Question

What happened to Phineas Gage after the event in September? What effects did the accident have on his personality?

A) He made a full recovery and returned to his normal life.
B) He experienced physical disabilities but his personality remained unchanged.
C) He underwent significant personality changes and struggled with emotional instability.
D) He became more introverted and socially withdrawn.
E) He developed cognitive impairments but his personality remained intact.

Answer 1

Phineas Gage experienced significant personality changes after an iron rod impaled his prefrontal cortex. Some accounts may have exaggerated these changes, but he adapted over time and became a coach driver.

Step-by-step explanation:

After the accident in September, Phineas Gage underwent significant personality changes and struggled with emotional instability, which corresponds to option C. The large iron rod that impaled him passed through the prefrontal cortex of his frontal lobe, an area of the brain associated with personality and impulse control. While friends described the post-accident Gage as irritable, temperamental, and less industrious than before, it is important to note that some of these personality alterations may have been exaggerated over time. Despite these changes, Gage learned to cope with his new challenges and even became a coach driver, showcasing the brain's remarkable ability to adapt after such a traumatic event.