Plasticity - Functional recovery of the brain after trauma Flashcards
what is functional recovery a type of?
plasticity
define functional recovery
when affected areas of the brain adapt and compensate for damaged areas
when does someone undergo functional recovery?
been through trauma + stroke
define spontaneous recovery
there is a quick recovery shortly after trauma
when should rehabilitation occur during spontaneous recovery?
slows down after several weeks or months which is when rehabilitation may be required to help further recovery
Describe the process of recovery of function in the brain
brain rewires itself
forms new synaptic connections near the damaged area
Who is Doidge (2007)?
suggested less used secondary neural pathways are activated/unmasked
functioning continues
What is unmasking of neural pathways supported by?
structural changes in the brain during functional recovery
name the structural changes in the brain during functional recovery
axonal sprouting
reformation of blood vessels
recruitment of homologous areas
denervation supersensitivity
define axonal sprouting
Undamaged axons grow new nerve endings to reconnect neurons with damaged links
define reformation of blood vessels
blood vessels reform to support other changes
define recruitment of homologous areas
when similar areas in the opposite hemisphere of the brain carry out the functions of the damaged area
example of recruitment of homologous areas
Broca’s area was damaged,
similar area in the right hemisphere could be used to take over language production.
define denervation supersensitivity
Axons that do a similar job to the ones that have been damaged become aroused to a higher level to compensate.
negative of denervation supersensitivity
oversensitivity to pain
