What happens to the brain after a tumor is removed? Does the brain regenerate the lost space/damaged functions?
In: Biology
The brain does not regenerate, as the neuron cells that make it up do not multiply after a certain age. The remaining cells may create new connections to the surrounding cells, but those connections (called dentrites, who look like tree branches) do not go far.
But function depends on the area that the tumor was located, besides the age of the person. The younger the brain, the easier it makes new connections to repurpose the functions of the lost area, as there are cases of young children having an entire half of the brain removed, with no significant problems to their mental development.
No there is an empty hole where the brain matter was. Sometimes new paths can be formed but alot of times function and ability can be lost.
Source: ex wife had a brain tumor that was removed and had to go for countless followup mris.
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