Nerve injury triggers changes in the brain

Neuroscientist. 2011 Aug;17(4):407-22. doi: 10.1177/1073858410389185. Epub 2011 Apr 29.

Abstract

It is well known that the adult brain is capable of profound plasticity. Much of our understanding of the mechanisms underlying injury-induced changes in the brain is based on animal models. The development of sophisticated noninvasive neuroimaging techniques over the past decade provides a unique opportunity to examine brain plasticity in humans. In this article, the authors examine the consequences of nerve injury and surgical repair on peripheral nerve degeneration and regeneration and review classic animal literature that laid the foundation of injury-induced plasticity research. They relate these concepts to recent findings of functional and structural changes in the human brain following peripheral nerve injury. They then present a working theoretical model that links behavioral outcomes of nerve injury with functional and structural brain plasticity and personality.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Nerve Regeneration / physiology
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology
  • Pain, Intractable / etiology
  • Pain, Intractable / physiopathology
  • Peripheral Nerve Injuries / pathology*
  • Peripheral Nerve Injuries / physiopathology*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / pathology*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Wallerian Degeneration / pathology
  • Wallerian Degeneration / physiopathology