Neuroplasticity, a theory that started getting accepted in the scientific community in the later half of the 20th century, explains that the brain is plastic like. This ability of the brain is now being experimented with, to see how it can be utilised as therapeutic interventions to overcome brain damage because the neural networks in the brain can grow and reorganise itself by making new connections or by making whole systematic rearrangements. One such process is called cortical remapping, where existing cortical maps corresponding to specific parts of the body can be modified into a new map by the introduction of a stimulus.
Using the same concept, a landmark animal experiment conducted by Merzenich et al (1984) showed that digit (finger) amputation can lead to changes in the somatosensory cortex (the part of the brain which receives and processes sensory information), through the process mentioned above. Electrodes were inserted in the somatosensory cortex region (for the hands) of adult owl monkeys to see which area in the cortex was responsible for the sensation. Five distinct areas in the brain were presented, each responsible for one digit. Then, digit 3 was amputated and 62 days later, the hand representation was remapped.
The result showed that areas of representation of digits 4 and 2 both increased greatly in area (by 1.80 and 1.65 times respectively) while the areas of digits 1 and 5 changed little. The amputations in this case caused the expansion or invasion of the cortical representation of the adjacent digits. This demonstrates the large scale neuroplasticity, the ability of the brain to adapt structurally to damage.
So what are the applications and significance of the malleability of our brains? Experts often use this ability to help cope with certain conditions. One example is rehabilitation after strokes; task repetition and practice can help recover from brain damage inflicted by strokes. Similar brain damage is also observable in depression and anxiety related disorders by encouraging healthy and adaptive neural pathways. Then there is phantom limb, a commonly occurring situation in 60-80% of amputees, a sensation felt in the part of the body which has been amputated. All these concepts can be explained by the reorganisation of neural pathways.
Thanks to modern advancements in technology, researchers can look at the internal workings of the brain, which has led to development of neuroscience as a field. The above experiments is one of the mainly animal studies done to support neuroplasticity. As a student, this topic can be ventured into in terms of its usage as therapeutic interventions for brain damage / disorders, chronic pain or even on a lighter note, like enhanced cognitive and memory abilities. Read about the research in detail using the DOI of the article provided below.
Research:
Merzenich, Michael M., Randall J. Nelson, Michael P. Stryker, Max S. Cynader, Axel Schoppmann, and John M. Zook. "Somatosensory Cortical Map Changes following Digit Amputation in Adult Monkeys." Wiley Online Library. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 09 Oct. 2004. Web. 06 June 2021.
Related articles on the application:
"What Is Neuroplasticity? A Psychologist Explains [+14 Exercises]." PositivePsychology.com. 05 Feb. 2021. Web. 06 June 2021.
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