Following a head injury, Maria experienced a dramatic personality change. She now gambles heavily, swears and yells at work, and has difficulty planning ahead. She most likely experienced damage to her
A) prefrontal cortex.
B) basal ganglia.
C) occipital lobe.
D) central sulcus.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The prefrontal cortex is responsible for decision making, emotional regulation, and planning ahead. Damage to this area can result in impulsive behavior, difficulty controlling emotions, and poor planning skills, which are all symptoms described in Maria's case. The basal ganglia are associated with motor control and learning, and damage to this area would not account for the personality changes described. The occipital lobe is associated with vision, and the central sulcus is a groove that separates the frontal and parietal lobes and is not directly implicated in personality changes.

Following a Head Injury, Maria Experienced a Dramatic Personality Change