BIO 09 (part b) - Functional recovery after brain trauma

Question 1

What is functional recovery?

Answer 1

• A form of plasticity
• Following damage through trauma, the brain’s ability to redistribute or transfer functions usually performed by a damaged area(s) to other, undamaged area(s)

Question 2

How are new synaptic connections created/structural changes made in the brain?

Answer 2

• Axonal sprouting – the growth of new nerve endings which connection with other undamaged nerve cells to from new neuronal pathways
• Denervation supersensitivity – this occurs when axons that do a similar job become aroused to a higher level to compensate for ones that are lost. However, it can have the negative consequence of oversensitivity to messages such as pain
• Recruitment of homologous areas on the opposite side of the brain – this means 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 then shift back to the left side

Question 3

What case study supports the idea of functional recovery after brain trauma?

Answer 3

The case study of Jodie Miller

Question 4

Who was Jodie Miller?

Answer 4

• Jodie Miller had a rare brain condition (Rasmussen’s Encephalitis) causing severe seizures
• At age 3, she had a right hemispherectomy (right side of the brain removed) to stop the seizures
• After surgery, Jodie recovered remarkably well
• She was able to walk, talk, and live a normal life, despite missing half her brain
• Her left hemisphere took over many functions previously controlled by the right

Question 5

What was concluded about the case study of Jodie Miller?

Answer 5

• Strong evidence of brain plasticity, especially in young children
• The brain can reorganise itself to compensate for extreme damage or loss
• Younger brains have greater flexibility due to higher levels of neural plasticity

Question 6

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the case study of Jodie Miller?

Answer 6

• ✅ Strength: Powerful real-life support for functional recovery
• ❌ Limitation: Rare case – may not apply to older individuals or less severe damage