Infants Exposed to Loud Music, Seizures could have Poor Brain Development

Seizures and listening to loud music during early life could prevent formation of blood vessels in the brain, according to a latest study by researchers at Yale.

Their study was based on animal models. According to researchers, it could be possible that human babies experiencing fever-related seizures and exposed to loud music could have poor brain growth during early years.

A seizure occurs when nerve cells have abnormal and high levels of signals. They can cause temporary disturbances in the brain.

The process of new blood vessel formation in the brain is called Angiogenesis. Blood vessels are formed both before and after birth.

"This could have negative repercussions in normal brain function and increase susceptibility to age-related brain disorders including cognitive decline," said Jaime Grutzendler, associate professor of neurology and neurobiology and senior author of the study, according to a press release.

In the present study, the scientists wanted to understand blood vessel growth in brain after birth and whether increased brain activity affected brain development.

Researchers exposed young mice (less than a month old) to repetitive sounds and exercises. They found that formation of new blood vessels was completely blocked due to the external stimuli. Also, the cells in the brain released nitric oxide when exposed to repetitive sounds, which further prevented the growth of blood vessels. The test mice had permanent damage to the brain.

Interestingly, mice older than a month showed no loss in blood vessel development when exposed to sounds, seizures or exercise.

The study is published in the journal Nature.

Exposure to loud music during gestation can over-stimulate the brain could damage the ear. The fluid in the amniotic fluid can amplify low-pitched sounds, which is why pregnant women should avoid noisy places.