Following a head injury, a patient exhibits personality changes and pressured speech. Which brain area is likely damaged?

The correct answer is the frontal lobe, which is involved in a variety of functions including personality, behavior, and executive functions. When this area is damaged, particularly from a head injury, it can lead to significant changes in personality, impulsivity, and difficulties in self-regulation. Pressure of speech, which is characterized by an accelerated and increased volume of speech with a sense of urgency, is also often associated with dysfunction in this region.

Damage to the frontal lobe can result in disorders such as anosognosia, apathy, and personality changes where individuals may exhibit more aggressive or uninhibited behaviors. This aligns with the characteristics observed in the patient after their head injury. Thus, the behavioral symptoms such as personality changes and pressured speech strongly signal involvement of the frontal lobe in this scenario.