Neurophyschological correlates of frontal behavioral syndromes in individuals with traumatic brain injury
Date
2001
Authors
Barrett, Peter Douglas
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Abstract
The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate whether putative subsystem-specific measures of frontal/executive functioning (dorsolateral, orbital, and medial frontal subsystems) would be related in a unique manner with specific frontally-based personality sub-types. 45 adults who had sustained traumatic brain injury were administered a battery of neuropsychological tests of frontal lobe functioning and a measure of general conceptual ability. Brain injured participants and collaterals completed the Frontal Lobe Personality Scale (FLOPS), a questionnaire designed to evaluate the presence and severity of behaviour and personality change following frontal lobe injury. Contrary to hypothesis, no significant relationships were found between putative measures of frontal lobe functioning and ratings on the FLOPS. Results provide some support for the hypothesis of reduced awareness of deficit among traumatically brain-injured patients. However, tests of frontal lobe functioning were not predictive of the degree unawareness of deficit among brain-injured patients, over and above measures of general conceptual ability. Limitations of the present study and avenues for further research are discussed.