The Brain that Changes Itself

[Christa]

Join us as we explore the revolutionary science of "neuroplasticity" - a concept that expands not just our knowledge of how our brains work, but how we use them.

For centuries the human brain has been thought of as incapable of fundamental change. People suffering from neurological defects, brain damage or strokes were usually written-off as hopeless cases. But recent and continuing research into the human brain is radically changing how we look at the potential for neurological recovery.

/snip

Known in scientific circles as "neuroplasticity," this radical new approach to the brain provides an incredible way to bring the human brain back to life. Some of the cases that we meet are:

* Roger Behm, a blind man who is now able to see via his tongue (and can throw a basketball into a garbage can to prove it).
* Cheryl Schiltz, who was written-off by doctors when she lost her sense of balance due to a drug's side effect. Once sentenced to a lifetime of wobbling, her brain rewired itself through a seemingly simple therapy, and has now regained her balance and returned to a normal life.
* Michelle Mack, one of the greatest examples of the brain's ability to adapt: she was born, literally, with just half of her brain.
* Michael Bernstein, who suffered a debilitating stroke in the prime of his life, paralyzing the left side of his body. He's now back to his former life, as his brain functions have been rerouted and re-invigorated.


This is beyond awesomeness, read the full article, please.

[arendt]

1. Link, please. n/t

[Christa]

3. oopsie!

http://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/natureofthings/2008/brainchangesitself/

[MADem]

2. They are doing stem cell research on this in a big way.

One of the places working on cord blood/stem cell therapy is Duke University, they're showing vast improvements on patients with cerebral palsy.

The Chinese have been doing this for a couple of years. We're behind the eight ball because of Bush.

Do you have a link so we can read the whole article?

[LaurenG]

4. I agree it's an awesome topic. Here's another link from a newsletter I get

if you're interested.

http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/02/26/brain-plasticity-how-learning-changes-your-brain/