[Earworms and other nuisances and their role in medicine and therapy].

BACKGROUND

The term brainworm or earworm means a phenomenon of musical hallucination (involuntary musical imagery, INMI). Brainworm is also a term for different types of nematodes and describes worms, which can cause neurocysticercosis of the human brain.

METHODS

Literature research on the musical and medical-historical origins of the brainworm, its neuronal representations and cases of parasitic brainworm caused by nematode infestation of the human brain.

RESULTS

Both types of earworms play a role in neurosurgery and neurology, share common characteristics, and require specific medical treatment. While hydatid cysts are treated neurosurgically, the treatment of a musical earworm (INMI) requires both medical and music education intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Musical earworms (INMI), like anatomical brain lesions or tissue damage, stimulate neuronal plasticity and alter neuronal networks. Earworm melodies could therefore support recovery, for example, after a stroke or brain tumor. When choosing earworm music, it is best to consider the patient's personal musical preferences and their musical background and education.