Neural Plasticity and Cognitive Development: Insights from Children with Perinatal Brain Injury

Abstract

During the formation of the brain, both before birth and after, over a quarter million brain cells are created every minute. Because neural development is so complicated, it is not surprising that the process that supports this development is remarkably complex as well. An infection may be unpleasant for the mother, but may be deadly for the unborn child. Because the brain develops at such a rapid rate throughout the pregnancy, complications such as infections, or environmental toxins such as alcohol, drugs, or even some medications can severely damage the developing brain.