‘Spike Through Brain’ Simulation Yields Similarities Between Degenerative Neurological Diseases and Age-Old Accident

A UCLA neuroscientist and his team of researchers have investigated the similarities between the effects of degenerative neurological diseases — such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease — and the dramatic change in behavior that Phineas Gage experienced after having survived what is now referred to as the famous “spike through brain” accident more than 150 years ago. The American railroad construction foreman lived for 11 years after a large iron rod was driven completely through his head, destroying most of the left frontal lobe of his brain. For more information, click here to view a video.