The largest brain lobe in the cerebrum, the frontal lobe is responsible for essential brain functions, like language, judgment, memory, motor function, problem solving and impulse control, according to the Centre for Neuro Skills. Because of its location at the foremost part of the brain, the frontal lobe is vulnerable to injury; the damage can result in a loss of function, impairing the patient's ability to care for himself.
Traumatic Brain Injury
The Brain Injury Association of Washington states that traumatic brain injury (TBI) can severely damage the frontal lobe, even if the impact occurs to the back of the head or to the side; the force from whiplash, where there is no direct damage, can also bruise the frontal lobe. TBI results in lesions on the frontal lobe, which disrupt normal brain function. The lesions can be caused by either a closed or open head injury. With a closed injury, like a concussion, the skull is not fractured, whereas with an open injury, like a contusion, the cause of the injury cracks the skull and can enter the brain. Even if the object that causes the injury does not directly damage the brain, the force from the accident can result in loss of function.
Stroke
A stroke can also result in frontal lobe injury, if the blockage is located in that part of the brain. Whether caused by a blood clot or a burst blood vessel, a stroke prevents blood from flowing to the frontal lobe; that blood contains the oxygen needed for the brain, and the lack of it results in cell death, according to the University of Nebraska Lincoln. Other medical conditions that interrupt the oxygen supply to the brain can also cause frontal lobe brain damage, like meningitis, drowning and cardiac arrest, according to the Brain Injury Association of Washington.
Brain Tumors
The Merck Manual Home Edition notes that astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas, two types of brain tumors that develop from glial cells (astrocytes and oligodendrocytes), can grow in the frontal lobe and result in serious damage. These brain tumors can result in weakness and personality changes, as well as speech problems if the tumor is located on a language region.
