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Frontal Lobe Damage

Sandeep Dhanyamraju MD
Medically reviewed by Sandeep Dhanyamraju
Sandeep Dhanyamraju MD
Medically reviewed by Sandeep Dhanyamraju

A frontal syndrome is a painful condition of the human body, manifested in the form of a clinical symptom complex, localized during a double violation of the anterior parts of the brain (frontal lobe). The disease manifests itself in abnormalities of praxis, disorders of the emotional-volitional and behavioral nature, problems in the work of the speech apparatus, when walking, etc. As a diagnostic procedure, specialists in the field of neurology resort to the use of cerebral modeling of the body using a computer tomography or magnetic resonance scanner. In addition, doctors examine the circulatory system.

To draw up a therapeutic treatment plan, doctors find out the etiological origin of the frontal lobe damage, as a result of which tactics can use pharmacological (medications are prescribed to stabilize the functioning of blood vessels, as well as neuroprotective and psychotropic components), neurosurgical (surgical intervention for instrumental removal of education) reception with a further rehabilitation period. In Lone Star Neurology, you can find detailed information about frontal lobe damage.

The study of the frontal regions of the brain began to reach its limit at the end of the 19th century. Many scientists and professors who studied the described organ were faced with a lot of controversies. As a result of their studies, they discovered when the frontal lobe is “turned off”, a person does not experience a serious disruption in motor, sensory and reflex abilities. Such information led the experts to the conclusion that such cerebral structures do not carry any particular significance in the functional plan.

Subsequent studies have established that patients have significant deformations in behavior and psychoemotional state in case of deviations from the norm in the frontal zone of the cortex. Such changes are responsible for the realization of psychic functionality of the highest degree. As a confirmation of the presented statement, you can use the significant growth of these departments in the human body compared with the brain of any animal.

Frontal lobe damage symptoms

 

Frontal Lobe Damage Symptoms

If there is a mild stage of the disease in the patient’s body:

  1. The manifestation is noticed with a low level of interest.
  2. Inattention and inactivity appear under any circumstances.
  3. The isolated form of frontal lobe damage is not characterized by paresis or some form of sensory abnormalities.
  4. The usual primitive activity remains 100%. However, the patient has problems when it is necessary to do some complex action with a multicomponent composition.
  5. In addition, any purposeful desire is stopped by side effects in the form of impulsive seizures. For example, a patient with the described diagnosis, seeing the outline of the doorbell button, will use it since this is a habitual action of any person. Similarly, during dinner preparation, the affected person can add absolutely any object to the tea.
  6. In some situations, damage to the frontal lobe is characteristic of the so-called perseveration or “getting stuck” on some movement: repeated repetition of a question/sentence, reading one sentence several times in a row, repeatedly squeezing the hand when greeting, etc.
  7. Also, doctors refer to the inability to maintain a specific body posture for a long time or the inability to walk as common lobe damage symptoms. However, when lying down, all movements remain saved.

Other signs of frontal lobe damage include:

  1. The occurrence of atypical smacking or puckering of the lips.
  2. Complete inability to cause the action of initiation (a person cannot ask for help, take a camp with water, etc.).
  3. Difficulties with the implementation of speech (the answers are monosyllabic, the patient repeats the phrase of their interlocutor, etc.).
  4. Inability to start or stop motor reflexes.
  5. A high degree of agitation.

Lobe damage mechanism of occurrence, varieties, and complications

 

Understanding Frontal Lobe Damage Mechanism

Mechanism of occurrence

The main task of the frontal department is to perform a variety of integrative and regulatory functions. Thanks to them, a person can conduct complex types of behavioral reactions, program, and perform sequential actions. In case of malfunction of the described structures:

  • The process begins, during which the patient is not capable of conscious motor activity; formed – ideator apraxia.
  • Deformations occur in the patient’s body: complex reflexes are replaced by simple, more familiar, and automated ones, repeating in an arbitrary order.
  • Disinhibition of side effects and a lack of purposeful behavior are revealed.
  • An asocial attitude causes failures in control and impulsive manifestations.

Significant coverage of the lesion causes problems with cortical coordination of skeletal muscle tone.

