732 Neuroplasticity

neuroplasticity

the ability of neural networks in the brain to change through growth and reorganization

synaptogenesis

the formation of new synaptic connections between neurons

neurogenesis

the process of new neuron formation in the brain

cortical remapping

the phenomenon where the functional topography of the brain area responsible for processing motor or sensory inputs is altered, often as a result of injury or learning

synaptic plasticity

the ability of synapses to strengthen of weaken overtime, in response to increases or decreases their activity

functional plasticity

the brain’s ability to shift functions form a damaged area to other undamaged areas

constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT)

a therapeutic approach that involves restricting the use of an unaffected limb to encourage use of a limb affected by paralysis or motor

repetitive task specific training

a therapeutic method that involves repeated practice of movements or tasks specific to an activity or function in order to improve motor recovery post-injury

maladaptive plasticity

neuroplastic changes that result in undesirable outcomes, such as chronic pain or impaired movement abilities

adaptive plasticity

beneficial reorganization that restores or enhances

neuroplasticity role in recovery

foundational in rehabilitation, particularly following neurological injuries such as a stroke or TBI

neuroplasticity therapeutic strategies

CIMT- encourages use of limb affected by stroke by constraining the unaffected limb promoting cortical reorganization and functional improvement

RTST- involves repeated practice of task oriented motor activities to foster improvements in movement and function through synaptic plasticity

neuroplasticity enhancing plasticity

techniques include electrical stimulation, virtual reality environments, and robot assisted training, all of which provide repetitive , task specific sensory and motor stimuli to drive neuroplastic changes

neuroplasticity considerations and challenges

Timing and intensity of interventions are crucial and there is an optimal window for neuroplasticity that yield the most substantial recovery outcomes. Therapists must also be wary of maladaptive plasticity where changes in the neural pathway lead to undesireable outcomes like spasticity or chronic pain

negative effects on neuroplasticity

• chronic pain

• phantom limb sensation

• spasticity

• dystonia

• impaired movement abilities

chronic pain

after an injury, the nervous system changes causing increased sensitivity to pain signals or cause pain in response to non painful stimuli (allodynia)

phantom limb sensation

individuals who have undergone limb amputations often experience pain in the area of the missing limb but this is associated with maladaptive reorganization in the somatosensory cortex where the brain has incorrectly adapted to the loss of sensory input from the amputated limb

spasticity

following stroke or spinal cord injury, this occurs when muscles remain contracted and resist stretching

dystonia

a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions resulting in repetitive movements or abnormal postures which occurs when the brain forms improper connections during recovery from an injury

impaired movement abilities

neuroplastic changes can lead to the reinforcement of poor movement patterns or habits especially if an injury is not poorly managed during recovery which can result in decreased mobility and impaired motor function