Stroke and the Arts

Stroke is the second leading cause of death, and it is a significant cause of disability on a global scale. The incidence and prevalence of stroke are rising, including in younger populations. Art can be seen as a means of universal communication, and artistic production can be seen as an ultimate achievement of the human brain. Visual art production requires multiple processes such as basic motor skills and more advanced associative functions such as visuospatial processing, emotional output, socio-cultural factoring and creativity. Focal and non-focal brain damage caused by stroke may lead to either the de novo occurrence of artistic productivity or a change in an established artistic style. In this chapter, we look at the historical development of the understanding of the role of stroke and stroke therapy in changing artistic output. We also discuss various examples of previously art-naïve individuals changing into prolific artists after stroke and established painters evolving new artistic styles after stroke.