functional recovery Flashcards
what is functional recovery?
the brain’s ability to redistribute or transfer functions usually performed by damaged parts of the brain to other undamaged parts of the brain
functional recovery occurs after what?
damage to the brain
functional recovery is a form of what?
neural plasticity.
after brain trauma, unaffected areas of the brain are able to …
… adapt and compensate for the areas of the brain that are damaged by taking over the functions of those areas that are damaged.
how does the functional recovery occur? - How quickly, when
The process occurs quickly after trauma (spontaneous recovery) and then slows down after several weeks or months.
what happens to the brain during functional recovery?
During functional recovery, the brain is rewires and reorganises itself by forming new synaptic connections close to the area of damage.
Secondary neural pathways that wouldn’t be typically used are activated or ‘unmasked’ to enable functioning to continue.
functional recovery is supported by a number of structural changes in the brain, including …
- axonal sprouting
- denervation supersensitivity
- recruitment of homologous areas
what is axonal sprouting?
the growth of new nerve endings which connect with other undamaged nerve cells to form new neuronal pathways.
what is denervation supersensitivity?
occurs when axons that do a similar job become aroused to a higher level to compensate for the ones that are lost.
what is recruitment of homologous (similar) areas on opposite sides of the brain?
recruitment of homologous areas mean that specific tasks can still be performed.
an example would be if Broca’s area was damaged on the left side of the brain, the right-sided equivalent would carry out its functions. After a period of time, functionality may shift back to the left side.
