The Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury on Different Regions of the Brain

The symptoms of head trauma, while almost always manifesting in one way or another, vary greatly in type, severity and frequency. These differences are not only connected to the type of injury sustained or the severity of the accident, but relate to the area of ​​the brain affected as well. Each region of the brain has specific biological functions, and when they are damaged due to Traumatic Brain Injury (or TBI), these regions display specific and differing symptoms.

The Frontal Lobe

The frontal lobe is the area of ​​the brain most closely associated with cognitive thought. This section helps individuals rationalize and make decisions on issues of right and wrong, as well as to predict the consequences of an action. Operating within the limits of socially acceptable behavior and maintaining one's inhibitions are the most notable social controls of the frontal lobe, and it also plays a significant role in holding long term memories.

Should this area of ​​the brain be affected by a TBI, some of the symptoms that may occur include

· Difficulties in basic or simple movements

· Increased difficulty in performing multi-step tasks or with problem solving

· An inability to concentrate or jump quickly from one thought to another

· Changes in the individual's personality, moods, or public behavior

The Parietal Lobe

The Parietal Lobe is the center of sensory perception as well as quantitative thinking. It enables people to judge spatial relationships and navigate, understand numbers and their relationships, and know how to utilize and manipulate objects.

If a Traumatic Brain Injury damages this area, it is possible that an individual may experience

· Difficulties with reading, writing, or an inability to generate a needed word

· Difficulties with hand eye coordination, as well as problems distinguishing left from right

· An inability to name an object or concentrate on more than one object at a time

The Occipital Lobe

The Occipital Lobe is the center for visual processing in the brain. It not only controls vision and color recognition, but some studies have shown it has connections to hearing.

Symptoms of TBI in the Occipital Lobe could include

· Difficulty recognizing objects and colors

· Difficulty reading and writing

· Problems with visual illusions or the appearance of hallucinations

Temporal Lobes

The Temporal Lobes are the main centers controlling speech, hearing and memory. Traumatic Brain Injuries to these areas could result in

· Difficulty in recognizing faces or understanding spoken words

· Increased memory loss, increased aggressive behavior, and either increased or decreased interest in sexual behavior

· Selective attention to sights and sounds

The Brain Stem and Cerebellum

These two regions of the brain both are central locations for controlling motor and sensory functions. Symptoms of a TBI in these areas may include

· Difficulty breathing, sleeping, walking, speaking, and balancing

· Increased dizziness and nausea

· An inability to understand / perceive spatial relations or make quick movements

More information on For the causes and symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury, contact the Brain Injury Specialist Attorneys of Terry and Slane at Http://www.terryandslane.com .