Temporal lobe epilepsy has been known to allow past memories to resurface as well as bring about hallucinations of music, voices, people, smells, and tastes. This description fits with how Magnani was able to see three-dimensional models of Pontito. While it may seem strange that Magnani was not officially diagnosed with epilepsy, that is due to the fact that TLE does not have to contain what most people would define as a seizure. Temporal lobe seizures can be so mild that they can go unnoticed aside from their psychological effects, which is why they can be referred to as 'psychic seizures.'


Geschwind Syndrome is the term given to those who suffer from TLE that have changes in personality similiar to Magnani. They become obsessed with talking, spirituality, drawing, or writing, for example. Many have speculated that other famous artists had this syndrome as well, such as Vincent van Gogh.