Week 3- Neuroplasticity

Question 1

Theories of recovery

Answer 1

• Reversal of diaschisis
• Compensation
• Physiological and neuroanatomical reorganization

Question 2

What is reversal of diaschisis?

Answer 2

• Spontaneous recovery

- Will happen regardless of any intervention

Question 3

Compensation

Answer 3

Functional improvement while significant impairment remains

Question 4

Physiological and neuroanatomical reorganization

Answer 4

• Changes in response to intrinsic neuronal networks
• Alterations in neurotransmitter levels
• Dendritic branching, axonal sprouting, synaptogenesis
• Neurogenesis

Question 5

What is neuroplasticity?

Answer 5

• Capacity for neurons to structurally and functionally adapt
• Innate, fundamental property of the brain

Question 6

What are the implications of neuroplasticity for the therapist?

Answer 6

• Train the new brain to perform old functions

- Use neural strategies for motor improvement

Question 7

Mechanisms of neuroplasticity

Answer 7

• Structural mechanisms

- Functional mechanisms

Question 8

Structural mechanisms of neuroplasticity

Answer 8

• Dendritic arbor, spine density
• Synapse number
• Axonal arbor
• Receptor density

Question 9

Functional mechanisms of neuroplasticity

Answer 9

• Excitatory postsynaptic potential
• Neural activity
• Intrinsic excitability

Question 10

What effect does compensatory behaviors have on the patient?

Answer 10

• Reliance on less-affected limb is associated with reorganization and neuronal grown in non-affected hemisphere
• Can be maladaptive and interfere w/ relearning in affected limbs