Adaptive plasticity

Brain trauma

Damage to the brain that's caused by an external force

Neuronal impacts

Death and destruction of neural connections, overstimulation of neurons (Excessive accumulation of neurotransmitters in brain tissue), loss of mass function

Adaptive plasticity

Brains ability to restore adequate neural functioning overtime after sustaining injury (Affected by sprouting and rerouting)

Sprouting

Ability of a neuron to develop new branches on the dendrites or axons

Function of sprouting

Expands the reach of a neuron, particularly when its been damaged from trauma.

Sprouting

Enables new neural connections to be formed in areas where neural activity have been prevented or depleted

Rerouting

Neurons ability to abandon its connection with a damaged neuron and form a new connection with a healthy one.

Function of rerouting

enables new neural connections to be formed after trauma, therefore cognitive functioning is redeveloped

Ways to maintain brain functioning

- Mental stimulation

- Diet

- Physical activity

- Social support

Mental stimulation

Activity that activates neuronal connections and involves the processing of information

Social support

Being a part of or interacting with a group of people