About this Research Topic
Understanding circuit level changes that either enhance or impair the brain’s capacity for plasticity will inform the design of more specific, targeted interventions promoting recovery after stroke. Functional neuroimaging studies consistently demonstrate local and global changes in functional brain organization that can be related to the level of recovery. However, these methods are often indirect measures of the underlying neurobiology. Thus, a number of basic questions regarding the cellular and molecular underpinnings of functional recovery have been left unanswered. Recent advances in optics have opened up tremendous opportunities for investigating and manipulating brain circuitry in vivo. Optical methods which allow studying cellular and network modifications in real-time can be applied not only to observe and manipulate network interactions before and after stroke, but also for developing rehabilitative strategies designed to improve functional recovery.
This Research Topic will present and discuss the latest applications of neurophotonics in preclinical and clinical stroke research. Contributions will report on recent studies with state-of-the-art neuroimaging tools, image-based analyses of functional and structural network changes, advanced network analysis methods, and innovative intervention strategies in animal models and patients. We welcome a broad range of optical imaging methods, brain stimulation techniques, and multi-modal imaging approaches.
This Research Topic will present and discuss the latest applications of neurophotonics in preclinical and clinical stroke research. Contributions will report on recent studies with state-of-the-art neuroimaging tools, image-based analyses of functional and structural network changes, advanced network analysis methods, and innovative intervention strategies in animal models and patients. We welcome a broad range of optical imaging methods, brain stimulation techniques, and multi-modal imaging approaches.
Keywords: Stroke, Plasticity, Rehabilitation, Functional neuroimaging, Functional recovery
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
