Plasticity in the human motor system.

It is well recognized that the number and effectiveness of synapses in the adult brain change in response to learning and that similar processes contribute to the restoration of function after central nervous system damage. It is possible to use non-invasive methods of brain stimulation in humans (transcranial magnetic stimulation or transcranial direct current stimulation) to study and even manipulate these processes. Initial studies are now underway to test whether modification of synaptic plasticity by neurostimulation can improve the recovery of motor function in patients after stroke. (c) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.