1. Figure 2 Poststroke plasticity and recovery
Figure 2 | Poststroke plasticity and recovery. Evidence from animal models of stroke points to both (1) an upregulation of neuronal growth-promoting factors and an increase in neuronal excitability (blue area), both of which would create an environment that would encourage recovery of function, and (2) an upregulation of neuronal growth-inhibiting factors and an decrease in neuronal excitability (red area) both of which would create an environment that would limit recovery of function. Whether these processes occur after stroke in humans is unknown. Further work is required to determine which of these processes predominates, how long each one lasts, and whether the same processes occur in all patients to the same degree. This knowledge is crucial for determining the optimal timing for the introduction of both behavioural and plasticity-enhancing treatments.
Ward, N. S. (2017) Restoring brain function after stroke — bridging the gap between animals and humans
Nat. Rev. Neurol. doi: /nrneurol