diaschisis
Pronunciation: dye-AS-ki-sis
Temporary loss of function in brain regions remote from but connected to the primary site of neurological injury.
Full Definition
Diaschisis refers to the phenomenon where brain regions anatomically distant from a primary lesion experience temporary functional depression due to their neural connections with the damaged area. This concept helps explain why neurological deficits following stroke or brain injury may be more extensive than predicted by the lesion size alone. Diaschisis can affect various neural networks and may contribute to symptoms such as cognitive dysfunction, motor weakness, or behavioral changes. Recovery often involves the restoration of function in these remote areas as neural plasticity and compensation mechanisms take effect. Understanding diaschisis is crucial for predicting recovery patterns and planning rehabilitation strategies.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from direct lesion effects; diaschisis affects connected but undamaged regions.
In Context
- "The patient's cognitive deficits were attributed to diaschisis affecting frontal-subcortical networks following the thalamic infarct." — Clinical correlation note
- "PET imaging demonstrated diaschisis in the contralateral cerebellum following the patient's cortical stroke." — Neuroimaging report