Plasticity and functional recovery of the brain after trauma

• What is the term used to describe the brain's ability to adapt to changes in the environment?

  Plasticity
• How does the brain adapt according to the definition of plasticity?

  By making changes to both its function and structure
• What can cause changes in the brain's structure and function?

  Learning new skills or experiencing traumatic events
• What is a potential consequence of brain damage?

  Neuronal cell death
• What is functional reorganization in the context of brain recovery?

  Healthy areas of the brain compensating for lost or damaged areas
• What happens to neuronal pathways with repeated use?

  They become stronger
• What is synaptic pruning?

  The process of removing unused synaptic connections
• At what stage of life is synaptic pruning most active?

  In newborns and children
• What is axonal sprouting?

  The formation of new axons from neuronal cell bodies
• What is innervation supersensitivity?

  Increased sensitivity of remaining axons in a pathway
• How does age affect functional recovery after brain damage?

  Younger individuals are more likely to recover
• What role does gender play in recovery from brain trauma?

  Women seem to recover more easily than men
• What is constraint-induced therapy?

  A therapy that encourages patients to work on lost functions
• What was the focus of McGuire's 2000 study?

  The brain structure of London taxi drivers
• What significant finding was reported in McGuire's study regarding taxi drivers?

  Increased volume of grey matter in the posterior hippocampus
• What does the case study of EB demonstrate about the brain?

  It can compensate for extreme damage through functional reorganization
• What happened to EB's speech after his hemispherectomy?

  He lost all language ability initially
• How did EB's brain function after recovery?

  His right hemisphere functioned like a typical left hemisphere
• What is the significance of understanding brain recovery for physiotherapists?

  It helps clients regain lost function and independence
• What did the meta-analysis by Matthias in 2015 find regarding cognitive reserve?

  Higher IQ and educational background correlate with better recovery outcomes
• Who was Phineas P. Gage?

  A man who survived a severe brain injury in 1848
• What happened to Phineas P. Gage during his accident?

  A tamping iron shot through his skull
• What were the long-term effects of Gage's injury?

  He had slight memory loss and developed a temper
• What does Gage's case illustrate about the brain?

  It demonstrates the resilience of the brain to damage
• What are the key factors influencing functional recovery after brain damage?

  • Age: Younger individuals recover better
  • Gender: Women recover more easily than men
  • Access to rehabilitation: Focused effort improves recovery
  • Constraint-induced therapy: Encourages working on lost functions
• What are the processes involved in brain plasticity?

  • Formation of new neuronal pathways
  • Strengthening of frequently used pathways
  • Synaptic pruning of unused pathways
  • Axonal sprouting and neural regeneration
• What are the implications of understanding brain recovery for society?

  • Helps physiotherapists assist clients
  • Aids in returning individuals to work
  • Enhances understanding of brain specialization