functional recovery

• definition: functional recovery


  the brain's ability to transfer functions performed by a damaged area to an undamaged area
• what is spontaneous recovery?


  functional recovery that occurs quickly after trauma and then slows down
• what happens during recovery?

  the brain rewires and reorganises itself by forming new synaptic connections close to the damaged areas
• what is functional recovery supported by?

  • axonal sprouting
  • denervation supersensitivity
  • recruitment of homologous areas
• what is axonal sprouting?


  growth of new nerve endings that connect with undamaged nerve cells
• what is denervation supersensitivity?


  where axons doing similar jobs to the damaged ones compensate for their loss
• what is recruitment of homologous areas?

  similar areas on the opposite side of the brain take over the function
• what strength is there for functional recovery? (AO3)


  • real-world application
• what limitation is there for functional recovery?(AO3)


  • recovery rates affected by cognitive reserves
• what real-world application is there for functional recovery? (AO3)


  • understanding has contributed to neurorehabilitation
  • encourages development of new therapies
  • eg: constraint-induced movement to help stroke by using the affected area and restraining the unaffected area
  • helps medical professions to create new inventions
• why does cognitive reserves affect functional recovery? (AO3)


  • education levels may affect recovery rates
  • Schneider et al found that more time in education increased chances of having a disability-free recovery
  • 40% of DFR with 16 years had a , whereas, only 10% had less than 12 years
  • implies functional recovery dependant on environmental factors