Varieties

Frontal lobe damage in modern medicine has several differences in the functional purpose of the regions. Doctors are classified by location:

  1. Apraxic form – a hematoma is formed in the premotor cortex (the patient has disorders of the motor plan).
  2. Apathy-fabulistic – observed with anomalies of the convexity region of the prefrontal lobe (changes occur in a person’s behavior, they begin to experience a feeling of apathy, they feel weak-willed, a lack of initiative, etc.).
  3. The syndrome of mental disinhibition – occurs in the mediobasal area (patients have an increased degree of carelessness, foolishness, and in some moments, aggression).

Possible complications

In case of neglect of all the above lobe damage symptoms or refusal of medications, and in the absence of a critical understanding of their general condition, the patient will need constant supervision from professional nurses or relatives. 

  • In the apathetic-fabulistic stage, frontal lobe damage can cause exhaustion of the body. 
  • During astasia-abasia, the patient may experience mechanical damage (trauma, fractures, etc.). 

As a result of the formation of such a danger, experts prescribe the patient to rest in the bed. However, even in this state, a person may experience various consequences in the form of bedsores and other abnormalities.

 

Causes of Frontal Lobe Damage

Frontal areas are considered the latest in development and not fully differentiated areas with increased interchange of components. That is why such a concept as frontal lobe damage is only diagnosed if the patient has a bilateral pathology. The main sources of abnormal processes are:

  1. Traumatic brain injury – trauma is a common occurrence. Such damage is formed when the forehead collides or a counterblow with the occipital zone. (Post-traumatic edema formation causes compression of cerebral tissues and also puts pressure on the cortex.)
  2. Strokes – the transport of blood cells occurs through the anterior and middle arteries of the brain. In case of problems in the passage of blood in these places, the progression of an ischemic stroke begins (death of neurons due to acute hypoxia).
  3. Pathological disorders in the vascular system – the greatest danger is an increase in the walls (thinning or breakthrough). As a result, blood clots form a hematoma after rupture (With an increase in size, a process of pressure and destruction of neural elements is formed.)
  4. Tumors – growing into the presented lobes, such neoplasms are capable of causing various deformations and malfunctions in the cerebral zone. (With each new stage, the functional reflex of neuronal particles decreases.)
  5. Degenerative processes – such diseases can manifest themselves if the patient suffers from Pick’s disease, dementia of a frontotemporal nature, or degeneration of a corticobasal nature. (Problems begin after the described pathology with further apoptosis of nerve cells; they are replaced by elements of the glial and connective plan.)

Causes of lobe damage

 

Frontal Lobe Damage Diagnostics

Diagnostic difficulties occur due to the mental nature of the clinical manifestations of frontal lobe damage. Apathy-abulic states resemble depression, and mental disinhibition, which is the manic phase of bipolar disorder. Observing changes in the patient’s personality, behavior, relatives often initially turn to a psychiatrist, who directs the patient to a neurologist. The neurological examination includes:

  1. Neurological status assessment. Behavioral disorders, difficulties in performing several consecutive movements according to instructions, perseveration of one of these movements, mirroring when performing the Head test (copying the pose of the doctor’s hands) are noted. Possible astasia in the Romberg position, gait disturbance, and speech disorder. Symptoms of oral automatism and grasping reflex are revealed.
  2. Neuroimaging. This examination is of paramount importance in establishing the morphological substrate that causes frontal lobe damage. CT of the brain is more informative in post-traumatic conditions and meningeal hematomas. Cerebral MRI can detect post-stroke foci, tumors, and degenerative changes in the frontal lobes.
  3. Research of cerebral hemodynamics:
  • is carried out if there is a suspicion of the avascular nature of violations.
  • is used for ultrasound Doppler, MRI, and duplex scanning of cerebral vessels.
  • reveals zones of chronic cerebral ischemia, localization, and nature of blood flow disorders (spasm, thromboembolism, aneurysm, AVM).

A frontal syndrome is a clinical symptom complex, indicating the area of the ​​cerebral lesion, but is observed in many diseases. To establish a definitive diagnosis, it is necessary to differentiate the frontal symptoms of various etiologies. The specifics of the development of the clinical picture and accompanying lobe damage symptoms help to clarify the nature of the causal pathology. With injuries, strokes, frontal symptoms arise sharply against the background of almost complete well-being; with tumors, degenerative processes, clinical manifestations gradually increase.

