How traumatic brian injuries cause murderous tendencies
Many researchers say that brain defects and injuries have been a crucial link to violent behavior. When the hypothalamus, the temporal lobe, or the limbic brain have been damaged, it can account for uncontrolled aggression. (Fallon)
Hypothalamus The hypothalamus is in charge of the hormonal system and emotions. The sexual and aggressive centers inside the hypothalamus are very close and when there is damage to the hypothalamus these two can overlap causing sexual instinct and violent tendencies to coincide and lead to murder of lust. The hypothalamus can be damaged by either injury or malnutrition.(Fallon) Limbic Brain The limbic brain is in charge of emotion and motivation. When there is damage to the limbic brain, the person loses control of primary emotion, like rage and fear. Psychologist’s often compare serial killers to reptiles because reptiles do not have a limbic system and lack emotion. (Fallon) Temporal Lobe When the temporal lobe is damaged, it can lead to amnesia and epileptic seizures. Damage to the lobe can also result in easily triggered violent reactions, and more violent aggressive reactions. 70 percent of people who experience injury to the brain develop more violent tendencies. (Fallon) |