Unfortunately, most neuron damage doesn’t heal. The neurons don’t repair themselves, and new neurons don’t grow. There has been some encouraging research using various nerve growth factors to induce new nerve growth in spinal and peripheral nerve injuries, but not much progress in getting the brain to grow new cells or even just new connections to replace the ones lost.
We have too many neurons anyway. We barely use 5% of our neurons. So it is no big deal if a few die everyday by drinking alcohol or such.
What’s really scary is most long term studies indicate that he cascade of inflammation from the original injury continues to cause damage for decades. It is the most helpless feeling wondering at 46 what I will be like in 5 10 or 20 years.
Brain cells couldn’t reproduce like other cells or we would lose the memories of those old cells.
So what’s the verdict? Do I stuff my face with blueberries and omega 3s and every new supplement that comes on the market or just accept what is, is.
The crazy thing is, changes, some for better some for worse, keep happening eight years later. Stabbing pain all over head and they are not sure what causes that. Structural brain changes seems the most likely culprit.