Wonderful World of the Brain

After damage to the human brain in adulthood due to trauma or illness, the possibilities for structural restoration are very limited. In some cases, functions of damaged brain areas can be taken over by other, intact areas. Lost functions can sometimes be partially or fully compensated for through adaptation of remaining functions or the use of assistive tools. Socioverse and materioverse behavioral activities are organized differently in the brain. In recovery after brain injury, similar mechanisms play a role as in the normal development of a healthy nervous system. Accordingly, the principles of neurorehabilitation include creating learning-friendly conditions in the environment, avoiding situations that hinder learning, training strength, endurance, and full joint mobility, performing goal-directed movements in everyday problem-solving activities, and engaging in practice and training routines—similar to those used by musicians and athletes—that are known to lead to success.

In recent years, the study of neuroplasticity—i.e., the brain’s ability to adapt its structures and functions to changing environmental demands—has become a central topic in neuroscience. Observing the changes achieved through therapy can, in turn, provide new insights into the fundamental principles of learning.