Migraine as a Source of Artistic Inspiration

Abstract

This narrative review explores the intricate relationship between migraines and art, tracing historical examples and contemporary interpretations of how migraines, especially those with a visual aura, have influenced artists. Highlights how migraines may have shaped artistic inspiration, delving into notable, questionably migraine-infected figures such as Hildegard of Bingen, Giorgio de Chirico, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dali, examining how their experiences may have influenced their works. Furthermore, it addresses the emergence of ‘migraine art’ sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry, presenting the intersection between art, neuroscience, and public engagement. The diagnostic complexity and differentiation of migraines from epilepsy are also discussed, with a special focus on the symptoms of the visual aura and how this has been portrayed through various artistic representations, thus inviting further exploration of the relationship between neurological conditions and creative expression.