Georg Friedrich Handel's strokes*

Address correspondence to: Dr. Stefan Evers, Department of Neurology, Münster University, Albert‐Schweitzer‐Str. 33, D‐48129 Münster, Germany. Tel: (49)‐251–838175, Fax: (49)‐251–838181.

Abstract

Although there is no definite proof, it seems most likely that Georg Friedrich Handel suffered from cere‐brovascular disease, which caused two or three minor strokes and weakness of his eyesight in his last years. His etiologically important risk factors and the symptoms of Handel's strokes are presented and evaluated by primary sources; various diagnoses are discussed. In Handel's musical work, no direct impact from his illness can be found, but there are some indirect outflows of Handel's pathography on his compositions, especially the Messiah.

Keywords:

• G.F. Handel
• music
• cerebrovascular disease
• history of neurology

Notes

Address correspondence to: Dr. Stefan Evers, Department of Neurology, Münster University, Albert‐Schweitzer‐Str. 33, D‐48129 Münster, Germany. Tel: (49)‐251–838175, Fax: (49)‐251–838181.