Treatment of frontal lobe damage

The therapy is carried out comprehensively and combines etiopathogenetic and symptomatic treatment with subsequent rehabilitation. If necessary, neurosurgeons, speech therapists, psychiatrists, and rehabilitation therapists take part in medical and rehabilitation measures. Depending on the etiology of the disease, two main methods are used in the treatment:

  1. Medication. In stroke, vascular, thrombolytic, coagulant therapy is used differentially. With severe mental abnormalities (agitation, apathy), doctors prescribe psychotropic drugs. According to indications for intracranial neoplasms, polychemotherapy is carried out. To speed up the recovery of nerve tissues in the post-traumatic, post-stroke period, nootropic, neuroprotective and neurometabolic pharmaceuticals are used as maintenance therapy for degenerative diseases.
  2. Neurosurgical. The indication for surgical treatment is the frontal lobe damage resulting from neoplasia, hematoma, vascular anomaly. Neurosurgical interventions are carried out with planning the course of the operation after accurately determining the localization of the formation using MRI or CT. When removing tumors, microsurgical equipment is used to differentiate altered tissues from healthy ones.

Prognosis and prevention of frontal lobe damage

The outcome of the frontal lobe damage depends on the etiology, the extent of the lesion, and the patient’s age. In young patients, recovery after TBI and neurosurgical interventions are easier than in the elderly. Complex rehabilitation contributes to the regression of neurological deficits. Progressive degenerative processes and malignant neoplasms have an unfavorable prognosis. 

Preventive measures consist in: 

  • precluding the impact of factors that cause pathological changes in the frontal regions.  
  • precluding head injury, exposure to carcinogens, and cerebrovascular disease. Concerning degenerative processes, prevention is difficult since their etiology remains unclear. You can fill out the information here to contact a doctor for a consultation.  We provide our services in different cities in Texas, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton, and others.

 

FAQ

  • What kind of disease can cause disorders of the emotional-volitional and behavioral nature, problems in the work of the speech apparatus, when walking?

Frontal Lobe Damage can cause abnormalities of praxis, disorders of the emotional-volitional and behavioral nature, problems in the work of the speech apparatus, when walking etc.

  • What are the functions of the frontal lobe?

An important function of the frontal lobes is to control and manage behavior. It is this part of the brain that prevents the performance of socially undesirable actions (for example, a grasping reflex or inappropriate behavior towards others).

  • What are the varieties of frontal lobe damage?
  1. Apraxic form – a hematoma is formed in the premotor cortex (the patient has disorders of the motor plan).
  2. Apathy-fabulistic – observed with anomalies of the convexity region of the prefrontal lobe (changes occur in a person’s behavior, they begin to experience a feeling of apathy, they feel weak-willed, a lack of initiative, etc.).
  3. The syndrome of mental disinhibition – occurs in the mediobasal area (patients have an increased degree of carelessness, foolishness, and in some moments, aggression).
  • What are the possible complications of frontal lobe damage?

In case of neglect of all the above lobe damage symptoms or refusal of medications, and in the absence of a critical understanding of their general condition, the patient will need constant supervision from professional nurses or relatives. 

  1. In the apathetic-fabulistic stage, frontal lobe damage can cause exhaustion of the body. 
  2. During astasia-abasia, the patient may experience mechanical damage (trauma, fractures, etc.).
  • What is the mechanism of occurrence  lobe damage?
  1. The process begins, during which the patient is not capable of conscious motor activity; formed – ideator apraxia.
  2. Deformations occur in the patient’s body: complex reflexes are replaced by simple, more familiar, and automated ones, repeating in an arbitrary order.
  3. Disinhibition of side effects and a lack of purposeful behavior are revealed.
  4. An asocial attitude causes failures in control and impulsive manifestations.
  • Which part of the brain maintains muscle tone?

The cerebellum is responsible for coordinating movements, regulating balance and muscle tone. It is located under the occipital lobes of the cerebral cortex. The cerebellum consists of two hemispheres and the central part connecting the so-called worm, and under it, there is a cavity the fourth ventricle.

  • What type of speech disorders occurs when the cortical speech centers are damaged?

Speech disorders at the cortical level are agnosias and apraxias. There are two types of speech: sensory and motor. If motor speech is impaired, then speech apraxia occurs. If sensory speech is impaired, then speech agnosia develops.

