Much of the research on the amygdala has centered on its pivotal role in forming quick appraisals during threatening or fear-inducing situations changing people's moods during soothing or peaceful situations. recording information about one's environment and its spatial orientation regulating consciousness, sleep, and alertness in an individual

forming quick appraisals during threatening or fear-inducing situations

The amygdala is fundamental for self-preservation, being the part of the brain capable of identifying danger, generating fear and anxiety. With those signals the person is put in a alert state, getting ready to run or fight. When the amygdala is damaged, the person won't be able to detect it's in danger, and their body won't be ready for the situation that's presented.