Brain Plasticity to Improve Function

A rehabilitation doctor talks about brain plasticity and how to improve after brain injuries such as cerebral palsy, stroke, traumatic brain injury. Many other videos on the Utah Neuro Rehabilitation channel talk about tactics to use to take advantage of brain plasticity to improve.

[@jenniferstokley3112]

I loved your video, such great insight & information! I myself am an 11 year severe TBI Survivor. I wasn't even supposed to survive at all, and when I did, they didn't believe I would have any cognitive abilities at all. That's how severe the damage was to my brain. I have made leaps & bounds over the years once I got past my brain fog years (first 5 yrs) and I've worked daily, 365 days a year, on learning everything possible that interests me, doing physical work (even teaching myself how to stand & walk again). I am a full believer in Neuro Plasticity!!!

[@UtahNeuroRehabilitation]

That is very cool to hear. Is there anything in particular that was helpful? On my Utah Neuro Rehabilitation channel I am trying to post videos to help people with brain injuries. If you have some good ideas, I could include them on future videos.

[@jenniferstokley3112]

Totally push the At Home Rehab Daily! I had physical therapy for months & months, but I was wheelchair bound and due to the hospital saying that I would never walk again from my broken neck, they never even tried to help me to stand or walk at all. I myself got tired of that crap so I took matters into my own hands with a "I won't know until I work on it myself" approach. I put myself in a door-jam, used the frame of the door as my balance/grip, and slowly would pull myself to standing then lower back down to my chair (in locked position, of course). Repeated this over and over for weeks, then when I found I could stand up, I would keep myself standing for as long as I could, holding the frame for balance and safety, to slowly rebuild my muscle memory and then sit. Over & Over. When I could stand for more than 5 minutes I decided it was time to attempt my first steps. I bought a walker. I used it to hold on to for safety and took just a few steps forward then turned it around and walked back to chair and rested. I kept at this for as long as I could daily, going further and further as time progressed. I then used a manual treadmill (with handles for safety) to walk on slowly while watching TV so I had something to enjoy mentally, not thinking about my walking. And as time went by, I finally was able to walk back and forth in my home over and over with just a cane. Flash forward years later, I am completely mobile without any assistance while at home. I know to use my hands to steady myself if I start to tip, but otherwise, I can walk just fine now. We need to ignore what we are told "we can't" and try what "we think we might be able to do in time, if we try hard enough". It's hard, takes lots of work. If it's worth it to us, we need to push through the pain and keep going!

[@jenniferstokley3112]

Also, Journaling is Vital! Often many survivors are limited or cut off from having anyone to talk to and depression can set in bad! Very dangerous!!! Journaling is a way to vent, cry, scream, share anything that is on our minds, its like private therapy!!! It's so recommended after Brain Injury!

[@LittleLouieLagazza]

1. Take baby steps to change. Brains don't make massive gain-changes in a day. 2. Work on WHAT you want to improve. Walking, hand use, speech, etc. Be task-specific. 3. PRACTICE several times daily. Rest and make practice fun.

[@UtahNeuroRehabilitation]

Absolutely, Thanks

[@Slidehhy]

Would this work with schizophrenia

[@6alisk]

Thanks for the video. The story about the old man who had a stroke and worked his way back to being able to teach at a University was very eye opening, thanks

[@douglasquinn162]

Good basic intro video on Neuroplasticity. All these experts want to explain the science, but not the practical ways to apply this in real life.

[@honestlygio7830]

Totally agree

[@josiecamilo7098]

Our bodies are so awesome it's our job to keep what we are blessed with by taking great care of ourselves.

[@UtahNeuroRehabilitation]

That is amazing. I can’t believe you were able to accomplish that on your own. Do you have any pictures or video of the exercises you did?

[@maramezina1094]

Thank you so much for this amazing video and meaty ideas😍

[@mractamt123]

If you practice playing the violin you absolutely can be a professional!

[@UtahNeuroRehabilitation]

Cool, thank you.

[@my2loves58]

Utah Neuro Rehabilitation Can there be brain plasticity when you had an electrical injury to the brain?

[@yoursubconscious]

many thanks

[@bangkithutajulu8851]

nice information, tnx doctor

[@onyxteasley]

I love this

[@teresacullen5687]

Thank you 💖💫💚🌠

[@williamburton7266]

Please read Power VS Force by Dr. David Hawkins MD/Ph.D

[@maramezina1094]

Despite medicine is not my field, I learnt from your video that practice makes perfect. Whenever we want to be good at something we have to practise it daily for a short time with enjoyment and enthusiasm. In education for instance, if we want our kids even us to improve our writing skill we have to do more practice on that. Thank you so much for this video.

[@UtahNeuroRehabilitation]

Exactly!!, thank you

[@deedee-vl4lu]

I was chronically ill with no diagnosis I kept telling myself subconsciously I will be fine one day I never lost hope I kept trying ,there were the occasional dips but I would stand up again.

[@UtahNeuroRehabilitation]

It is good to hear that you keep working on standing up.

[@deedee-vl4lu]

@@UtahNeuroRehabilitation what I meant is that belief that I would get well again that is also part of the brain function which helps.

[@UtahNeuroRehabilitation]

Oh yes, makes sense.