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Edward Medina
Edward Medina
15:34 30 Jun 22
Just such an amazing staff that makes you feel like part of their family. I’ve been going there for over 5 years now... and each visit I get the very best care and treatments that I have ever received in the 20+ years that I’ve been dealing with severe debilitating migraines. Since i started seeing them the number of my migraines has dropped from 15-20 a month to 2-3 every 3 month. I highly recommend them …they will change your life!read more
Daneisha Johnson
Daneisha Johnson
22:20 19 May 22
Dr. Askari was very kind and explained everything so I could understand. The other staff were nice as well. I would... have gave 5 stars but I was a little taken aback when I checked in and had to pay 600.00 upfront. I think that should have been discussed in a appointment confirmation call or email just so I could have been prepared.read more
Jean Cooper
Jean Cooper
16:54 29 Apr 22
I love the office staff they are friendly and very helpful. Dr. JODIE is very caring and understanding to your needs... and wants to help you. I will go back. would recommend Dr. Dr. Jodie to other Patients in a heart beat. The team works well together.read more
Linda M
Linda M
19:40 02 Apr 22
I was obviously stressed, needing to see a neurologist. The staff was so patient and Dr. Ansari was so kind. At one... point he told me to relax, we have time, when I was relaying my history of my condition. That helped ease my stress. I have seen 3 other neurologists and he was the only one who performed any assessment tests on my cognitive and physical skills. At one point I couldn't complete two assessments and got upset and cried. I was told, it's OK. That's why you're here. I was truly impressed, and super pleased with the whole experience!read more
Leslie Durham
Leslie Durham
15:05 01 Apr 22
I've been coming here for about 5 years. The staff are ALWAYS friendly and knowledgeable. The Doctors are the absolute... best!! Jodie Moore is always in such a great mood which is a plus when you are already stressed. Highly recommendedread more
Monica Del Bosque
Monica Del Bosque
14:13 25 Mar 22
Since my first post my thoughts have changed here. It's unfortunate. My doctor and PA were great, but the office staff... is horrible. They never call you back when they say they will, they misinform you, they cause you too much stress wondering what's going on, they don't keep you posted. They never answer the phone. At this point I've left four messages in the last week, and I have sent three messages. Twice from their portal and one direct email. No response. My appointment is on Monday morning at 8:30am, no confirmation on my insurance and what's going on. What the heck is going on, this is ridiculous!I've given up... the stress her office staff has put me through is just not worth it. You can do so much better, please clean house, either change out your office staff, or find a way for them to be more efficient please. You have to do something. This is not how you want to run your practice. It leaves a very bad impression on your business.read more
Ron Buckholz
Ron Buckholz
23:32 23 Mar 22
I was actually pleasantly surprised with this visit! It took me a long time to get the appointment scheduled because no... one answers your phones EVER! After a month, I finally got in, and your staff was warm, friendly, and I was totally impressed! I feel like you will take care of my needs!read more
Steve Nabavi
Steve Nabavi
16:28 16 Mar 22
It was a nice visit. Happy staff doing all they can do to comfort the patients in a very calming environment. You ask... me they are earned a big gold star on the fridge. My only complaint they didn't give me any cookies.read more
Katie Lewis
Katie Lewis
16:10 10 Feb 22
Had very positive appointments with Jodie and Dr. Sheth for my migraine care. Jodie was so fast with the injections and... has so much valuable info. I started to feel light headed during checkout and the staff was SO helpful—giving me a chair, water, and taking me into a private room until I felt better. Highly recommend this practice for migraine patients, they know what they’re doing!!read more
Joshua Martinez
Joshua Martinez
16:02 10 Dec 21
I was scheduled to be checked and just want to say that the staff was fantastic. They were kind and helpful. I was... asked many questions related to what was going on and not once did I feel as though I was being brushed off. The front desk staff was especially great in assisting me. I'm scheduled to go back for a mri and am glad that I'll be going there.read more
Isabel Ivy
Isabel Ivy
21:42 03 Nov 21
I had such a good experience with Lone Star Neurology, Brent my MRI Tech was so awesome and made sure I was very... comfortable during the appointment. He gave me ear plugs, a pillow, leg support and blanket, easiest MRI ever lol 🤣 My 72 hour EEG nurse Amanda was also so awesome. She made sure I was take care of over the 3 days and took her time with the electrodes to make sure it was comfortable for me! Paige was also a huge help in answering all my questions when it came to my test results, and letting me know her honest opinions about how I should go forth with my treatment.read more
