What is brain plasticity?

Brain plasticity, also known as neuroplasticity, refers to the brain's remarkable ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This adaptability allows the brain to adjust both in response to learning and in response to injury or damage. It is a critical concept in understanding how individuals recover from neurological events such as strokes or traumatic brain injuries.

With brain plasticity, even if certain areas of the brain are compromised, other parts can sometimes take over the functions of those areas. This adaptability is particularly relevant in occupational therapy, where therapies and interventions can harness this ability to improve patients’ skills and capabilities. Through specific activities and therapies, occupational therapists can encourage the brain to create new pathways, thereby facilitating recovery and enhancing function.

The other options reflect different aspects of therapy or cognitive assessment but do not capture the comprehensive nature of brain plasticity, which is fundamental to understanding learning, recovery, and the potential for change within the central nervous system.