title: Harnessing the power of neuroplasticity for intervention.
abstract: A fundamental property of the brain is its capacity to change with a wide variety of experiences, including injury. Although there are spontaneous reparative changes following injury, these changes are rarely sufficient to support significant functional recovery. Research on the basic principles of brain plasticity is leading to new approaches to treating the injured brain. We review factors that affect synaptic organization in the normal brain, evidence of spontaneous neuroplasticity after injury, and the evidence that factors including postinjury experience, pharmacotherapy, and cell-based therapies, can form the basis of rehabilitation strategies after brain injuries early in life and in adulthood.
authors.affiliation: Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge Lethbridge, AB, Canada.
authors.forename: Bryan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kolb
authors.affiliation: Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge Lethbridge, AB, Canada.
authors.forename: Arif
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Muhammad
keywords: brain plasticity; neurorehabilitation; recovery of function