A01

• What is neural plasticity?

  Brain's ability to adapt after trauma
• How do unaffected areas of the brain respond to trauma?

  They adapt and compensate for damaged areas
• What is spontaneous recovery in the context of brain trauma?

  Quick recovery after trauma
• What may be required after spontaneous recovery slows down?

  Rehabilitative therapy to further recovery
• What happens in the brain during recovery from trauma?

  It rewires and reorganizes by forming new connections
• How does the brain avoid damage during recovery?

  By forming new synaptic connections
• What is axonal sprouting?

  Growth of new nerve endings connecting undamaged cells
• What is denervation supersensitivity?

  Increased arousal of similar axons after loss
• What is a potential negative consequence of denervation supersensitivity?

  Oversensitivity to messages like pain
• What does recruitment of homologous areas mean?

  Similar areas on the opposite side take over functions
• What happens if Broca's area is damaged on the left side?

  The right-sided equivalent carries out its functions
• What may happen to functionality after a period of time post-trauma?

  Functionality may shift back to the left side