Aggression after traumatic brain injury: A review of the current literature

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in an increase in aggression in nearly one-third of patients. Aggressive behaviors can be severe and impede rehabilitation and quality of life. This study reviews current literature on the definitions, subtypes, predisposing factors, neuroanatomy, and proposed treatment strategies for aggression after TBI. Post-TBI aggression has been found to be associated with higher rates of premorbid anger and impulsivity. It has been linked to damage in the orbitofrontal and ventromedial prefrontal cortices and associated with higher levels of norepinephrine and lower levels of serotonin post-injury. Although medications are often used to address management of post-TBI aggression, large-scale studies are still needed to determine the appropriate indications for medication use.