Damage to the frontal lobe, also called frontal lobe syndrome, can cause a range of symptoms.
These can include behavioral problems, depression, and a loss of strength in the muscles.
A variety of conditions can damage the frontal lobe, includingstroke,head trauma, anddementia.
It also discusses how frontal lobe damage is diagnosed and treated.
Thebrainhas two hemispheres, or halves: the left and right.
The hemispheres are divided into three sections: the forebrain,midbrain, and hindbrain.
Each section contributes to specific functions:
The forebrain includes a major part of the brain called thecerebrum.
The outer layer of the cerebrum is called the cerebral cortex.
Thefrontal lobeis one of the four lobes of the cerebral cortex.
The other lobes are the temporal lobe, the parietal lobe, and the occipital lobe.
Each of the four lobes has specific functions.
Damage to any one of them will cause problems with these functions.
The sections below describe the main functions of the frontal lobe.
Social and Emotional Skills
The frontal lobe is responsible for decision-making and self-control.
It also helps regulate emotions.
This is the part of the brain that manages your interactions with other people.
The frontal lobe regulates your behavior and helps you know what is socially acceptable and what is not.
Motor Function
The back of the frontal lobe is called the motor strip.
This region controls and directs deliberate body movements.
The left side of the motor strip controls the right side of the body.
The right side of the motor strip controls the left side of the body.
Language, Thinking, Reasoning, and Imagining
The frontal lobe controls high-level thinking and problem-solving.
It also helps you pay attention.
Some functions are controlled primarily by the left frontal lobe.
Others are controlled primarily by the right frontal lobe.
Many people have adominant sideof the frontal lobe, although some do not.
During a stroke, blood flow to arteries in the frontal lobe temporarily stops.
This damages the surrounding area of the brain.
A stroke can lead to dementia.
Damage can also be due to a degenerative disease, which is a disease that gets worse over time.
There are other, less common conditions that can also affect the frontal lobe.
People with FTD usually have behavior and personality changes.
They may also have trouble with language.
People with a throw in ofAlzheimers diseasecalled frontal-variant Alzheimers disease may have similar symptoms.
This form of Alzheimer’s disease is sometimes misdiagnosed as FTD.
Stroke
Strokes can also damage the frontal lobe.
This can also happen as a result of bleeding in the brain.
Vascular dementiacan happen after a stroke.
It is a common cause of frontal lobe impairment.
Vascular dementia can occur in a “mixed dementia” form with Alzheimer’s disease.
Options includemagnetic resonance imaging(MRI) andcomputed tomography(CT or CAT).
An MRI creates a two- or three-dimensional image of the brain using a magnetic field and radio waves.
A CT scan creates a 3D image from multiple X-rays.
MRI and CT scans are both effective tools for diagnosing vascular dementia.
The scan may also show nothing.
A complete neuropsychological evaluation or aconcussiontest can help a healthcare provider assess damage to the frontal lobe.
For example, an infection can be treated with antibiotics.
Brain tumors can be surgically removed or treated withchemotherapyor radiation.
There is currently no cure for degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease.
Treatments are being developed for Alzheimer’s disease.
Medication and lifestyle changes can help improve symptoms.
Rehabilitation
Motor or coordination difficulties due to frontal lobe damage can be treated with rehabilitation.
This involves strengthening and optimizing remaining motor skills.
Cognitive Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation can be difficult for cognitive and social problems resulting from frontal lobe damage.
Therapy that helps patients regulate emotions and curb impulsive behavior can be useful.
Seek counseling and advice on medication to help with symptoms.
Be prepared to restrain the person if there’s a risk they’ll harm themselves or others.
Frontal lobe damage may affect any of these functions.
Frontal lobe damage can sometimes be diagnosed with imaging scans.
In other cases, a neuropsychological evaluation may be necessary.
Treatment for frontal lobe damage can include medication, surgery, rehabilitation, or therapy.
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