After brain damage, undamaged areas may reorganize their connections so other neural pathways help perform a disrupted function, like finding a detour around a closed road.
With rehabilitation and repeated practice, this reorganization can sometimes help a person recover some lost function.
Neuroplasticity also happens when we learn: repeatedly practicing a skill strengthens the connections in the neural networks involved (like a rough dirt path smoothing with repeated use).
Neuroplasticity occurs throughout life and tends to be greater when we're younger, but it has limits and can't necessarily make up for severe damage.
Key terms
neuroplasticity
The brain's ability to change and reorganize its connections in response to injury, learning, and experience.
neural networks
Complex networks of interconnected neurons, like the brain's roads.
Watch out
Neuroplasticity isn't only recovery from injury – learning and practice physically change the brain too.