Images in Gerontology
Gerontology 2011;57:572
DOI: 10.1159/000329859

Received: March 21, 2011
Accepted: June 7, 2011
Published online: July 27, 2011

‘A Man Paints with His Brains and Not
with His Hands’ (Michelangelo)
Edoardo Cervoni

Key Words
Stroke ⴢ Drawing ⴢ Hemiplegia

Abstract
The goals of a post-stroke rehabilitation plan are very specific to each patient. The side of the body affected by hemiplegia can influence the rehabilitation plan, as people with
right-sided hemiplegia may also have difficulties with speech
and language (aphasia). Because of the aphasia, drawing
may remain a crucial instrument of creative expression and
the clinical case presented highlights how this goal may also
be successfully achieved in the elderly by using the left hand.
Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel

The illustrator of this drawing is a 77-year-old gentleman who had a thromboembolic stroke at the age of 70.
It left him with non-fluent aphasia and right hemiplegia.
Without being artistically active while being right-handed before the cerebrovascular event, he has been able to
overcome his handicap by left-handed drawing. Soon after his hospital discharge he began practicing holding a
pencil with his left hand and started squiggling and doodling. Having found in his sketching a way of expressing
his thoughts and feelings, he began drawing even with
greater keenness, essentially incorporating drawing into

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his daily rehabilitation routine at home. He has found
drawing to be a profound healing tool not only providing
a way of expression, but also improving his self-esteem
and self-worth. He did not regain the use of the dominant
right hand and arm, nor his speech. He has no symptoms
or signs of depression and he has not used antidepressants since the stroke. He is currently attending arts classes on a weekly basis.

Edoardo Cervoni, MD
Central Lancashire Primary Care Trust, NHS
The Health Centre, Gorse Lane
Tarleton PR4 6UJ (UK)
Tel. +44 1772 812 205, E-Mail cervoni @ nhs.net

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Central Lancashire Primary Care Trust, NHS, The Health Centre, Tarleton, UK