Neuroplasticity: A Review of Recovery Mechanisms Following Brain Injury. (Atena Editora)

Abstract

The ability of the brain to adapt and remodel its structure and functions, known as neuroplasticity, has shifted paradigms in the understanding and treatment of brain injuries. This comprehensive review explores the intricate link between neurosurgery and neuroplasticity and how it shapes recovery following brain injuries. It outlines the inherent capacity of the brain to reorganize post-injury, a phenomenon that is now the cornerstone of neurorehabilitation strategies. This capacity is highlighted as a factor influencing the prognosis after severe brain injuries, with a focus on neurosurgical interventions that can potentiate this process. The review synthesizes primary studies that evaluate various neurorehabilitation strategies from traditional methods like physiotherapy to innovative techniques such as neurofeedback, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). These interventions, particularly in their capacity to harness neuroplasticity, show promise in improving functional recovery and are suggested to be included in standard rehabilitation protocols. This review emphasizes that understanding and leveraging neuroplasticity can augment the brain's natural repair mechanisms and enhance the effectiveness of neurosurgical procedures. Future research directions are proposed, including optimizing intervention timing and intensity and understanding individual differences in neuroplasticity and recovery. This review aims to bridge the gap between clinical practice and scientific understanding, encouraging a holistic approach to brain injury treatment and research that emphasizes the plasticity of the brain. The study concludes that as we continue to decode the brain's plastic nature, we move closer to maximizing recovery and improving the quality of life for individuals affected by brain injury.