Implications of neuroplasticity for neurosurgeons

The brain exhibits neuroplasticity, the capacity to be modifiable by experience. Over the last decade there has been an explosion of knowledge in the field of neuroplasticity. New brain stimulation techniques are being designed to enhance neuroplasticity and several neuromodulatory trials are underway to enhance behavioral gains from rehabilitation. An understanding of neuroplasticity is essential for the practicing neurosurgeon since a lot of the drugs neurosurgeons prescribe affect neuroplasticity and a lot of neurosurgical diseases will be treated by therapies which modulate plasticity. In this article we review fundamental concepts of neuroplasticity for the practicing neurosurgeon.