Frontal Lobe Injury Recovery

According to neuroskills.com, the frontal lobes of the brain are part of the cerebral cortex, and are involved in higher-level functions such as language, motor behavior, motivation, problem solving, attention, judgment, memory, decision making, impulse control, and sexual, social and emotional behavior. The frontal lobes are the center of personality and emotional functioning. Depending on the extent and location of damage, the effects of injury can range from subtle to devastating.

Causes

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) to the frontal lobes can occur from closed-head injury, lesion, stroke, disease, or tumors. The amount and location of tissue damage will determine the nature of post-injury dysfunction and will influence the extent of recovery.

Lateralization

• In most individuals, language functions occur more in the left lobe, while non-verbal abilities are more localized to the right lobe. The focus of rehabilitation will be determined by which hemisphere has been injured.

Evaluation

• Following frontal lobe injury a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation should take place. It will assesses all functions potentially affected by the specific injury. Functions that should be assessed include motor function, attention, memory, judgment, problem solving, language, language related movements, linguistic comprehension, impulse control, spontaneity and social behavior.

Rehabilitation

• Based on the comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, an individualized, multi-disciplinary rehabilitation program should be implemented as quickly as possible.

Medications

• Medications that affect the level of neurotransmitters available in the frontal lobes can enhance functioning and promote recovery. For example, amphetamines and other medications used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can also enhance recovery and functioning of attention, concentration, decision making and impulse control. Immune system suppression drugs can reduce tissue damage by reducing excessive body fluid accumulation.

Social Support

• A positive attitude and emotional stability can have a significant impact on recovery from brain injury. Social support and mental health treatment should be provided to help the brain injury patient deal with the losses, challenges and emotional impact of her brain trauma.