Differential behavioral effects in frontal lobe disease

Abstract

The performances of groups of patients with left, right and bilateral frontal lesions were compared on a battery consisting of two tests presumed to be related specifically to left hemisphere function, two tests presumed to be related specifically to right hemisphere function, and two tests presumed to be related specifically to bilateral frontal lobe function. Eighteen predictions, based on both theoretical considerations and the indications of previous literature, were made concerning the differences in performance to be expected among the three groups. Fifteen of the 18 predictions were confirmed by the results. It is concluded that some of the interhemispheric differences in performance which have been found in comparisons of patients with unilateral post-Rolandic lesions are also demonstrable in patients with unilateral frontal lesions and that certain task performances are particularly susceptible to the effects of bilateral frontal lobe damage. © 1968.