Neuroplasticity at Work: How Early Rehab Can Rewrite a Broken Brain

A leading neurorehabilitation doctor argues that the adult brain can recover after stroke or head injury through early, intensive, targeted therapy that exploits neuroplasticity; Claire’s year-long progress—from no speech and paralysis to speaking and using her right arm with help from music therapy—shows what consistent rehab can achieve, even months after injury, while post-discharge care remains uneven and underfunded; the piece also notes potential future treatments (drugs, brain stimulation, VR) and the broader case for investing in brain health to cut long-term costs.