It controls thinking skills, reasoning, self-control, and motor function.
A person has left and right frontal lobes.
This area of the brain grows rapidly during early childhood.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
It continues to physically grow and improve skills throughout childhood and adolescence.
Frontal lobe functions continue to be refined throughout adulthood.
Male and Female Brains
Some evidence suggests differences in the development of male and female brains.
Conditions Associated With Frontal Lobe Damage
Many neurological conditions can affect the frontal lobe of the brain.
These include weakness on one side of the body, headaches, personality changes, and impaired thinking.
Encephalitis
Encephalitis is a brain infection or inflammatory disorder that can affect the frontal lobe.
These include headaches,brain fog, and even personality changes.
This can damage any area of the brain, potentially with permanent effects.
Newborn hypoxia affects child development.
When it affects the frontal lobe, MS can cause weakness, brain fog, and fatigue.
A neurological assessment of the frontal lobe requires specialized testing of motor skills and cognitive skills.
Highly specialized brain imaging tests may detect changes in the frontal lobe that are associated with dementia.
A key to engaging your frontal lobe is to continue to challenge yourself in positive ways.
An accurate diagnosis will help guide treatment.
Therapeutic interventions will include treatment for the cause of frontal lobe damage and rehabilitation to help improve skills.
The frontal lobe coordinates with different regions of the brain to handle tasks.
Many diseases and brain disorders affect the frontal lobe.
2024;15(1):6283. doi:10.1038/s41467-024-50292-2
National Institute of Health.Sex differences in brain anatomy.
2024;45(11):e26777.
