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Case Study: The Man with a Hole in His Head

Phineas Gage was a railway worker in 19th-century Vermont who survived a bizarre accident that changed him - and the study of neuroscience - forever.

Claudia Hammond presents a series on case studies that have made a significant contribution to psychological research.

Phineas Gage was a railway worker in 19th-century Vermont who survived a bizarre accident. A metre-long iron rod shot through his head, changing him and the study of neuroscience forever.

Claudia visits Harvard Medical School Museum in Boston to see for herself what remains of The Man With The Hole In His Head. At the Oliver Zangwill Centre for Neuropsychological Rehabilitation in Ely, Cambridgeshire she meets clients with brain injuries similar to those suffered by Phineas Gage and discovers how far we've come in understanding and treatment since Gage suffered his appalling trauma on 13 September 1848.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Sun 7 Dec 2008 23:00

Broadcasts

  • Wed 21 May 2008 11:00
  • Sun 7 Dec 2008 23:00