Among the oil field buddies, Conrad was known as a cheerfully profane, hard drinker who was seldom averse to a barroom scarp. but after he suffered a head injury in a car accident, he returned to work as a decil, timid man who could no longer deal with the violent activity of a drilling platform. His physician determined that damage to his----- was the likely cause of his changed behavior

Based on the given information, it is likely that Conrad's physician determined that damage to his frontal lobe was the likely cause of his changed behavior. The frontal lobe is associated with a variety of functions, including personality, decision making, social behavior, and self-awareness. Damage to this area can result in changes in behavior, mood, and personality, which may explain Conrad's transformation from a boisterous, hard-drinking individual to a timid, fearful one.