[Abstract] From cortical blindness to conscious visual perception: Theories on neuronal networks and visual training strategies

Homonymous hemianopia (HH) is the most common cortical visual impairment leading to blindness in the contralateral hemifield. It is associated with many inconveniences and daily restrictions such as exploration and visual orientation difficulties. However, patients with HH can preserve the remarkable ability to unconsciously perceive visual stimuli presented in their blindfield, a phenomenon known as blindsight. Unfortunately, the nature of this captivating residual ability is still misunderstood and the rehabilitation strategies have been insufficiently exploited. This paper discusses type I and type II blindsight in a neuronal framework of altered global workspace, resulting from inefficient perception, attention and conscious networks. To enhance synchronisation and create global availability for residual abilities to reach visual consciousness, rehabilitation tools need to stimulate subcortical extrastriate pathways through V5/MT. Multisensory bottom-up compensation combined with top-down restitution training could target pre-existing and new neuronal mechanisms to recreate a framework for potential functionality.

Source: Frontiers | From cortical blindness to conscious visual perception: Theories on neuronal networks and visual training strategies | Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience

[Abstract] Plasticity and Reorganization in the Rehabilitation of Stroke. The Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) Example

Print ISSN: 2190-8370 Online ISSN: 2151-2604 Published in German from 1890 to 2006 and in English since 2007

Abstract. This paper outlines some actual developments in the behavioral treatment and rehabilitation of stroke and other brain injuries in post-acute and chronic conditions of brain lesion. It points to a number of processes that demonstrate the enormous plasticity and reorganization capacity of the human brain following brain lesion. It also highlights a series of behavioral and neuroscientific studies that indicate that successful behavioral rehabilitation is paralleled by plastic changes of brain structures and by cortical reorganization and that the amount of such plastic changes is obviously significantly determining the overall outcome of rehabilitation.

References

Source: Plasticity and Reorganization in the Rehabilitation of Stroke: Plasticity and Reorganization in the Rehabilitation of Stroke: Zeitschrift für Psychologie: Vol 224, No 2