Reconstructing functional systems after lesions of cerebral cortex.

Abstract

The young brain is enormously resilient to early injury. This resiliency contrasts with the severe and permanent impairments that frequently accompany equivalent damage to the mature cerebrum. For example, damage to Broca's area renders the patient unable to speak, but equivalent damage early in life does not have such devastating effects. Here we review the history of the study of early lesion-induced plasticity, and delineate the features of the developing brain that permit it to overcome the effects of early cerebral lesions. We also speculate on future avenues of investigation that should help us to comprehend how young brains are naturally rebuilt after early lesions.