Brain plasticity: From pathophysiological mechanisms to therapeutic applications

Neuropsychology and clinical neuroscience of persistent post-concussive syndrome

“…Given the commonness of concussions along with the adaptive nature of brain function combined with neural plasticity (Duffau, 2006;Giza & Prins, 2006;Moucha & Kilgard, 2006;Priestley, 2007), it might be assumed that any transient impairment as a result of concussion would not result in any neurological sequelae. Indeed, historically the original Latin term "commotio cerebri" was used to describe concussion, thought to occur because of "traceless disturbances" that produced momentary functional impairment without any damage to brain tissue (see reviews by McCrory & Berkovic, 2001;Vos et al, 2002) .…”

Remission of benign epilepsy with rolandic spikes: An EEG-based connectivity study at the onset of the disease and at remission

“…A lot of further investigations are necessary to get some insight into connectivity changes associated with mitigating the severity of epilepsy and remission. A presently far but fascinating perspective is that if we get acquainted with the neuronalnetwork mechanisms of remission, pharmacological or surgical modification of them might be new strategies of true anti-epileptic treatment (Duffau, 2006).…”

New Treatment Strategies in Diabetic Neuropathy

“…Thus in each hemisphere there is a complete somatotopic map of the body both in the primary somatosensory and motor cortex. To utilize the central nervous systems' (CNS) ability to change for therapeutic purposes, guided plasticity is an attractive concept with promising results (Duffau, 2006). The potential for cerebral plasticity is, for example, used in treatment of patients to strengthen or promote CNS functions that are lost or weakened.…”

“…The potential for cerebral plasticity is, for example, used in treatment of patients to strengthen or promote CNS functions that are lost or weakened. The plastic potential of the brain might be guided using neurosurgical methods, rehabilitation and different pharmacological drugs in order to improve lost or damaged functions (Duffau, 2006). The use of neurosurgical methods is very complicated, sometimes including complex surgical interventions, which limit the usefulness.…”