Coma and the etiology of violence, Part 1

Abstract

Coma and the etiology of violence are explored by the author through a review of the literature. Animal studies, post-traumatic psychic disorder studies, post-traumatic anger and violence studies, tumor and lesion of the limbic system studies, temporal lobe epilepsy studies, and episodic dysfunction syndrome studies, minimal brain studies are reviewed in Part 1 of this article. Part 2, to be published in a later issue of the journal, will conclude the review with clinical surveys on violent individuals and studies on clinical treatment of violence.These studies reveal the etiologic significance of central nervous system dysfunction in the production of violent behavior. Because central nervous system factors are involved in some instances of violent behavior, physicians clearly have a role in the early identification of potentially violent subjects and in the intervention or treatment of individuals who have been violent toward others. Studies have consistently found that lower socioeconomic groups are more predisposed to brain injury from trauma, and several studies have indicated that this is true for segments of the black community. Therefore, investigations in the relationship between central nervous system injury and violence should be a major goal of the black community. Black physicians should assume a lead role in these inquiries and in the prevention and treatment of violence, specifically black-on-black murder.