What Is Neuroplasticity?

Introduction

Have you ever heard of someone's brain rewiring itself? Did you know that every time you learn a new skill, your brain creates new synaptic connections? This fascinating process, known as neuroplasticity, is one of the most remarkable aspects of the brain.

What Is the Cause?

Neuroplasticity occurs due to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli or when the brain reorganizes connections after injuries. Additionally, the brain changes that can happen after injury can be beneficial, neutral, or negative. Some examples of intrinsic (internal) stimuli are genetic and pathological characteristics of a person. On the contrary, extrinsic factors are environmental/external like diet and medication use.

What Does It Look Like?

As stated by "Neuroplasticity" by Puderbaugh and Emmady, the definition of neuroplasticity is "the ability of the nervous system to change its activity in response to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli by reorganizing its structure, functions, or connections." Also said in the article, neuroplasticity has two major mechanisms: neuronal regeneration and functional reorganization. According to PubMed, neuronal regeneration refers to how nerve cells are replaced/repaired, and functional reorganization refers to how the brain adapts and gives tasks to different areas.

There are three phases in which this process occurs after injury. As the "Neuroplasticity" article explained, in the first 24 hours, "the brain attempts to use secondary neuronal networks to maintain function." In the following weeks, "recruitment of support cells occurs" and "synaptic plasticity and new connections are made." Lastly, in weeks to months after, "the brain continues to remodel itself via axonal sprouting and further reorganization around the damage. " According to Science Direct, axonal sprouting is when "damaged axons generate branches and extend neurites toward the area of damage to reconnect with target tissues, reestablish neural circuits, and bypass damaged regions."

Conclusion

You can see how important neuroplasticity is, especially during injuries; however, not every attempt of the brain changing activity is going to automatically be positive. Neuroplasticity uses two main mechanisms and is known to happen in three different phases after injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury. Also, neuroplasticity does its best to help give the tasks of damaged structures to ones that are working. This process is fascinating and continues to be a favorite topic of mine to explore. Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt your brain adapting to a new challenge or skill? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Works Cited

JS;, Steward MM;Sridhar A;Meyer. “Neural Regeneration.” Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23292211/. Accessed 17 May 2026.

Puderbaugh, Matt. “Neuroplasticity.” StatPearls [Internet]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 May 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557811/.

NS;, Ward. “Functional Reorganization of the Cerebral Motor System after Stroke.” Current Opinion in Neurology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15542982/. Accessed 17 May 2026.

Sehta, Shivani. “Intrinsic & Extrinsic Factors in Drug Development.” Allucent, 10 Oct. 2025, www.allucent.com/resources/blog/intrinsic-and-extrinsic-factors-drug-development.

Repair Mechanisms of the Central Nervous System: From Axon Sprouting to Remyelination - Neurotherapeutics, www.neurotherapeuticsjournal.org/article/S1878-7479(25)00061-3/fulltext. Accessed 17okk May 2026.