pathway that combines musical engagement with clinical evaluation.
While further validation is ongoing, early research indicates that MuSICCA could fill a critical gap in pediatric neurorehabilitation. Its use of music as a diagnostic tool introduces a responsive, patient-centered method for understanding consciousness in some of the most complex and sensitive cases.
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