title: Communicating with brain-impaired palliative care patients through music therapy.
abstract: Language is mainly a function of the left hemisphere of the brain; music is mainly a function of the right hemisphere. Using language and music together therapeutically with brain-impaired patients offers a greater chance of activating intact neurological pathways than using language alone. Music therapy also offers an alternate and creative way of communicating with these patients.
authors.affiliation: Music Therapy Department, Caritas Christi Hospice, Kew, Australia.
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: O'Callaghan
mesh_terms: D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003142:Communication; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009147:Music Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*