Question

How is the plasticity of the brain throughout life evident in recovery from brain damage? What are some factors that determine its extent and facilitate recovery? What limits are there in recovery from injury in children? In adults?

Answer 1

Hi,

Brain plasticity is defined as the brain's capacity to be shaped by experience; its capacity to learn and remember as well as ability to reorganize and recover from injury. In otherwords, the brain can reorganize and reassign its neural connections and pathways based on which parts of it are overused, underused or injured. Brain's structure is constantly remodelled by everyday life experiences and environmental demands as it adapts to meet our needs.

Lifelong plasticity can be be observed in examples like learning our native language, learning to use computer, learning to ride a bicycle etc. An example of brain's reassignment of functions to other areas is evident when function is taken over by the opposite cerebral hemisphere if injury destroys the part of the hemisphere where the function is primarily located. Recovery from other types of extensive brain injury by adults through adaptive plasticity is dramatic. An example is recovery of use of paralysed hand in few months.

The factors and the limits that determine the extent of recovery are endogenous factors like severity of the brain injury as well as specific injury factors such as size and topography of the brain lesion, maturational stage of the brain system and the integrity of the neuronal circuits surrounding the lesions at the time of injury. In addition, Exogenous factors such as family emotional and physical support, an extensive social network and stimulating personal activities also affect the outcome after brain injury in children.

Hope your query is answered