A Narrative Review Of Music Therapy In Traumatic Brain Injury Patients In ICU

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a major global cause of mortality and disability, with severe cases often requiring admission to intensive care units (ICUs). The highly stressful and technologically intense ICU environment can amplify the physical and psychological strain experienced by TBI patients. Music therapy, as a non-invasive and human-centered intervention, has gained increasing attention as a supportive method within neurorehabilitation. This narrative review summarizes recent findings, applications, and challenges related to the use of music therapy for TBI patients in critical care. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cinahl for studies published between ۲۰۰۹ and ۲۰۲۴, including clinical trials, observational studies, reviews, and case reports. Evidence suggests that music therapy engages extensive neural networks, enhances neuroplasticity, stabilizes vital signs, and reduces anxiety, pain, and agitation. Interventions such as personalized playlists, live bedside sessions, and family participation have demonstrated positive effects, with some studies reporting improved hemodynamic parameters and emotional regulation. However, the heterogeneity in TBI severity, methodological limitations, and the scarcity of trained music therapists in ICUs continue to hinder broader implementation. In conclusion, music therapy appears to provide meaningful complementary benefits by supporting both physiological stability and psychosocial recovery in TBI patients. Nonetheless, further well-designed randomized controlled trials are necessary to establish standardized treatment protocols and clarify its precise role in critical care environments.

کلیدواژه ها:

Music therapy ، Traumatic brain injury ، Intensive care unit ، Neurorehabilitation ، Emotional regulation