Dr. Curtis Cripe on Neuroplasticity: How Does It Work?

 

Dr. Curtis Cripe: Your Brain's Ability to Heal from Damage

According to Dr. Curtis Cripe, NTL Group's director of research and development, recovery from a neurological injury (such as a stroke) should have a holistic approach that includes natural remedies and rehabilitative therapies. In doing so, the brain's natural ability to heal from damage can be harnessed.

To help you on the road to recovery, Dr. Curtis Cripe explains how the brain naturally recovers from brain damage.

Image source: istockphoto.com

Recovery from brain damage is a long road, but it's a road that the brain can handle naturally, thanks to neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is a concept for recovery from any injury that impacts the central nervous system. It is a process that allows the brain to improve its efficiency continuously, says Dr. Curtis Cripe. It involves strengthening neural connections in response to the physical activities that you frequently do. It is where the well-known saying "practice makes perfect" comes from.

When brain damage occurs from a traumatic brain injury or stroke, the damaged area cannot be recovered. However, neuroplasticity enables unaffected areas of the brain to acquire new functions.

For instance, if a brain sustains damage in the motor cortex (the area of the brain that generates signals to direct movement), the individual may struggle with leg or arm function. Although most damaged brain cells cannot be recovered, some areas of the brain can replace them and substitute for the loss of motion, notes Dr. Curtis Cripe.

Image source: istockphoto.com

One of the best ways to encourage the brain to naturally recover from brain damage is to achieve "massed practice." In this case, it would involve rehab exercises for the affected body parts (i.e., physical therapy). It turns on neuroplasticity and allows the brain to rewire itself. Learn more about NTL Group's research and development head Dr. Curtis Cripe and the work he does by clicking this link.