The brain is a very complex organ where every part is responsible for different activities. So when there is brain damage, normal brain function is affected. The brain is divided into three parts: the cerebrum, the cerebellum and the brain stem. The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain, and is divided into two parts: the right hemisphere and the left hemisphere. Each hemisphere has four lobes: the frontal lobe, the temporal lobe, the occipital lobe and the parietal lobe.
Frontal Lobe
Located in the front of the brain, the frontal lobe is responsible for judgment, foresight, voluntary movement, smell and personality, according to the Stroke Center at Washington University in St. Louis' School of Medicine. In addition, the frontal lobe controls social behavior, the sequence of complex movements, flexibility in thinking and the ability to interact with others. When the frontal lobe is damaged, it results in paralysis, persevering on a single thought and the inability to focus on a task. A type of neurological disorder possible from frontal lobe damage is Broca's Aphasia, which is the inability to express language.
Temporal Lobe
Located on the side of the head above the ears, the temporal lobe is responsible for intellectual and emotional functions, as well as hearing, according to the Stroke Center at Washington University in St. Louis' School of Medicine. In addition, the hippocampus is located in the temporal lobe, a brain structure that processes short-term memories into long-term memories. When damage occurs to the temporal lobe, the patient has difficulties recognizing faces, identifying and verbalizing objects. If damage occurs to the temporal lobe in the right hemisphere, persistent talking can occur. A type of neurological disorder possible from temporal lobe damage is Wernicke's Aphasia, which is difficulty understanding spoken language.
Occipital Lobe
Located at the back of the head, the occipital lobe contains the primary visual area. When there is damage to the occipital lobe, the patient suffers from hallucinations, visual illusions, word blindness and deficits in her visual field. Two types of agnosia can occur from occipital lobe damage: movement agnosia, which is the inability to recognize the movement of an object, and color agnosia, which is difficulty with identifying colors.
Parietal Lobe
Located at the top of the head and behind the frontal lobe, the parietal lobe is responsible for the comprehension of language. When there is damage to the parietal lobe, the patient cannot focus his visual attention, has trouble with hand and eye coordination as well as difficulty distinguishing left from right.
Cerebellum
The second largest part of the brain, the cerebellum, is at the base of the skull. The cerebellum deals with balance as well as control of movement and coordination. When damaged, patients lose the ability to walk, reach out and grab objects and coordinate fine movements.
Brain Stem
The brain stem connects the brain to the spinal cord, and controls attention, arousal, blood pressure, heart rate and respiration. Damage to the brain stem affects the patient's ability to swallow food and water, sleeping, speech and breathing.
