Functional Recovery

Question 1

Functional recovery

Answer 1

• A form of plasticity following trauma
• redistribution and transfer of functions from damaged to undamaged areas

Question 2

Axonal sprouting

Answer 2

growth of new nerve endings which connect with other undamaged nerve cells to form new neuronal pathways

Question 3

Denervation supersensitivity

Answer 3

Occurs when axons with a similar function become aroused to a higher level to compensate for ones that have been lost
- could lead to oversensitivity/pain

Question 4

Recruitment of homologous areas

Answer 4

• recruitment of same area on opposite side of the brain
• May shift back after a period of time

Question 5

Real-world application

Answer 5

• knowledge lead to neurorehabilitation
  e.g. constraint-induced movement therapy is used w/ stroke patients

Question 6

Cognitive reserve

Answer 6

• education influences recovery rate
• time spent in education of a patient is a indication of cognitive reserve
• 40% of those with disability-free-recovery had 16 years, 10% had <12 years