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Leslie Luce
17:37 20 Oct 21
The professionalism and want to help attitude of this office was present from the moment I contacted them. The follow... up and follow through as well as their willingness to find a way to schedule my dad was above and beyond. We visited two offices in the same day with the same experience. I am appreciative of this—we spend a lot of time with doctors and this was top notch start to finish.read more
robert Parker
robert Parker
16:38 16 Apr 21
I love going to this office. The staff is friendly and helpful. The doctor is great. I am getting the best... neurological tests and treatment I have ever had. The only reason I did not give them a 5 star rating is because it is impossible to reach a live person at the office to reschedule appointments. Every time I have tried to get through to the office it says all people are busy and I am sent to a voicemail. If they could get their phone answering fixed, I would give them a strong 5 stars.read more
MaryAnn Hornbaker
MaryAnn Hornbaker
00:26 25 Feb 21
Dr. Harney is an excellent Dr. I found him friendly , personable and thorough. I evidently am an unusual case. ... Therefore he spent a Hugh amount of time educating me. He even gave me literature to further explain my condition and how to follow up. This is something you rarely get from your doctors. So I am more than please with my doctor and his staff.read more
Roger Arguello
Roger Arguello
03:05 29 Jan 21
Always courteous, professional. The staff is very friendly and always work with you to find the best appointment time.... The care team has been great. Always taking the time to listen to your concerns and to find the best treatment.read more
Margaret Rowland
Margaret Rowland
01:12 27 Jan 21
I have been a patient at Lone Star Neurology for several years. Now both my adult daughters also are patients there. I... love Jodie. She is always so prompt whether it is a teleamed call are a visit in the office. She takes the time to explain everything to me and answers all my questions. I am so blessed to have Jodie as my doctor.read more
Susan Miller
Susan Miller
03:01 13 Jan 21
My husband had an accident 5 years ago and Lone Star Neurology has been such a blessing to us with my husbands care.... Jodie Moore is his provider and she is amazing! Jodie is very knowledgeable, caring, and thorough. She takes her time with you, making sure your needs are met and she is happy to answer any questions you may have. Lone Star Neurology’s patients are very lucky to have Jodie providing their care. Thank you Lone Star Neurology and especially Jodie for everything you have done for us. Jodie, you are the best!read more
Windalyn C
Windalyn C
01:32 09 Jan 21
Jodie is wonderful. She is very caring and knowledgeable. I have been to over a dozen neurologists, and none were able... to help me as much as they have here. Thanks!read more
Katie Kordel
Katie Kordel
00:40 09 Jan 21
Jodi Moore, nurse practitioner, is amazing. I have suffered from frequent, debilitating headaches for almost 20 years.... She has provided the best proactive and responsive care I have ever received. My quality of life has been greatly improved by her caring approach and tenacity in finding solutions.read more
Ellie Natsis
Ellie Natsis
15:41 07 Jan 21
I have had the best experience at this neurologist's office! For over a year I have been receiving iv treatments here... each month and my nurse, Bobbie is beyond wonderful!! She's so attentive, knowledgeable, caring, and detail oriented. She makes an otherwise uncomfortable experience much more pleasant and definitely puts me at ease! She also helps me with my insurance,ordering this specialty medication and dealing with the ordering process which is no easy feat.Needless to say, she goes above a beyond in every way and I'm so grateful to this office and to Bobbie for all they do for me!read more
Matt Morris
Matt Morris
15:39 07 Jan 21
Let me start by saying that I have been coming here for years. Due to my autoimmune disease, I am in this office... once every three weeks for multiple hours at a time. The office is very clean and the staff very friendly. My only complaint would be there communication via phone. They aren't the best at responding if you leave a voicemail and expect a call back. I understand that this is prob just due to the sheer number of alls they receive daily. What I can say I like the best about the office are the people. Bobby who handles my infusions is great. I never have any issues with her setting up my infusions. She is very quick to reply to messages sent via text and if she were to leave then my whole opinion of the office may change. I also enjoy people like Matt, Lauren, and Jodi. I appreciate all that they do for me and without this team I'm not sure I would be as happy as I am to visit the office as frequently as I have to. Please ensure that these folks are recognized as they are what makes my visit to this office so tolerable :).read more
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