ABSTRACT
The adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS) has only a limited capacity for regenerative growth after injury, thus CNS damage usually results in significant and longlasting functional impairments. Cerebrovascular accidents or traumatic injury to grey matter obviously result in loss of neurons and degeneration of associated nerve pathways. Injury to fibre tracts however, such as after a stroke in the internal capsule or after a concussive or compressive spinal cord injury, may initially spare most of the projecting neurons. In these instances, reconstitution of damaged circuitry may be possible if neurons with damaged processes are supported and provided with an environment that promotes regrowth.
