The Remarkable Survival of Phineas Gage: A Neuroscience Case Study
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Phineas Gage
You may have heard the tale of Phineas Gage, the railroad worker who endured a horrific accident when an iron rod penetrated through his left cheek and exited his skull. His remarkable survival story has made him an iconic figure in neuroscience (Cherry, par. 1). What captures my interest the most is the profound impact this incident had on his behavior afterward.
Section 1.1: The Incident
For those unfamiliar with Gage's story, allow me to provide some context. At just 25 years old, Gage was employed as a railroad worker in Vermont. One fateful day, while he was manipulating an iron rod with explosive gunpowder, a sudden explosion occurred. The rod pierced through his left cheek and brain, yet miraculously, he survived and retained his ability to walk and talk after the incident (Cherry, par. 2–3).
Subsection 1.1.1: The Aftermath
But why did those around him claim he was a "changed man" following the accident? The answer lies in neuroscience.
Section 1.2: The Role of the Frontal Lobe
The iron rod specifically traversed his frontal lobe. This begs the question: does the frontal lobe influence who we are as individuals? To grasp this, we must explore the functions of the frontal lobe in our brains.
Our frontal lobes govern numerous aspects, including higher-order thinking, personality, speech, and decision-making. This elucidates why acquaintances of Phineas Gage described him as a radically different person post-accident. The injury to his frontal lobe altered his personality and cognitive functions significantly, leading to behaviors that made him seem unrecognizable to those who once knew him.
Chapter 2: Implications for Neuroscience
This incident and the subsequent treatment of Phineas Gage significantly advanced our understanding of neurology. His case provided critical insights into the functions of the frontal cortex (Cherry, par. 16–17).
The first video titled "He Survived A Metal Rod Through The Brain!" delves into the astounding details of Gage's accident and recovery, offering valuable insight into the neurological implications of his experience.
The second video titled "Man Who Got Hit With an Iron Rod Through His Head" examines the broader consequences of similar brain injuries and their effects on personality and behavior.
Bibliography
Cherry, Kendra. “The Famous Case of Phineas Gage’s Astonishing Brain Injury.” Phineas Gage’s Astonishing Brain Injury, Verywell Mind, 3 Oct. 2019, www.verywellmind.com/phineas-gage-2795244#targetText=The%20rod%20penetrated%20Gage's%20left,be%20seen%20by%20a%20doctor.
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