CH 3 Neuroprotection and Neuroplasticity Flashcards
What is neuroplasticity?
The ability of the nervous system to adapt and reorganize due to the environment around it or due to cell death
new neurons form to compensate for injury or to adapt to environment
What is experience dependent learning?
“neurons that fire together wire together”
basic neurobiological mechanism of learning
structure changes in response to experiential changes
What is synaptogenesis?
When there are greater numbers of synapses within a grouping of neurons resulting in greater speed and efficiency of communication b/w those neurons
What is neurogenesis and what are the rehab implications?
formation of new neurons with other changes in structural plasticity and cortical map re-organization.
It is linked to behavioral recovery
Reorganization is more often seen post CVA than TBI
What is a primary injury?
The primary damage or mechanical damage
What is a secondary injury?
The pathophysiological processes (impaired blood flow) or delayed non-mechanical processes (metabolic changes)
2 phases resulting in cell death
How does neurodegeneration occur?
Primary Injury, 2 phases of secondary injury and finally cell death
How does TBI impact neuroplasticity compared to stroke
may be severely limited and may require more intensive rehab regimen. research in animal models
What is neuroprotection?
efforts to reduced cell loss leading to better functional outcomes
List 2 neuroprotective agents being studied
Magnesium (cognitive fx, working memory)
Progesterone-decrease cerebral edema and improve cog fx
Where are the 2 primary areas of neurogenesis in adult brain?
-Subventricular Zone (SVZ)
-Dentate Gyrus of the hippocampus
