Retraining the Brain
A seizure or an infection might cause trauma to a portion of the brain. Fortunately, there are rehabilitative therapies available to help retrain the affected area of the brain that was injured or shut down.
Many scientists once believed the brain became “hard-wired” during childhood and that little could be done to improve its function once you entered adulthood. Not anymore. We now understand that the brain retains its plasticity, which is the ability to rewire itself for better function, throughout life.
By challenging the brain with new information over a period of time, unused parts of the brain will continue to develop and have the ability to learn new skills. Cognitive rehabilitation or retraining is a type of therapy used to help restore skills after a brain injury. Through the use of external memory systems such as a daily planner and other hands-on activities, we can help retrain a patient’s brain to compensate for a deficit and regain the ability to relearn skills to function better and become more independent.
Cognitive retraining can benefit anyone. Since research shows that if you stimulate your brain with new experiences by utilizing the five senses and staying more mentally active, it seems to give more power to the brain to maximize its potential. Studies are also showing that by challenging the brain with new experiences, some people could be less likely to develop conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Do you regularly forget where you’ve placed something? Are you having trouble remembering telephone numbers? We welcome your comments.
Tags: Alsheimer's disease. memory loss, Brain fitness, brain impairment, brain plasticity, brian trauma, challenge your brain, cognitive rehabilitation, five senses, memory, retraining the brain, seizures
October 8th, 2008 at 8:33 am
I suffer from Headaches, pretty much my whole life, I get them right over my right eye. They are excruiatingly painful, I can’t remember where I leave things and become very ill. I am now suffering tingling in my right hand and my feet. What can I do, should I go see a neurologist?
October 13th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Dear Norman: Thank you for posting your question. An evaluation is needed (by a neurologist) to find the cause of the headache and the other symptoms. If all is ruled out, then it is a primary headache (like migraines) for which we have good acute and preventive treatments and recommendations.