Plasticity of the human cerebral cortex as revealed by transcranial magnetic stimulation

Abstract

An old biological dogma states that a potencial for cortical reorganization (neuroplasticity) exists nly in young animals, being lost in adlt life. Here we review studies carried out both in animals and humans, whixh demonstrate cortical reorganization in sensory and motor systems in adult subjects. We particulary emphasiza human studies carried out with the aid of transcranial magnetic stimulation. The adult cortex is capable of reorganization after peripheral or central nervous system lesions and as a result of learning.

Neuroplasticity; cerebral reorganization; transcranial magnetic stimulation; motor learning