Can your IQ ever drop ? For example if you have an accident or after heavy drug abuse ?

Question

Can your IQ ever drop ? For example if you have an accident or after heavy drug abuse ?

Answer 1

Not in theory, although in practice the measurement is imperfect. An Intelligence Quotient or IQ should not change, you may lose knowledge, but not IQ. It has been found that significant injuries isolated to one side of the brain, especially those occurring at a young age, should not significantly affect IQ.

Answer 2

Yes. It can also drop from other forms of brain damage and from conditions like senility and Alzheimer's disease.

Answer 3

yeah

Answer 4

It certainly can...

Answer 5

The brain is constantly working and responding to outside stimuli.  The more you work it, expose it to new ideas and experiences, the better it performs.  The opposite is also true. Of course if it undergoes trauma and is injured, its ability to work will suffer.  Drugs and alcohol kill neurons (brain cells) and so lower the brain's abilities, although it would take a lot to actually notice it.  Exercises are available to strengthen the brain's abilities, such as brain twisters, word puzzles, finding a new way home, etc.  IQ (inteligence quotient) attempts to measure your brain's level of functioning compared to what would be "normal" at your age, with 100 being normal and a higher number meaning higher functioning.  If your brain is stimulated regularly it is very possible your IQ could rise; if you never exercise your higher thinking facilities, hit yourself in the head, and drink everyday it is feasible that your IQ could lower.