{
  "id": 16868365,
  "title": "How the brain can relearn what injury takes away",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/28/how-the-brain-can-relearn-what-injury-takes-away",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-28T07:46:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/opinion/op-eds/how-the-brain-can-relearn-what-injury-takes-away-1.500726576"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Most people do not think twice about picking up a cup of coffee. It is an unremarkable action. However, a sudden event like a stroke or traumatic brain injury can make even this simple act a major challenge. Every year, 12 million new patients suffer a stroke and another 69 million have a TBI. In the Emirates alone, there are at least 6,000 people living with Parkinson’s Disease and possibly an equal number with Multiple Sclerosis. These conditions make basic actions difficult. The opportunity to help restore abilities like walking, talking, and using the hands is significant. Understanding how the brain can relearn what injury takes away is crucial. Recovery is possible, though it may take time and may not be complete. It is not limited to young people. The process of neuroplasticity is key to recovery. This refers to the brain's ability to resume normal function in injured cells and re-connect to their circuits. This is a lifelong process, important for learning new things and growing as human beings. Repetition and practice are fundamental. A non-Arabic speaker learning Arabic starts with no vocabulary or proper pronunciation. Over time, with effort, they acquire some words, learn to speak reasonably well, and eventually achieve fluency. The same principle applies to neurological recovery. Whether it is relearning to walk, regain control of a weakened hand, overcome visual field defects, speak, calculate, or strategize, repetition and practice are essential. Perfect practice is crucial. Simply practicing does not guarantee perfect results. The quality of rehabilitation matters, including the type of therapy, intensity, sequence of practice, and goals. Psychological support is also important to overcome discouraging moments when progress is slow. Advances in neuromodulation technologies, such as non-invasive brain stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, virtual and expanded reality, and telerehabilitation, can enhance neuroplasticity. Monitoring progress through wearable technologies that track gait, activity, and sleep is also helpful. Reducing stress is another important aspect. Ultimately, stroke, injury, and other neurological conditions are not irreversible. With the right approach, function can be restored, self-sufficiency returned, and dignity and self-worth enhanced. The focus should be on healing the patient, not just the condition. There is optimism that things are improving day by day.",
  "summary": "For most of us, picking up a cup of coffee is unremarkable. The hand opens, the fingers settle around the cup, the wrist adjusts, and the arm lifts. The whole sequence takes moments. But when a stroke or some other sudden event interrupts this sequence, the coffee break is no longer a pleasure. A simple, familiar act suddenly becomes a major problem. Every year, 12 million new patients suffer a…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}