Frontal Disorders and Consciousness: A Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The frontal cortex plays a key role in many functions considered to be relevant for consciousness. Furthermore, altered consciousness appears to exist in those with disorders that disrupt or damage frontal areas and/or networks. This article reviews recent research discussing the impact of frontal disorders on consciousness.

RECENT FINDINGS: Many theories of consciousness have been developed over the last century to help explain the neural correlates of consciousness. Some theories argue that the frontal cortex is necessary for consciousness, while others argue that posterior cortical regions are critical for consciousness. The Memory Theory of Consciousness argues that consciousness requires modality-specific localization throughout the brain. We argue that frontal disorders do not abolish consciousness but they may disrupt conscious abilities such as sustained attention, working memory, problem-solving, complex thought, executive function, response inhibition, decision-making, and goal-oriented behavior. Understanding the role of the frontal cortex in consciousness has significant scientific, clinical, and societal implications.