Question

Patient Phineas Gage

What part of the brain was damaged? How do you know?
How did the patient's behavior or abilities change as a result?
What function do you think this part of the brain is responsible for?
Case Study:
Phineas Gage was a polite and responsible railroad construction worker. In 1848, Gage was setting
up a gunpowder charge in a bed of rock when the gunpowder exploded, sending a steel rod straight through
Gage's skull. The rod removed a large part of Gage's frontal lobes. Gage made a surprising recovery, going on to
live another twelve years after the accident. But his personality had changed noticeably: he became rude,
impatient, and unable to carry out plans. People who knew him said that he was "no longer Gage".

Answer 1

1. the part of the brain that was damaged was the frontal lobe

2. The patient's behavior changed negatively since it was said that he became rude, impatient and unable to carry out plans which was unusual of him.

3. thinking