Functional and structural plasticity in motor cortex: implications for stroke recovery.

Randolph J Nudo

doi:10.1016/s1047-9651(02)00054-2

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Functional and structural plasticity in motor cortex: implications for stroke recovery.

Randolph J Nudo

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Abstract

Several studies have now demonstrated that the motor cortical representations are dynamically maintained in both normal and brain-injured animals. Functional plasticity in the motor cortex of normal animals is accompanied by changes in synaptic morphology; these changes are skill-dependent rather than simply use-dependent. Finally, motor cortical areas undergo substantial functional alterations after focal ischemic infarcts; motor experience is a potent and adaptive modulator of injury-related plasticity. These recent neuroscientific advances set the stage for the development of new, more effective interventions in chronic stroke populations that are based on the basic mechanisms underlying neuroplasticity.

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Brain Ischemia Brain Mapping Humans Magnetic Resonance Imaging Motor Cortex Neuronal Plasticity Recovery of Function Somatosensory Cortex Time Factors Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Review

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Randolph J Nudo. 2003. Functional and structural plasticity in motor cortex: implications for stroke recovery.. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1047-9651(02)00054-2

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