diaschisis
Pronunciation: die-AS-kye-sis
Remote functional depression in brain regions anatomically connected to but distant from a primary lesion site.
Full Definition
Diaschisis refers to the phenomenon where brain lesions cause functional impairments not only at the site of injury but also in remote, anatomically connected regions that appear structurally intact. This occurs through disruption of neural connections and can manifest as reduced metabolism, blood flow, or electrical activity in distant brain areas. Understanding diaschisis is crucial for interpreting neurological symptoms that may not directly correspond to lesion location and for predicting recovery patterns in stroke and traumatic brain injury.
Usage
Usage note: From Greek meaning 'splitting apart' - emphasize the remote nature of functional effects from structural lesions.
In Context
- "PET imaging revealed cerebellar diaschisis following the frontal cortex stroke." — Stroke recovery study
- "The motor deficits were attributed to diaschisis rather than direct tissue damage." — Clinical neurology case report