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Brain Repair
Sixty years ago, the Nobel laureate Santiago Ramon y Cajal stated that "in the adult brain, nervous pathways are fixed and immutable; everything may die, nothing may be regenerated." Today, however, remarkable discoveries from laboratories around the world offer a much more optimistic prognosis. In Brain Repair, three internationally renowned neuroscientists team up to offer an intriguing and up-to-the-minute introduction to the explosive advances being made in the research, technology, and treatment of brain damage.
- GenresMedical
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 19, 2012
The idea that the brain can repair itself is a relatively recent one. Up until the 1980s most neurologists believed that once neurons were injured, that was the end of the story. In large part, this belief was fueled by the eminent Spanish anatomist, Santiago Ramon y Cajal, who stated categorically that "nervous pathways are fixed and immutable, everything may die, nothing may be regenerated." Ramon y Cajal was not only quite wrong, he ignored his own research, which demonstrated that the nervous system was fully capable of regeneration.
Brain Repair covers how, and why the brain and nervous system can recover functionality after both abrupt trauma and slow onset injuries. In clear, conversational style, the authors explain how the nervous system works, how it develops and, most importantly, the mechanisms through which it can heal itself. (The chapter on brain transplants was especially interesting.) But this is not a simple science text; the thoughtfulness with which the authors raise relevant issues goes beyond mere biology. "Of what benefit are these findings for patients?" is the question they repeatedly ask--one which all researchers would do well to remember.
If you are interested in neurology, this is the book you need to read before you embark on further research. It will provide you with both the knowledge and a conceptual basis for understanding brain plasticity. Best of all, you don't need to be a neurobiologist to read it.
Brain Repair covers how, and why the brain and nervous system can recover functionality after both abrupt trauma and slow onset injuries. In clear, conversational style, the authors explain how the nervous system works, how it develops and, most importantly, the mechanisms through which it can heal itself. (The chapter on brain transplants was especially interesting.) But this is not a simple science text; the thoughtfulness with which the authors raise relevant issues goes beyond mere biology. "Of what benefit are these findings for patients?" is the question they repeatedly ask--one which all researchers would do well to remember.
If you are interested in neurology, this is the book you need to read before you embark on further research. It will provide you with both the knowledge and a conceptual basis for understanding brain plasticity. Best of all, you don't need to be a neurobiologist to read it.
May 26, 2008
Reading for work, but absolutely fascinating.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews