brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Overview of Brain Dysfunction
Prognosis for Brain Dysfunction
Two characteristics of the brain help it compensate and recover after it has been damaged: Redundancy:More than one area can perform the same function. Areas with somewhat overlapping functions can sometimes compensate for lost functions. Plasticity:Nerve cells in certain areas can change so that they can perform new functions. Sometimes other areas of the brain can take over the functions of a damaged area. Consequently, undamaged areas of the brain sometimes take over functions performed by a damaged area, contributing to recovery. However, as people age, the brain becomes less able to shift functions from one area to another. Some functions, such as vision, cannot be performed by other areas of the brain. Direct damage to areas that control such functions may have permanent effects. 