![]() ![]() Neuronal death is at the heart of grey matter brain damage. In many cases, this occurs through the strengthening of weak connections that already exist. Functional recovery may also occur if the information can be transmitted through an alternative route. ![]() As long as the neuron cell bodies remain healthy, axons can regrow and slowly repair themselves. White matter injuries are very serious, but, depending on the type and extent of the injury, extensive recovery may occur. In this case, the patient may not be able to feel an ice cube placed on his or her skin. White matter tracts relaying sensory information from the muscles and skin to the brain can also be lost. Transecting or compressing these tracts can lead to paralysis because the information from the brain’s motor cortex (grey matter) can no longer reach the spinal cord and muscles. ![]() The outside of the spinal cord is composed of large white matter tracts. Perhaps the easiest example to envision is a spinal cord injury. Damage essentially cuts off or limits communication between areas of grey matter (neuron cell bodies and dendrites, the neuropil, glial cells, and capillaries). White matter injuries occur when white matter tracts ( bundles of myelinated axons) are damaged. Brain damage is often described as either a white or grey matter injury, but what is the difference? White Matter Injuries ![]()
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