The effects of injury to dynamic neural networks in the mature and developing brain

This special section emphasizes three key factors relevant to understanding brain responses to injury. First, it is important to consider the impact of injury on brain networks rather then just the localized neuropathology. In contrast to older localizationist models, neural systems views emphasize that the effects of localized injury cascade through the neural system altering function at multiple levels. Thus, effective remediation must accommodate the multiple effects of brain injury. Second, the role of neural plasticity in the brain response to injury is critical. Rehabilitation implies that neural system is adaptive and capable of changing in response to input. Thus exploiting the brain's inherent plasticity is central to remediation. Finally, the timing of injury is an essential consideration. Adult injury disrupts stable neural systems and plasticity operates to regain functional balance. In contrast, early injury affects fundamental development processes and alters the emerging organization and functioning of neural systems. (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 54:343-349, 2012.