Psychophony

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Psychofonie is as a method for reducing the frequency of attacks in migraine described.

In this still relatively unknown therapy, the patient's brain waves are recorded in a pain-free state with the help of an EEG (electroencephalogram). A special software system translates these brain waves into piano and harp tones. The patient receives this "brain music" on CD or cassette.
However, it is not music in the usual sense, but a series of disharmonious and non-rhythmic tone sequences. The migraine sufferer can let this affect them several times a day, for example while driving or at work, or consciously take time for it a few times a day.
The therapeutic success of the method is explained by the fact that regular listening to the psychophonic tone sequences would stimulate brain centers positively, which should reduce headaches and increase the patient's well-being.

Medical evaluation of psychophony

The success of the method is controversial in the professional world, with increasing recognition.

In a study published in May 1999. Doctors at the Glarus Cantonal Hospital (Switzerland) confirm the effectiveness of psychophony for migraines and headaches. Especially with migraines, good results have been achieved, including freedom from seizures. A study carried out by neurologists in Berlin also speaks of positive effects in the vast majority of the test subjects.

In contrast, a statement by the German Migraine and Headache Society (DMKG) shows that psychophony is viewed as an ineffective method for treating migraines, both in attack docking and in migraine prophylaxis. The therapeutic approach presented in the psychophony patient education is not compatible with today's modern pathophysiological ideas about migraines.

In contrast, a multicenter double-blind study published by neurologists in September 2002 shows a significant improvement in headaches and stomach complaints, provided the sound effects are derived from the patient's own EEG. These new results suggest individual resonance effects , with which repeatedly tapped EEG-based tone sequences can cause vegetative changes . It cannot be ruled out that this can modulate pain perceptions.

The long-term studies published in 2010 confirm the long-term positive effects on migraines and other vegetative complaints. The onset of action after 3 months of psychophonic listening is significant; in the further course of observation up to 10 years the effect does not decrease. The average listening time is 2 years. A high compliance is a characteristic of this self-therapy.

literature

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ K. Rhyner et al .: Psychofonie - a neurophysiological sound therapy for migraines. Practice 1999: 946-949 (PDF; 38 kB)
  2. ↑ DMKG: Opinion and medical evaluation of the so-called "psychophony procedure" for the treatment of a migraine
  3. ↑ E. Trinka al et .: An Auditory Electro Physiological intervention in Migraine: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial add-on. J. Neurotherapy 2002 6 (2): 21-30. (PDF; 79 kB)
  4. ↑ Burkhardt Seifert and Bruno Fricker: Pain relief and relaxation through EEG-based sound sequences - long-term success with psychophony. The Swiss Doctor & Hospital Review 2010 1-2: 48-50 (PDF; 629 kB)

Web links