A new approach to stroke recovery research | Kathy Ruddy | TEDxQueensUniversityBelfast

Paul, at 62, suffered a stroke causing paralysis and rapid brain cell loss. Alerting a neighbor, he was hospitalized and, fortunately, survived. Four weeks post-stroke, Paul's right side remained paralyzed, though physiotherapy was underway. His brain's commands weren't translating into movement. The speaker explains the brain's hardware (grey and white matter) and software (patterns of activity). Function influences structure through neuroplasticity, where pathways adapt with use, like a well-trodden path. White matter pathways, like insulated highways, become more efficient with use. Damage to this hardware, as in a stroke, has severe consequences. Research focuses on applying knowledge of damaged brains to rehabilitation, emphasizing adaptation and creating new pathways, as brain regrowth doesn't occur. Neurofeedback, a core approach, leverages the brain's ability to learn and adapt by processing sensory feedback. This allows individuals to change ongoing brain processes by providing a window into mental activity. Paul participated in research using neurofeedback. Magnetic pulses confirmed his brain signals reached his muscles, and MRI showed intact pathways. Through neurofeedback, Paul learned to increase muscle responses by imagining movement, a task he enjoyed as it was something he could do independently. Six months later, Paul could walk independently and even raise a pint. The research is exploring the potential of this technology in standard stroke care and, particularly, for functional neurological disorders, where hardware is intact but software is faulty. The goal is to reprogram normal function. Future technology aims to allow home-based rehabilitation for various brain disorders, offering hope for improved recovery and quality of life.