Which phenomenon can arise after damage to the insula?

The insula is a key region of the brain that plays a significant role in various functions, including the integration of sensory information, emotional regulation, and the experience of pain. Damage to the insula can disrupt these functions and lead to a range of effects.

Heightened susceptibility to stress is a possibility following insula damage because this brain region is involved in processing emotional and bodily states, which includes the perception of stress and emotional regulation. When the insula is compromised, an individual may experience increased sensitivity to stressors and a diminished ability to cope with stress, as it is less able to integrate emotional responses and body signals that would typically help manage stress levels.

In contrast, the other options refer to functions that are more associated with different areas of the brain. For example, an inability to speak is primarily related to damage in areas like Broca's or Wernicke's area. Loss of sensory processing generally involves regions involved in sensory perception, such as the primary sensory cortices. Impaired visual recognition is typically linked to the occipital lobe and associated visual processing areas. Therefore, heightened susceptibility to stress is the most directly related consequence of damage to the insula.