Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health concern in both civilian and military populations. Recently, genetics studies have begun to identify individual differences in polymorphisms that could affect recovery and outcome of cognitive and social processes following TBI. This review considers the potential for polymorphisms to influence six specific cognitive and social functions, which represent the most prominent domains of impairment following TBI: working memory, executive function, decision making, inhibition and impulsivity, aggression, and social and emotional function. Examining the influence of polymorphisms on TBI outcome has the potential to contribute to an understanding of variations in TBI outcome, aid in the triaging and treatment of TBI patients, and ultimately lead to targeted interventions based on genetic profiles.
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