A blinded pilot study of artwork in a comprehensive epilepsy center population

The production of artwork is a complex neurological task. A controlled study of artwork produced by people with epilepsy has not previously been performed. The present report details the results of a three-part study involving 60 subjects from a comprehensive epilepsy center population. Subjects were grouped by the following diagnoses: seizures, partial seizures, complex partial seizures with temporal focus, and nonepileptic events. Data were collected in a blinded fashion. The Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale task showed significant effects in patients with epileptic seizures. The Free Drawing was most sensitive to complex partial seizures with temporal focus, while the Outline was most predictive of nonepileptic events. In addition to giving some insight into the neurological functioning of these subjects, this pilot study provides a basis for the future development of diagnostic tests to be used within this patient group.