Functional reintegration of prefrontal neural networks for enhancing recovery after brain injury.

Functions of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) are fundamental to learning and rehabilitation after brain injuries, but the PFC is particularly vulnerable to trauma. We propose approaches to cognitive training that are hypothesized to specifically enhance PFC function. We present a theoretical framework that generates hypotheses regarding the effects of training on the functional integration of processes across distributed networks of brain regions. Specific outcome measurements that may be used to test these hypotheses in clinical trials are proposed. This neural network-level approach may guide cognitive rehabilitation and facilitate development of adjunctive biologic treatments to enhance the effects of training.