What is the Function, Location, and Structure of the Parietal Lobe?

The parietal lobe is an important part of your brain located toward the top and back of your head. It helps you process information from your senses, especially touch, temperature, and pain. It also plays a significant role in helping you understand where your body is in relation to the space around you. For example, it helps you know how to reach for something without looking or judging distances. It’s also involved in things like reading, writing, and even doing math.

However, like any other part of the brain, the parietal lobe is susceptible to injury. Trauma to the head, whether from a car accident, a fall, or a blow during a sports activity, can cause significant damage to this vital area. When the parietal lobe is affected by injury or disease, it can lead to various challenges and difficulties.

Individuals with parietal lobe damage may struggle to recognize objects by touch, navigate through spaces, or even read and calculate numbers. These impairments can profoundly impact a person’s daily life, affecting their independence, ability to work or study, and overall well-being.

Tragically, many parietal lobe brain injuries are caused by the negligence of others. Whether it’s a distracted driver causing a car accident, a child hit on a bike, or a property owner failing to maintain safe premises, these negligent actions can have devastating consequences for the injured person and their loved ones. The physical, emotional, and financial toll of a parietal lobe injury can be immense, and it’s crucial that those responsible for causing such harm are held accountable for their actions.

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, particularly to the parietal lobe, due to someone else’s negligence, remember that you are not alone. At our Hamilton law firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that you may be facing during this difficult time. Since 2003, we have been dedicated to guiding brain injury victims and their families through the complex no-fault system, fighting tirelessly to secure the compensation and resources needed for life-long treatment and support.

We have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that a parietal lobe injury can have on an individual’s life, affecting their ability to work, study, and maintain their independence. That’s why we approach every case with empathy, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to advocating for our clients’ rights.

Our team of experienced brain injury lawyers has recovered millions in compensation for our clients, ensuring that they have access to the best possible medical care, rehabilitation services, and financial security. We are here to listen to your story, provide sound legal advice, and stand by your side every step of the way as you navigate this challenging journey.

What Does the Parietal Lobe Do? Breaking Down Key Functions

At its core, the parietal lobe is crucial for sensory perception and integration. It’s responsible for managing taste, sight, touch, smell, and hearing. It houses the primary sensory area of the brain, which interprets input from other areas of the body. 

According to research, the more sensory input is provided by an area of the body, the more of the parietal lobe is dedicated to that area. For example, the hands and fingers are one of the main sites for sensory data, so a significant portion of the parietal lobe is dedicated to interpreting and processing their input. 

Overall, the parietal lobe is not entirely understood, much like the rest of the brain. While researchers are constantly making new discoveries, we likely do not know everything it does. 

However, some of the key functions we have identified include: 

• Differentiating between two points, even in the absence of visual cues.
• Identifying the specific location of touch: When any part of your body comes into contact with an object, your parietal lobe allows you to perceive the sensation precisely at the point of contact rather than in your brain or throughout your entire body.
• Synthesizing sensory input from various parts of the body.
• Spatial navigation and understanding: Your parietal lobe is engaged when you interpret a map, adhere to directions, or avoid stumbling over an unexpected obstacle. The parietal lobe is also crucial for proprioception—the capacity to sense your body’s position in space and in relation to itself. For example, touching your nose with your finger without using a mirror relies on the parietal lobe.
• Collaborating with the occipital lobe for certain visual functions.
• Evaluating numerical associations, including the number of objects in your visual field.
• Analyzing the dimensions, form, and spatial orientation of both visible stimuli and remembered objects.
• Creating mental representations of the visual environment: recent research indicates that specific areas within the parietal lobe function as maps of the visual world.
• Synchronizing the movements of the hands, arms, and eyes.
• Contributing to language processing.
• Regulating attentional focus.

Understanding Changes in the Parietal Lobe After a Brain Injury

When a traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects the parietal lobe, the consequences can be life-altering. Located near the top and back of the head, this region of the brain is particularly susceptible to damage from head trauma. Some of the most significant ways a TBI can alter the function of the parietal lobe include:

Spatial Awareness

One of the most distressing changes that can occur after a parietal lobe injury is the loss of spatial awareness and navigation skills. The simple act of moving through the world can suddenly feel daunting. 

Judging distances, depths, and sizes becomes difficult, leading to frequent bumps, trips, and falls. Even familiar environments can feel foreign. These struggles can be incredibly frustrating and disheartening, disrupting an individual’s sense of independence and confidence. An experienced Hamilton brain injury lawyer can help you find the rehabilitative services and accommodations needed to regain a sense of safety and autonomy.

Sensory Information

Parietal lobe damage can also profoundly affect an individual’s sense of touch and ability to integrate sensory information. The once comforting sensations of a hug or the satisfying texture of a favourite food may become distorted or dulled.

Unusual sensations like numbness, tingling, or pain can arise and feel alarming and uncomfortable. Coordinating senses, like using vision to guide hand movements, can become difficult. These challenges can make everyday activities like dressing, eating, and writing seem insurmountable, leading to frustration and helplessness. 

Visual Processing

The visual processing difficulties arising from parietal lobe damage can be equally disorienting and distressing. Once familiar faces may become unrecognizable, while words on a page may seem blurry.

