Neural Plasticity and Disorders of the Nervous System

This 2006 book describes how the expression of neural plasticity can go wrong and cause symptoms of disorders and diseases instead of being beneficial. Relevant anatomy and physiology of the nervous system and how such changes in the organisation of the nervous system may be reversed are also discussed.

Neural Plasticity and Disorders of the Nervous System provides comprehensive coverage of the pathophysiology of neurological disorders emphasising those disorders where expression of plasticity is evident. Including the basis for the expression of neural plasticity; how reorganisation of the nervous system can cause hyperactivity in sensory systems producing central neuropathic pain, tinnitus and paresthesia; the role of little-known non-classical pathways in pain and sensory disorders and their subcortical connections; hyper- and hypoactivity of motor systems after injury, and the role of spinal reflexes and internal processing in the spinal cord. Phantom symptoms and disorders of nerves and associated disorders are discussed, along with disorders that can be cured by microvascular decompression operations. A detailed and comprehensive description of the organisation of pain circuits and sensory and motor nervous systems is also included. This 2006 text is aimed at students and graduates of neuroscience and medicine.