Week 2 - Neuroplasticity

Excitotoxicity

Damage to neurons caused by excessive stimulation by neurotransmitters such as glutamate.

Ischemia

Insufficient blood flow to tissues, leading to a lack of oxygen and nutrients.

Riluzole

A drug used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by inhibiting excessive glutamate activity.

Cell Necrosis

Accidental or pathologic cell death characterized by cell swelling and rupture.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death involving DNA fragmentation and cellular shrinkage.

Central Chromatolysis

Degenerative changes to the cell body following axonal injury.

Wallerian Degeneration

Pathologic process of degeneration occurring to the distal segment of an axon after it is severed.

Regenerative Sprouting

Growth of new axon sprouts to reconnect with new target cells after injury.

Schwann Cells

Glial cells in the peripheral nervous system that aid in nerve regeneration.

Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)

A neurotrophic factor that promotes the survival and growth of neurons.

Collateral sprouting

Regrowth of branches from intact neighboring neurons to reinnervate de-innervated targets.

Glial scars

Scar tissue formed in the CNS that inhibits axonal regeneration.

Neurotrophic Factors

Proteins that support the growth, survival, and differentiation of neurons.

Denervation hypersensitivity

Development of new receptor sites on postsynaptic membranes following presynaptic neuron loss.

Synaptic hyper-effectiveness

Increased neurotransmitter release from partially damaged presynaptic axons.

Unmasking of silent synapses

Activation of previously inactive synapses in response to stimulation.

Experience-dependent plasticity

Long-lasting changes in synaptic strength due to repeated experiences or learning.

Long-term potentiation (LTP)

A persistent increase in synaptic strength following high-frequency stimulation.

Long-term depression (LTD)

A long-lasting decrease in synaptic strength, usually caused by low-frequency stimulation.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

A non-invasive technique used to stimulate small regions of the brain.

Astrocytes

Glial cells in the brain that modulate synaptic transmission and support neurons.

Salience

The significance and personal relevance of activities, which influences engagement in therapeutic exercises.

Intensity

The measure of how much effort is put into rehabilitation activities to stimulate neuroplasticity.

Specificity

Training focused on target skills that enhance neuroplastic changes in related brain regions.

Transference

When one motor skill acquisition facilitates the acquisition of other skills.

Interference

When one motor skill acquisition negatively affects another due to learned nonuse.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)

A protein involved in promoting neuron survival and growth whose effectiveness is subject to genetic varation

Maladaptive plasticity

Changes that negatively impact function, often manifesting as chronic pain or compensatory movements.

Neurite outgrowth inhibitor (Nogo)

Factor that suppresses growth and regeneration of neuronal processes.

Adaptive neuroplasticity

Positive changes in neural connections that enhance recovery and function.

Chronic pain syndromes

Long-term pain conditions that can result from maladaptive neuroplasticity.

Re-innervation

The process by which nerves regain connection to previously innervated muscle fibers.