After taking a hit from the front or behind in a car, it is likely that a person’s frontal lobe will end up damaged in some way.
Injuries to this area of the brain often result in unique trauma and damage that reflect how the victim may behave or even view the world after the accident itself.
Parts of the frontal lobe
Physiopedia talks about the damage done to the frontal lobe. This area of the brain holds responsibility for a vast number of issues that impact both the mental and physical well-being of a person. It includes the prefrontal cortex, the motor, premotor and supplementary motor cortexes, the frontal eye fields and Broca’s Area.
Together, these parts of the frontal lobe control things like smooth and voluntary muscle movements of the body, eyes and mouth. The prefrontal cortex also hosts a number of important aspects like impulse control, personality and behavioral traits, critical thinking, executive function and more.
How damage manifests
When a victim suffers damage to the frontal lobe, many will show disturbances in their temperament and memory. Regarding memory, a victim could have trouble solidifying short-term memory into long-term memory. This can create issues in everything from daily life to work.
As for temperament, the loved ones of these victims often state that they become unpredictable and more likely to lash out at others than before. They may seem easier to irritate or agitate, too, even if this is out of character for them.
Generally speaking, these traits are more common in frontal lobe injury victims. Thus, it is something to potentially prepare for during the course of the healing process.