Publication
Title
The Darwinian plasticity hypothesis for tinnitus and pain
Author
Abstract
We present the hypothesis that expression of neural plasticity is a form of adaptation based on natural selection, where cells or cell groups deprived of sensory input actively go and look for information in order to survive. The Darwinian model of brain plasticity can explain the symptomatology induced by deprivation of input which was not well explained by classical plasticity without contradicting pertinent data from the neurophysiological, neuroanatomical, functional neuroimaging, and clinical literature. Applying the concept of Darwinian plasticity to sensory plasticity that causes symptoms and signs of disease might lead to the development of new treatments for deprivation of input induced symptomatology. We will use results from the application of electrical and magnetic stimulation of the auditory and the somatosensory cortices for treatment of tinnitus and for alleviating some forms of pain in support of the Darwinian hypothesis about neural plasticity. We will also review the literature regarding physiological and anatomical, as well as imaging data that support the existence of this hypothetical form of plasticity
Language
English
Source (journal)
Progress in brain research. - Amsterdam
Publication
Amsterdam : 2007
ISSN
0079-6123
DOI
10.1016/S0079-6123(07)66005-1
Volume/pages
166 (2007) , p. 55-60
ISI
000280613600007
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 06.10.2010
Last edited 25.05.2022
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