Polyfunctionality of neurons: The blocking of extreme pathological afferentation leads to an improvement of the higher functions of the brain

Abstract

In this paper, a possible mechanism for improving the functional state of the brain regions maintaining locomotor, visual, auditory, and higher functions of the brain during the correction of the generalized spastic syndrome (botulinotherapy with Xeomin) in patients in the vegetative state (VS) is discussed. If the vegetative state is considered as a stable pathological condition (SPC) of the brain, then, in terms of the theory of the structural-functional organization of brain systems with rigid and flexible elements (N.P. Bechtereva), the therapy led to an unbalance of SPC, functional liberation of neurons, redistribution of their functions to ensure other activities, and the formation of new interneuronal connections. Taking into account the functional variability of neurons (S.V. Medvedev), the blocking of the neuromuscular transmission in spastic muscles reduces the abnormal afferent and efferent hyperactivity of motor and sensory neuronal circuits, which liberates the brain for other activities. Clinically, this allows considering botulinotherapy of drug-resistant muscle spasticity in patients in VS and minimal consciousness not only as a symptomatic treatment but also as indirect neuroprotection.