Plasticity And Functional Recovery

• Neural plasticity is the ability of the brain to change and adapt it's structures and processes as a result of experiences and new learning
• During infancy the brain experience rapid growth in terms of synaptic connections
• Macguire et al - London Taxi drivers have significantly more grey matter in their posterior hippocampus - Involved in spatial and navigational skills
• Functional recovery is a form of plasticity. Following trauma the brain is able to redistribute or transfer functions to other undamaged areas
• The brain is able to rewire and reorganise itself by forming new synaptic connects close to the area of damage.
• Limitation - Negative Plasticity

  • Long term drug use can lead to poor cognitive functions and increased risk of demantia
  • 60-80% of Amputees have been known to devlop phantom limb syndrome due to reorganisation in the brain