Plasticity and Functional Recovery AO1

• Plasticity


  The brain can change and adapt through experience
• Synaptic connections at 2-3 years are approximately 15,000
• New connections can grow throughout life but stop using pathways
• Synaptic pruning occurs and more used pathways are strengthened
• Functional recovery


  Neural reorganisation - transfer of functions to undamaged areas
• Functional recovery


  1. Axonal sprouting (to compensate for neuronal loss)

  2. Denervation supersensitivity - axons that do a similar job become excited to a higher level to compensate for the loss

  3. Opposite hemisphere
• Functional recovery is affected by age and gender (young females more likely to recover quicker)
• Neurorehabilitation


  Physiotherapy - brain stimulation of opposite area to enhance recovery