Clinical Assistant Professor / Neurointensivist Thomas Jefferson University
Introduction: Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a perceived experience triggered by audiovisual input, which is characterized by low-grade euphoria and a spreading pleasurable tingling sensation. There is little scientific research into the neurobiological effects of this perceptual phenomenon. To our knowledge, the effect of ASMR has not been studied in postoperative neurosurgical patients.
Methods: In this prospective case series, we used noise-isolating headphones to expose postoperative neurosurgical patients to one of 3 audio tracks (silence, white noise, music). Participants completed a questionnaire assessing the presence of subjective experiences typical of ASMR (tingling static sensation, euphoria, increased focus, dyschronometria), and were identified as responders and non-responders accordingly. We prospectively collected data on patients’ vital signs, antihypertensive and analgesic medication requirements, and pain scores. We determined the burden of abnormal vital signs and pain adjusted for the ICU length of stay and compared groups using student t-tests (p < 0.05).
Results: Of 11 participants, seven were responders and four were non-responders. Responders had a significantly lower adjusted hourly burden of postoperative pain (10.63% vs. 56.50%, p< 0.05). When analyzing pain as either low (1-4/10) or high (5-10/10) intensity, responders reported significantly less low-intensity pain. (3.47% vs. 19.28%, p< 0.05). High-intensity pain was also less frequent but did not reach significance (7.14% vs. 37.25%, p=0.062). Responders also tended to use fewer pain medications, but this did not reach significance either (2.97% vs 23.18%. p=0.10). Vital signs were largely similar, but tachypnea was more frequent in responders (16.69% vs 2.32%; p< 0.05). There were no significant differences in antihypertensive or vasopressor use.
Conclusion : Inducing ASMR is feasible in postoperative neurosurgical patients using auditory stimuli. Experiencing ASMR may have potential beneficial properties, especially in postoperative pain management. More study is warranted.
