Phineas Gage was a railroad construction foreman who became famous for surviving a severe brain injury in 1848. He was working on a railroad project in Vermont when an explosion sent a 3-foot-long iron rod through his skull, damaging his brain. Despite the severity of his injury, Gage was able to walk and talk shortly after the accident. However, his personality changed dramatically, and he became known as a completely different person.
The Accident
On September 13, 1848, Gage was using a tamping iron to pack explosives into a hole in the rock when the powder ignited. The explosion propelled the 13-pound iron rod through his left cheek, behind his left eye, through the top of his skull, and out the top of his head. The rod landed 80 feet away from where he was standing.
Remarkably, Gage was conscious and able to speak within a few minutes of the accident. He was taken to a nearby hotel, where he was examined by a doctor. Despite the severity of his injury, Gage showed no signs of paralysis and was able to walk with assistance. He was later transported by wagon to his mother's home in New Hampshire, where he was treated by a local physician.
The Aftermath
Gage's injury was considered a medical miracle, as few people had ever survived such a severe brain injury. However, his personality changed dramatically after the accident. According to his friends and family, he became impulsive, irritable, and irresponsible. He could no longer hold down a job or maintain a relationship.
Gage's case is often cited as evidence of the link between brain function and personality. His injury occurred in the pre-frontal cortex, an area of the brain that controls decision-making, social behavior, and personality. The damage to this area of Gage's brain is thought to have caused his personality change.
The Legacy
Gage lived for another 12 years after his injury, but he was never able to return to his former self. He became a curiosity to the medical community, and his case was studied by psychologists and neurologists for decades. His skull and the iron rod that injured him are now on display at the Warren Anatomical Museum at Harvard University.
Gage's case continues to fascinate scientists and the general public alike. It has been the subject of numerous books, articles, and documentaries. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of the human brain and the importance of understanding the link between brain function and behavior.
Conclusion
Phineas Gage's story is a remarkable example of the resilience of the human body and the fragility of the human brain. His injury changed the course of his life and has had a lasting impact on the field of neuroscience. His case serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the link between brain function and behavior, and the need for continued research in this area.