We apply the concept of neuroplasticity in our neuro recovery program to rebuild damaged areas and brain networks to help patients recover to his or her fullest potential.
Neuroplasticity refers to the ability of the brain to change and adapt as a result of experience. When people say that the brain possesses plasticity, it refers to the brain’s malleability.
There are many benefits of brain neuroplasticity. It allows your brain to adapt and change, which helps promote:
- The ability to learn new things by building new networks
- The ability to enhance your existing cognitive capabilities
- Recovery from strokes, brain injuries, and disorders like Autism, ADHD
- Strengthening areas if some functions are lost or decline
Over the last two decades, researchers have a greater understanding on how neural activity (eg. running, reading, etc) shapes the brain and its connections, and use this knowledge to strengthen brain circuits and restore functions. Research shows how developing brains and adult brains respond to neural injury, and how the preserved brain regions take over functions of injured ones. Some injuries are more severe than others, but as long as there are some residual connectivity networks we could strengthen these areas, and in addition reactivate those brain areas and networks that have been injured. New scientific procedures such as Non Invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS) (see below) to stimulate neuroplasticity and improve function of brain injured animals and human adults have been ongoing for many years. The goal of NMLab’s recovery program is to translate these new developments into therapies for both adults and children with brain injury and other neurological disorders.
Conventional rehab therapy in hospitals/rehab facilities uses only high intensity rehab training such as cognitive and movement training which changes brain networks slowly. In contrast, studies showed that with stand-alone NIBS, it promotes recovery and changes in functional network more effectively, even when applied long after injury. In NMLab, we combine both high intensity rehab training with NIBS for greater speed of recovery. The combination of NIBS and high intensity rehab training have been substantiated in many past and ongoing studies. Results shows significant improvements with this integrative approach, rather than just stand-alone conventional rehab high intensity training or NIBS. In addition, this approach is practical, safe, well tolerated by patients, and have shown the greatest benefits.
Here in NMLab, as a Translational Research clinic, we translate new findings and approaches into our treatment program. The strategy of our programs is to identify brain areas and connections damaged by the injury, and those spared by injury. With such details, a customized rehab strategy can be made to reduce that disability with targeted combination of NIBS and rehab therapy to help patients recover from their injuries and disorders that have hindered their growth and development in cognitive skills, emotional well-being, motor function and independence.
Some of the NIBS we use (click on respective NIBS to find out more):
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation (TNS)
Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (tVNS)