02 October 2008
Rehabilitation of an artist after right-hemisphere stroke
Maria PachalskaABCDEF, Bożena Grochmal-BachABCDEF, Magdalena WilkABCDF, Leszek BulińskiABCDEMed Sci Monit 2008; 14(10): CS110-124 :: ID: 869399
Abstract
Background
Traditionally, in both medicine and neuropsychology, symptoms are defined as significant deviations in a given parameter from a "physiological" norm largely based on statistical studies of large populations. Thus the goal of rehabilitation is to bring the patient's performance within the bounds of acceptable variation from the norm, and this is what defines a good outcome. Although this model seems reasonable for "average" patients, in the case of "exceptional" patients an "average" outcome may not be acceptable.
Material and Method
The present study describes the symptoms and successful rehabilitation of a prominent Polish artist, who was referred for rehabilitation after a right hemisphere stroke, and whose chief subjective complaint was the loss of artistic vision. The patient (female, ambidextrous) suffered an RH stroke at the age of 61. In traditional rehabilitation many symptoms resolved and others were well compensated, but the patient continued to complain that she had a "hole" in her brain and could not paint. A special program of rehabilitation was designed for her, based on art therapy, but including many unique elements, using a microgenetic, "bottom-up" approach to energize creativity and bypass obstacles. Ultimately the patient was able to resume her artistic career, thanks to the heuristic, holistic approach to therapy.
Results
Conclusions
The case described here raises a number of theoretical questions about art, imagination, and creativity in the brain, and the goals of rehabilitation in the case of talented and gifted individuals.
Keywords: Outcome Assessment (Health Care), Neuropsychological Tests, Imagination, Brain Ischemia - rehabilitation, Stroke - rehabilitation, Recovery of Function, Paintings, Art Therapy, Art, Activities of Daily Living
Editorial
01 April 2024 : Editorial
Editorial: Forty Years of Waiting for Prevention and Cure of HIV Infection – Ongoing Challenges and Hopes for Vaccine Development and Overcoming Antiretroviral Drug ResistanceDOI: 10.12659/MSM.944600
Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e944600
In Press
06 Mar 2024 : Clinical Research
Comparison of Outcomes between Single-Level and Double-Level Corpectomy in Thoracolumbar Reconstruction: A ...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943797
21 Mar 2024 : Meta-Analysis
Economic Evaluation of COVID-19 Screening Tests and Surveillance Strategies in Low-Income, Middle-Income, a...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943863
10 Apr 2024 : Clinical Research
Predicting Acute Cardiovascular Complications in COVID-19: Insights from a Specialized Cardiac Referral Dep...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.942612
06 Mar 2024 : Clinical Research
Enhanced Surgical Outcomes of Popliteal Cyst Excision: A Retrospective Study Comparing Arthroscopic Debride...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.941102
Most Viewed Current Articles
17 Jan 2024 : Review article
Vaccination Guidelines for Pregnant Women: Addressing COVID-19 and the Omicron VariantDOI :10.12659/MSM.942799
Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e942799
14 Dec 2022 : Clinical Research
Prevalence and Variability of Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E in Patients with Elevated Tryptase LevelsDOI :10.12659/MSM.937990
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e937990
16 May 2023 : Clinical Research
Electrophysiological Testing for an Auditory Processing Disorder and Reading Performance in 54 School Stude...DOI :10.12659/MSM.940387
Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e940387
01 Jan 2022 : Editorial
Editorial: Current Status of Oral Antiviral Drug Treatments for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Non-Hospitalized Pa...DOI :10.12659/MSM.935952
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e935952