The orbitofrontal cortex is one of the most interesting areas of the brain, it is linked to our personality, our emotions and above all to social behavior, of course, we still have many unknowns to solve before understanding this region, but what we know so far is certainly very revealing and explains a lot about human behavior.
We are sure that many of our readers know the curious case of Phineas Gage, this railway operator suffered a violent accident in 1848 with curious results, after an explosion, an iron rod pierced his skull, this incision crossed precisely the orbitofrontal. bark and, although Gage never lost consciousness, and his story was described as a miracle of medicine, it can be said that this young operator was no longer the same.
- This curious case was one of the most important for neuroscience.
- Precisely because we first knew how relevant this area of our brain could be.
- After the accident.
- Phineas Gage became insolent.
- Impulsive.
- Irresponsible and even aggressive.
- His social relations were severely transformed.
- He lost his job and.
- Although he was part of a circus for a time.
- He died a few years later from the severe epileptic seizures he suffered.
Antonio Damasio, a well-known neurologist, is one of the scientists who has studied the case of Phineas Gage and concluded something fundamental: the orbitofrontal lobe is directly related to our emotions and our decision-making.
As the word itself indicates, the orbital cortex is located at the front of the brain, just above orbits and, in turn, has direct connections to sensory areas and limbic system structures related to emotion and memory.
Most aspects of the orbital cortex are mainly due to the study of patients with brain damage or conditions related to this region, the case of Phineas Cage was probably the most relevant, but it must be said that there are still many unknowns, many doubts that neurologists try to answer to unravel a little more the great mysteries of the human brain.
Below we will look at some of the functions that are located in the orbitofrontal cortex.
All this undoubtedly makes it difficult to live together in a social environment.
In addition to these processes related to our behaviors and emotions, this area of our frontal cortex maintains an intimate relationship with complex behavior that is the act of making a decision.
These are curious and at the same time very exhausting behaviors for the person and those around him.
There are several neuropsychological tests to assess the possible damage of the orbital cortex in a patient, so tests such as visual discrimination, Iowa play or the Faux Pas test are very useful for assessing the impact of any changes in this area.
People with trauma or brain damage in this area are generally known to have the following psychological profile:
The treatment of these patients is usually very complex, it is common for them to stay in centers specialized in mental illness, if they are sent by court order, and generally receive psychological and pharmacological treatment according to specific characteristics and needs. Without a doubt, in the face of a very delicate reality, from which we learn more every day.