Did you know your brain is plastic... that's not a typographical error. Your brain has plasticity. This may sound like a term that is more familiar to you called elasticity. These terms are related but different and after the end of this blog, I think you'll appreciate that fact that your brain has this special ability to undergo permanent change and form new neural connections throughout life in response to learning, experience or even injury.
Let's first break down the difference between elasticity and plasticity. Think about your favorite pair of sweatpants - the waistband is likely elastic meaning that when acted upon by an outside force is undergoes a conformational change... it is reversible however, and when the force is removed it goes back to its normal state. Rubber bands have this same ability as long as you don't exceed its elastic limits.
Next let's look at plasticity. Think about bending steel or even forcing a paper clip open. It will conform when acted upon by another outside force, but the changes here are permanent. The new, changed shape remains even after the "stress" or force is gone. Consider it to be a complete transformation or rearrangement of sorts. Your brain has this same ability as next we will unpack what that means, including its many benefits to you. There can be some negative associations tied to brain plasticity - think about trauma and permanent functional/structural changes to the cerebral cortex and deep brain structures - but this blog will solely focus on the good. In simpler terms our brain is moldable, much like plastic--- see the connection? It has the innate and incredible ability to adapt, learn, and many times recover, even in cases of trauma.
So how does this concept of neuroplasticity tie back to you and your EMS career. Well, these blogs over the past two years have many clear objectives in mind, the driving force is providing education to stretch your neurons in the pursuit of gaining quality education through a variety of relevant topics across our industry. Think back to when you first started EMT or paramedic school - pharmacology seemed like an insurmountable task right? How will I ever be able to recall the class/action/indication/side effects/dosage for nearly 50-60 different drugs... you guessed it the flashcards and continuous practice allowed you to take advantage of the benefits of neuroplasticity. You were exposed to a stimulus and through repetition your brain was able to make new and complex connections. You brain gained additional function.
The 2o year veteran can also still experience this phenomenon -- yes, even an old dog can learn new tricks. Even better news - it's not just tied to the cognitive domain; it can also be applied to physical skills as well. Your brain is never stagnant - so why should you choose to be. The brain always has the capacity to learn and is not predetermined by biology. The brain continues to change constantly with learning and experience throughout all of life and never becomes fixed and unchanging. Therefore, one’s “smartness” is as much about brain connectivity from learning, not just about your biology.
Some key closing takeaways:
Use it or lose it - failure to drive specific brain functions can lead to degradation
Use it and improve it - training that drives a specific brain function can improve it
Repetition matters - plasticity requires sufficient repetition
Intensity also matters - train hard to develop and strengthen your cerebrum
Time matters - forms of plasticity occur at different times during training
Age matters - younger brains are more responsive
Stay hungry and always be committed to personal and professional growth - your patients are counting on you. Be the healthcare provider you would want to show up in your loved one's time of need.
January 13, 2025
Author: Joshua Ishmael, MBA, MLS(ASCP)CM, NRP
Pass with PASS, LLC
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