Neuroplasticity: Clinical Frontiers and Functions

The ability of the brain to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout a person's life is known as neuroplasticity. This mechanism allows neurons to compensate for disease and injury, and adjust their activities to changes in their environment. The fundamental processes underlying neuroplasticity is that individual synaptic connections are continually removed and recreated depending upon the activity of the neurons. An important consequence of neuroplasticity and one with clinical implications is that the brain activity related to a given function can be transferred to a different location. This can be the basis of the treatment of acquired brain injury and rehabilitation of brain injury. Various rehabilitation techniques such as functional electrical stimulation, virtual reality therapy, constraint-induced movement therapy and treadmill training with body-weight support work due to cortical reorganization. Much research is being undertaken to use neuroplasticity for binocular vision improvement, stereopsis recovery, learning disabilities management, sensory function development, etc. This book provides comprehensive insights into the clinical frontiers and functions of neuroplasticity. It will also provide interesting topics for research, which interested readers can take up. With state-of-the-art inputs by acclaimed experts of this field, this book targets students and professionals.