College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

Damage to the frontal lobe presents primarily as what issue?

1. Impulse control

2. Balance

3. Understanding spoken language

4. Long-term memory

The correct answer is: Impulse control

Damage to the frontal lobe primarily affects impulse control due to its critical role in regulating higher cognitive functions, including decision-making and emotional regulation. The frontal lobe is responsible for executive functions, which govern behaviors such as planning, prioritizing, and controlling impulses. When this area is compromised, individuals may experience difficulty in managing their impulses, leading to inappropriate or risk-taking behaviors. In contrast, balance issues are generally associated with damage to the cerebellum, which is responsible for coordination and fine motor control. Understanding spoken language predominantly involves the temporal lobe, where regions like Wernicke's area are located, facilitating comprehension of language. Long-term memory is primarily associated with structures such as the hippocampus, which is part of the limbic system and located in the medial temporal lobe. Therefore, the effects of frontal lobe damage are specifically linked to challenges in impulse control.