Diaschisis refers to a transient impairment of brain function that occurs in areas connected to a damaged or dysfunctional region of the brain. It is a neurological term that encompasses a phenomenon where the loss of function of one brain area influences and negatively affects other remote but interconnected brain regions.
Diaschisis occurs due to disruption or interruption of the normal flow of neural signals as a result of a stroke, trauma, or other neurological disorders. The impaired or dysfunctional brain area is often referred to as the "primary site," while the remote regions experiencing deterioration or dysfunction are known as "secondary sites."
The underlying mechanism of diaschisis involves a decline in metabolic rate, blood flow, or neurotransmitter release in the secondary sites, resulting in a decrease in their normal activity levels. Furthermore, the loss of connections between the primary and secondary sites due to damaged axonal pathways also contributes to diaschisis.
Symptoms of diaschisis can vary depending on the location and size of the primary site, as well as the connections affected. Common manifestations can include motor impairments, sensory deficits, cognitive impairments, language difficulties, or changes in emotional processing.
Treatment for diaschisis aims to address the underlying cause, rehabilitate the primary site, and promote neuroplasticity in the secondary sites to encourage functional recovery. This may involve various therapies such as physical rehabilitation, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and cognitive training. Additionally, pharmaceutical interventions targeting blood flow, metabolism, or neurotransmitter function may also be considered.
