The infamous accident of Phineas Gage, which occurred in 1848, had a profound impact on our understanding of brain function and behavior. Meet the man whose traumatic injury left him with a drastically altered personality.
The Accident That Changed Everything
On a September day in 1848, while working to lay a railroad bed in New England, Phineas Gage experienced what would become one of the most famous accidents in neuroscience. During a routine blast, a tamping iron exploded upward, entering his left cheek, passing behind his left eye, and exiting the top of ‘Gage’s head.’ This iron rod, over three feet long, destroyed much of his left frontal lobe.
Phineas Gage was a 25-year-old railroad worker who suffered a severe traumatic brain injury in 1848.
An iron rod pierced his skull, damaging the left frontal lobe of his brain.
This incident provided a unique opportunity for scientists to study the effects of brain damage on behavior and cognition.
Gage's accident led to significant advancements in neuroscience and psychology, particularly in understanding the role of the prefrontal cortex in decision-making and emotional regulation.
On September 13, 1848, Phineas Gage, a 25-year-old American railroad worker, suffered a severe brain injury when a tamping iron pierced his skull.
The accident occurred while 'Gage was working on a project in Vermont.'
The iron rod entered through the left side of his face and exited through the right side of his head, causing significant damage to his frontal lobe.
Gage survived but experienced dramatic changes in behavior and personality.
He became impulsive, irritable, and had difficulty with decision-making.
This incident is widely studied in neuroscience and psychology as a classic example of the relationship between brain function and behavior.
Gage’s Survival and Recovery
Despite the extent of the massive brain damage, Gage‘s survival was nothing short of miraculous. Treated by Dr. John Martyn Harlow, ‘Gage recovered physically’ over the next few months, shocking many medical professionals of the time. His injury became a topic of debate at institutions like the Massachusetts Medical Society, where doctors analyzed the nature and effects of his trauma.
A Major Personality Shift
The reported personality change following the accident is perhaps the most discussed element of Gage‘s life. The once diligent and reliable worker allegedly became ‘fitful, irreverent, and grossly profane,’ exhibiting impaired judgment, impulsivity, and changes in social behavior. According to Harlow, he was _’no longer Gage.’ These behavioral changes highlighted the role of the prefrontal cortex, a region involved in decision-making, impulse control, and social behavior.
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a region in the brain responsible for executive functions, decision-making, and planning.
Located in the frontal lobe, it processes information, regulates emotions, and controls impulse responses.
Damage to the PFC can lead to cognitive impairments, such as difficulty with working memory and attention.
Research suggests that the PFC continues to develop until early adulthood, which may explain why 'adolescents are prone to impulsive behavior.'
Scientific Legacy and Theories
The Gage story significantly influenced 19th century theories about cerebral localization and factors determining personality. His injury lent weight to the idea that different brain regions — particularly the frontal lobe—controlled specific functions. Modern researchers have used imaging technology and mapping connectivity damage to further analyze Gage‘s brain. Studies in environmental medicine and cognitive neuroscience often reference Gage to explore how localized damage can induce specific mental and behavioral shifts.
Later Years and Historical Memory
After leaving New England, Gage spent time in New Hampshire and eventually moved to Chile, where he worked as a stagecoach driver before moving to San Francisco to live with his family. He reportedly regained some functionality, contradicting earlier claims that his decline was permanent. He died in 1860 after suffering epileptic seizures, likely tied to the original brain injury.
Why the Case of Phineas Gage Matters
The case continues to be taught in classrooms and appears in open access article distributed materials for psychology students. It’s often referenced when discussing the challenges of restoring Phineas Gage, both physically and in terms of his social role. His story supports our modern understanding of the human brain and remains an icon of resilience and transformation.
- howstuffworks.com | Phineas Gage and the Birth of Modern Neuroscience
