brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Brain Dysfunction by Location
Frontal Lobe Damage
The Cerebrum have the following functions: Initiating many actions Controlling learned motor skills, such as writing, playing musical instruments, and tying shoelaces Controlling complex intellectual processes, such as speech, thought, concentration, problem-solving, and planning for the future Controlling facial expressions and hand and arm gestures Coordinating expressions and gestures with mood and feelings Generally, damage to the frontal lobes causes loss of the ability to solve problems and to plan and initiate actions, such as crossing the street or answering a complex question (sometimes called executive functions). But some specific impairments vary depending on which part of the frontal lobe is damaged. If theback part of the frontal lobe(which controls voluntary movements) is damaged, weakness or paralysis can result. Because each side of the brain controls movement of the opposite side of the body, damage to the left hemisphere causes weakness on the right side of the body, and vice versa. If themiddle part of the frontal lobeis damaged, people may become apathetic, inattentive, and unmotivated. Their thinking becomes slow, and their responses to questions are very slow. (Broca area) is damaged, people may have difficulty expressing themselves in words—an impairment called Aphasia . If thefront part of the frontal lobeis damaged, any of the following may result: Difficulty temporarily holding information available for processing (called working memory) Reduced fluency of speech Apathy (lack of emotion, interest, and concern) Inattentiveness Delayed responses to questions A striking lack of inhibition, including socially inappropriate behavior People who lose their inhibitions may be inappropriately elated (euphoric) or depressed, excessively argumentative or passive, and vulgar. They may show no regard for the consequences of their behavior. They may also repeat what they say. Some people develop similar symptoms when they get older or if dementia develops. These symptoms may result from degeneration of the frontal lobe. Different areas of the brain control specific functions. Consequently, where the brain is damaged determines which function is lost. 