The world may feel visually overwhelming, with important details slipping by unnoticed. These challenges can lead to feelings of isolation, confusion, and self-doubt, affecting relationships, work, and overall well-being. 

Language and Communication

Even the subtle language difficulties resulting from parietal lobe injury can have a profound emotional impact. Struggling to understand spatial language or integrate verbal information with other sensory inputs can leave an individual feeling disconnected and misunderstood. 

They may feel like they’re losing their grasp on communication and relationships, leading to feelings of loneliness and despair. A dedicated Hamilton brain injury lawyer can ensure that comprehensive language evaluations are conducted and that appropriate speech therapy is provided to help maintain and strengthen these vital connections.

Attention Difficulties

Finally, the attention deficits often accompanying parietal lobe injuries can be among the most frustrating and demoralizing challenges. The constant battle to focus and switch between tasks can be exhausting and demoralizing. 

Individuals with parietal lobe injuries often struggle with maintaining focus. Their minds wander or become easily derailed by irrelevant stimuli. They may find it nearly impossible to concentrate on a single task for an extended period, constantly battling the urge to switch gears or check their surroundings. 

Individuals may struggle to filter out distractions, which can cause significant struggles in various settings like work or school. Background noises, visual clutter, and competing demands can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to hone in on a single task. 

Individuals may feel like they’re constantly letting themselves and others down, leading to guilt, shame, and inadequacy.

Navigating Life with Parietal Lobe Brain Injury

A parietal lobe injury can fundamentally change an individual’s life, affecting their ability to navigate the world, interact with others, and maintain independence. The road to recovery and adaptation can be long and challenging, but with the proper support and strategies, it is possible to regain quality of life. 

Rehabilitation and Therapy

One of the most significant ways in which life changes after a parietal lobe injury is the need for ongoing rehabilitation and therapy. Occupational therapy can be crucial in relearning everyday skills like dressing, cooking, and navigating the home environment. 

By working with an experienced therapist, individuals can develop adaptive strategies and use specialized equipment to maintain their independence and safety. A knowledgeable Hamilton brain injury lawyer can advocate for comprehensive occupational therapy services and ensure that your insurance covers these essential treatments.

Physical therapy is another critical component of the recovery process. Parietal lobe injuries can affect balance, coordination, and motor skills, making it difficult to perform once-automatic movements. Through targeted exercises and interventions, physical therapists can help individuals regain strength, flexibility, and control.

They may also recommend assistive devices like walkers, canes, or braces to support safe mobility. Once received, a therapist will work with individuals to help them integrate these things into their lives and adapt to any permanent changes in mobility. .

Adapting the Home

Adapting to life with a parietal lobe injury often requires significant changes to the home environment. Occupational therapists can conduct home assessments and recommend modifications to enhance safety and accessibility. 

This may include installing grab bars, removing tripping hazards, or reorganizing living spaces to minimize confusion and disorientation. A Hamilton brain injury lawyer can help you navigate the complex world of home modifications. They will advocate for the necessary funding and resources to create a safe and comfortable living space.

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology can also play a crucial role in adapting to life with a parietal lobe injury. From simple tools like large-print labels and colour-coded organizers to high-tech devices like voice-activated controls and navigation aids, many options are available to support independence and quality of life. 

Relationships and Communication

Perhaps one of the most profound changes associated with a parietal lobe injury is its impact on relationships and social connections. Communication difficulties, emotional challenges, and personality changes can strain even close relationships. 

Counselling and support groups can be invaluable in navigating these challenges and building new strategies for connection and understanding. 

Work Life

As individuals adapt to life with a parietal lobe injury, they may also face significant changes in their work and financial situations. Cognitive and physical challenges can make returning to previous jobs or maintaining steady employment difficult. 

Vocational rehabilitation and job coaching can help individuals identify new career paths and develop the skills needed for success. A knowledgeable Hamilton brain injury lawyer can advocate for your right to accommodations and help you navigate the complex landscape of qualifying for resources and financial planning.

Call Our Hamilton Brain Injury Lawyer Today for your Free Consultation.

The effects of a traumatic brain injury can be devastating and life-changing for both victims and their loved ones. While the physical pain and limitations are far-reaching, the emotional and psychological effects cannot be understated. The parietal lobe is involved in so many critical brain functions that damage can cause extensive changes to an individual’s everyday life, from sensory dysfunction to mobility challenges. 

Recovery, adaptation, and management will take time, money, and support. Our Hamilton brain injury lawyers have extensive experience navigating the legal aspects of these cases. We can help you secure financial support through benefits, compensation, and anything else you may be eligible for. We will focus on your case while you focus on healing, recovering, and rebuilding your life. 

While no amount of money can replace the pain, suffering, and loss caused by a brain injury, financial compensation can significantly alleviate the burden of current and future medical costs and other damages associated with the injury. We aim to ensure you receive the necessary funds to support your ongoing recovery and adapt to new life circumstances.

Call our Hamilton brain injury lawyers today, no matter where you are in Ontario, at 1-844-LALANDE or local throughout Southern Ontario at 905-333-8888. We are here to answer any questions you may have. Alternatively, you can contact us online confidentially by filling out a contact form or having your social worker or nurse practitioner reach out to us on your behalf if you cannot.