After a concussion, a mild traumatic brain injury, resuming activities like listening to music is a common concern. A concussion temporarily alters brain function, affecting how stimuli are perceived. While rest is often recommended initially, understanding how the brain responds to sound helps determine when and how music can be reintroduced. This article discusses the brain’s altered sensitivity, guides music navigation during recovery, and identifies signs music may hinder healing.
Understanding the Concussed Brain’s Sensitivity
A concussed brain processes auditory information differently than a healthy brain. The neural pathways for sound processing can be disrupted, leading to increased sensitivity to sound, known as phonophobia. This heightened sensitivity means that sounds previously considered normal can feel uncomfortably loud or even painful.
The brain’s ability to filter irrelevant sensory input is impaired after a concussion. A healthy brain prioritizes important sounds, but an injured brain may struggle with filtering background noise. This can lead to sensory overload, where all sounds compete for attention, resulting in cognitive fatigue. This makes it harder for the brain to process information, potentially causing symptoms like headaches or increased stress. Even benign music can contribute to overstimulation, as the brain expends more energy to process auditory signals. This effort can divert energy from healing, potentially prolonging recovery.
Navigating Music During Recovery
Reintroducing music during concussion recovery requires careful, personalized consideration. While initial guidelines suggest minimizing intense auditory input, a gradual return to controlled input is encouraged as symptoms improve. Volume is a primary factor; listening at a low volume is advised, as loud sounds can exacerbate symptoms. Familiar and predictable music, like childhood songs or instrumental pieces, may be more tolerable. These can engage memory networks without excessive cognitive demands or novelty stress.
Listening periods should be short, with frequent breaks to prevent overstimulation and allow the brain to rest. Starting with 10-15 minute sessions, gradually increase as tolerated.
A quiet, controlled setting, free from competing noises, is preferable. This minimizes sensory load on the recovering brain. Headphones at low volume are an option, but speakers are also recommended to avoid direct sound pressure on the ears. Individual tolerance varies widely, so monitoring symptoms and adjusting is paramount. Low-tempo, relaxing, or classical music can also be a tool for stress reduction.
Recognizing When Music Harms
While music can be a source of comfort or a tool in recovery, it is important to recognize when it negatively impacts the healing process. If music causes increased headache or head pressure, it indicates the brain is overtaxed. The onset or worsening of dizziness or nausea during or after music exposure is a clear sign to stop. Heightened sensitivity to light or sound, known as photophobia and phonophobia respectively, are common post-concussion symptoms that music can worsen. If music intensifies these sensitivities, the auditory input is too much for the recovering brain.
Difficulty concentrating, feeling overwhelmed, or increased irritability indicate music is causing cognitive strain. The brain’s reduced ability to filter sensory information can lead to cognitive overload, manifesting as these symptoms. Increased fatigue or new or worsening ringing in the ears (tinnitus) while listening to music signals the brain needs a break. These symptoms collectively suggest the brain is overstimulated and requires rest to continue its recovery. If these symptoms persist or worsen significantly, seeking guidance from a healthcare professional is advisable.