While the claims of intelligence boosting are dubious, one assertion that sounds just as implausible but is absolutely real is that classical music can help treat epilepsy.
But not just any classical music — specifically, Mozart’s Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major (K448). Known as the “Mozart K448 effect,” this bizarre phenomenon was first described nearly 30 years ago.
Since then, researchers have learned more about the Mozart K448 effect. It seems to work by reducing so-called interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) — abnormal brainwaves that occur in between seizures in epileptic patients.
In their new paper, published in Scientific Reports, [researcher Robert] Quon’s team recruited 16 volunteers who had brain implants for the treatment of refractory focal epilepsy — that is, epileptic seizures that originate in one side of the brain and do not respond to treatment.
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His team first showed that, for the K448 effect to take place, a patient must be exposed to the music for a certain period of time: at least 30 seconds.
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There is still much to figure out. But the fact that scientists are closer to understanding how Mozart can bring relief to refractory epilepsy patients must be music to their ears.
