Handwriting changes induced by headache: neuropsychological mechanisms and forensic aspects

Abstract

Headache is one of the most common neurological symptoms, which can significantly affect a person’s daily functioning and the efficiency of their activities. In the context of psychomotor activity, handwriting attracts particular attention as a sensitive indicator of changes in an individual’s neuropsychological state. Handwriting is formed as a result of complex multi-level processes reflecting the interaction of the cerebral cortex, subcortical structures, sensorimotor coordination, cognitive functions, and fine motor skills of the hands. Even minor disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system can lead to noticeable changes in graphomotor activity. The aim of the article is to analyze the impact of headaches of various origins, including migraines, tension-type headaches, neuralgic, and cluster pain, on the graphomotor characteristics of writing. The methodological basis of the study is an interdisciplinary approach that combines the principles of neuropsychology, forensic handwriting analysis, and the psychophysiology of motor activity. The results of scientific research and empirical observations regarding changes in writing tempo, pressure intensity, the size and shape of written characters, motor coordination, and other handwriting parameters during pain syndromes are summarized. It has been established that changes in handwriting can manifest as a decrease in writing speed, uneven pressure, and disturbances in the rhythm and variability of graphic elements. Such features often correlate with impaired concentration, decreased working memory, and increased levels of anxiety. Conclusions. The results obtained indicate the possibility of using handwriting as an additional indicator of the influence of somatic and neuropsychological factors on human psychomotor activity and can be utilized during forensic handwriting examinations.