Brain Plasticity

• Lashley proposed the equipotentiality theory, which suggests that the basic motor and sensory functions are localised, but that higher mental functions are not. He claimed that intact areas of the cortex could take over responsibility for specific cognitive functions following brain injury. 
• Dronkers et al did an MRI of tans brain and found damage to other areas and his speech impediment could be the result of damage to neighbouring regions.
• Dejerine Case Study- lost the ability to read follwoing damage to the wernickes area and visual cortex, shows how regions communicate with eachother.
• Elbert et al found that brain plasticity deteriorates with age.
• Neurorehabilitation includes, motor therapy, electrical stimulation post trauma and stroke
• Taijiri found that when you give rats stem cells there is development of neuron cells in area of injury. Supporting functional recovery.
• Neuronal unmasking is using dormant synapses to open connections to compensate for nearby areas of the brain. It is linked to funtional recovery.