APA Dictionary of Psychology

(1823–1860) an individual, often featured in introductory psychology textbooks, who was made famous when an explosion caused a metal rod to pass through and damage anterior parts of the frontal lobes of his brain. He exhibited no apparent cognitive deficits but later showed changes in behavior and personality. Sources differ about the extent and chronicity of these changes: Some report that the changes were severe and permanent, whereas others indicate that Gage recovered from his injury or at least adapted well to its effects.