[@mrsfox8262]

Can you suggest anything about brain plasticity in the visual cortex. Looking for some information on heminopia after stroke. Determined to find something to help a friend and give her hope... thank you.

[@UtahNeuroRehabilitation]

The visual cortex has plasticity as well as the rest of the brain. Often heminopia can be improved. The degree of improvement depends on the severity. Stimulation of the visual cortex is what is most important. A vision therapist can help. Often occupational therapists can do vision therapy. A lot of practice on a daily basis is important.

[@mrsfox8262]

@@UtahNeuroRehabilitation thank you so much. How kind of you to respond. We are currently working with novavision and vision for life therapy... all.we know is she had a stroke in the visual cortex? The severity? About the size of a small coin? Maybe ?

[@rowdyduterte8476]

Are you voice actor for TES Oblivion/Skyrim?

[@UtahNeuroRehabilitation]

No, but that would be fun.

[@kawanklump5435]

I don’t think you should tell people that they can improve and that’s it. You need to encourage those that have had strokes that if there is improvement that they should keep going no matter what if they do want to be a pro. Maybe there are other circumstances that they may not be able to play professionally because they don’t fit someone’s criteria but not because they can’t !

[@UtahNeuroRehabilitation]

Thank you. I absolutely agree. I began the Utah Neuro Rehabilitation channel with this video to show that improvement is possible. I have made many other videos showing ways to improve and not give up. If you look at the channel and then go to videos you can look at "My life after stroke: never give up" or "I have hemiparesis, how I care for my baby" and others. Also, I am always looking for ideas on other videos to post.

[@cadethumann8605]

I may be asking a difficult question but my curiosity is overpowering. With all the talk I have heard about male and female brains being different, can neuroplasticity help close whatever differences there are?

[@UtahNeuroRehabilitation]

Wow, that is a fascinating question. I don't know. Neuroplasticity can help us understand others. As we listen and keep our minds open, we can better understand. Maybe then males and females can at least understand each other.

[@cadethumann8605]

@@UtahNeuroRehabilitation Perhaps. What I really hope can be done with neuroplasticity is help notice our weaknesses, understand each other's strengths, and work to close the gaps between us. Many people like to pride about how better they are compared to the other but I'd rather we try to help each other work out the weaknesses and be more equal for the betterment of mankind.

[@brabbit953]

Do you think increasing plasticity could help me heal from my brain injury? I hit my head before a concussion was healed and I've been in pain constantly for close to 4 years. I cant watch tv, cant read without my head pounding. It has completely and utterly changed my life and I've been searching for an answer.

[@UtahNeuroRehabilitation]

Have you seen a headache specialist doctor or had physical therapy for your head and neck?

[@brabbit953]

@@UtahNeuroRehabilitation it's not really a headache per se, it feels like my brain is rejecting these things, feels like a pressure in my brain that increases during conversation, or really any activity that requires me to think about things, like my brain doesnt like processing information

[@VincentGill3]

Great info - also, checkout Dr Bob Dennis (stroke of luck). Best wishes

[@UtahNeuroRehabilitation]

Thank you for this connection.

[@tomcruise9382]

How to relieve tightness in my legs from Tbi?

[@UtahNeuroRehabilitation]

We have a couple of videos on stretching on the Utah Neuro Rehabilitation KZbin channel: Stretching legs with Rapunzel, Stretching tight hamstrings, Stretching tight ankles. We also have a playlist on spasticity, with is tight muscles from brain injury.

[@tomcruise9382]

Thanks, is there anyway to make plasticity work for my legs?

[@Danielle-tx2es]

tinnitus is a wrong interpretation of our brain...well that is what my dr. say...what do you say?

[@FitManStyle]

Can this be used to rewire a brain from a speech impediment

[@UtahNeuroRehabilitation]

Yes, you can rewire a brain from a speech impediment. It can take a lot of practice. If you have access to a speech therapist, that can help.

[@kellytimms129]

My stroke killed my ability to cry so should I practice crying????

[@UtahNeuroRehabilitation]

That is probably not necessary. Unless you really want to do that. Work most on the things that are most important to you.

[@nicholasgolden8882]

I’ve had a total of three strokes in 1 1/2 years and I’m improving slowly, Will I continue to see progress if I do the work?

[@UtahNeuroRehabilitation]

Yes, keep working!

[@nicholasgolden8882]

Utah Neuro Rehabilitation I’m sorry I meant I had three strokes in 2 1/2 years so will I continue to see progress?

[@jayjayf9699]

How do I practice to make it fun for sitting in meetings while have anxiety, your eating ice cream with hand analogy doesn’t fit my problem

[@UtahNeuroRehabilitation]

That is a tough one. No the ice cream tactic doesn't work for that. This is not my area of expertise, but I saw this on verwellmind: 5 Tips for Coping With Anxiety in Work Meetings

[@sandeepparajuli8764]

In hindu mythology popular books gita has clearly mentioned in worlds old language known as sanskrit in neuro plasticity you should read that....todays invention is baby of hindus textbook...i am speaking confidently because many scientists known as albert einstein relativity is mentioned there. Time travel.age of universe.origin of universe.and many more other things mam...and mam you didnt know power of meditation ...i am 20years old..i started since14 you should try your brain will be more intellect it is the best method to neuroplasticity

[@UtahNeuroRehabilitation]

Very cool. thank you