Regeneration of Cells Within the Human Brain, Essay Example

Brain injury has long been associated with irreversible damage within the brain. Depending on the severity of the injury can greatly affect the ability for the damage to be repaired. While the human body has a miraculous ability to regenerate and health itself, the brain is not as proliferate as the rest of the body. Injury such as physical trauma and certain medical conditions such as a stroke can leave victims with difficulty in muscle movement, memory, speech and a variety of other deficits. Even though in the past it has been thought to be impossible for brain injury to repair, scientists have now found that stimulation and nutrition can assist the brain in developing new connections (Costandi, 2012). This healing therefore stimulates new connections formed within the brain, thereby affecting neurons and various areas of the brain. These new neurons formed are considered healthier and in some respects, better than the old neurons (Costandi, 2012).

Much of the damage in brain injury cases is due to the dying or destruction of neural cells. As the neurons are regenerated through physical therapy, massage, medication and new technology it is proposed that the cells will be more apt to heal the brain (Costandi, 2012). Drugs that stimulate the hippocampal area of the brain are said to also influence the ability of the brain to heal itself (Costandi, 2012). These drugs that are commonly used to treat depression and are said to support as well as stimulate the neurotransmitter pumps; which therefore build and bridge neurons. Coupled with appropriate stimulation and nutrition of the neurons, the brain is thereby able to “retrain”. This retraining is consistent with improved functioning and development of the cortex.

References

Costandi, M. (2012). Fantasy Fix. New Scientist, 213(2852), 38-41.