Plasticity

The term plasticity really stuck out at me while I was reading this chapter. I think it is truly amazing how our brains can become damaged and yet they adapt and grow to overcome the damage. I work in a rehabilitation hospital for people that have surgery or are in an accident, and a host of other things. Some of the other types of patients I frequently interact with are stroke patients. It often amazes me how when the stroke patient first comes into our hospital often times they are completely debilitated, depending on other people for the most basic things. These individuals are often times very frustrated because they may not be able to talk, but they are completely oriented to their surroundings. Imagine what it would be like to know exactly everything that is going on but be unable to express anything or even talk. They know exactly what they want to say and do but because of the injury their brain can't relay the message to their muscles to complete the action or even the thought. It is absolutely amazing to watch how, with the aid of therapy, their brain begins to learn new ways to accomplish the same tasks it used to. Their brain begins to form new pathways to learn and adapt to a new way of doing things. I think it is just awe inspiring to see the patients at the end of their stay with us because they are up walking, talking, and doing majority of things for themselves. These patients still have a long way to go after their stay with us but, overcoming the hurdles that they have during their hospitalization is a huge hurdle. It just fascinates me how our brain is so malleable like plastic to overcome change and adapt to something new.