Who was Phineas Gage and what happened to him?

Phineas Gage is a well-known figure in psychology and neuroscience primarily due to an extraordinary incident that occurred in 1848. He was a railroad construction foreman who experienced a severe accident when a large metal spike accidentally went through his skull, specifically penetrating his prefrontal cortex. This incident is significant because Gage survived and provided valuable insight into the role of the prefrontal cortex in personality, decision-making, and social behavior.

The consequence of this traumatic brain injury led to dramatic changes in Gage’s personality, demonstrating the connection between specific brain regions and psychological functions. His case became a pivotal example in understanding brain localization and the impact of traumatic lesions on behavior. It has been referenced in countless discussions and studies regarding the relationship between brain structure and personality, making Gage's story a foundational event in the history of psychology.