[ExI] Music again (Was: Re: what's the use?)

[efc at disroot.org]

On Sun, 13 Oct 2024, BillK via extropy-chat wrote:

> On Sun, 13 Oct 2024 at 18:15, efc--- via extropy-chat
> <extropy-chat at lists.extropy.org> wrote:
>>
>> That makes me wonder, can damage or change to some area improve it?
>> _______________________________________________
>
>
> Well, maybe, sort of.......
> The term you need to investigate is neuroplasticity. It is fascinating!
>
> For people who lose a sense such as sight or hearing, the brain can
> rewire itself and use the redundant brain areas to enhance the
> remaining senses. It cannot replace the lost capability, but with
> training, it can help to compensate for the loss.
> A similar ability applies to brain damage, as some horrendous injuries
> show. The brain can reorganise and enable undamaged areas of the brain
> to take over functions previously performed by the damaged regions.
> This also requires training in the lost functions to assist the
> replacement.
>
> BillK

Fascinating! From my friendly neighbourhood AI, so beware of 
hallucinations and caveat emptor!

Cases of Astonishing Capabilities Post-Brain Damage

     Acquired Savant Syndrome:

         Acquired savant syndrome refers to individuals who develop 
extraordinary abilities following a traumatic event affecting the brain. 
These abilities can manifest in various forms such as musical talent, 
mathematical skills, artistic prowess, or memory feats.
         A notable case is that of Alonzo Clemons, who suffered a severe 
head injury at a young age. Following his accident, he developed an 
exceptional ability to sculpt animals from memory with remarkable accuracy 
and detail.

     Musical Abilities:

         Another significant example involves individuals who have 
experienced strokes but subsequently demonstrate enhanced musical 
capabilities. For instance, Tony Cicoria, an orthopedic surgeon, was 
struck by lightning and subsequently developed an intense passion for 
playing the piano and composing music despite having no prior musical 
training.
         Research indicates that after such traumatic experiences, some 
individuals may access latent talents that were previously dormant.

     Mathematical Skills:

         There are also instances where individuals have gained advanced 
mathematical skills post-injury. One such case is that of Jason Padgett, 
who sustained a traumatic brain injury during an assault. Following this 
incident, he began to visualize complex mathematical concepts and could 
draw intricate fractals and geometric patterns.

     Enhanced Memory:

         Some studies suggest that after specific types of brain 
injuries—particularly those affecting the left hemisphere—individuals may 
experience heightened memory capabilities. This phenomenon has been 
observed in patients who develop eidetic memory (the ability to recall 
images with high precision) after their injuries.

Mechanisms Behind Enhanced Capabilities

The exact mechanisms behind these phenomena remain under investigation; 
however, several theories exist:

     Reorganization of Neural Pathways: Damage to one part of the brain may 
lead to increased activity in other regions responsible for similar 
functions.
     Increased Connectivity: Brain injuries might promote greater 
connectivity between different areas of the brain that were not previously 
engaged together.
     Unmasking Latent Abilities: The injury may remove inhibitions on 
certain cognitive functions that were not fully utilized before.

Conclusion

While cases of astonishing capabilities resulting from brain damage are 
rare and often anecdotal, they highlight the incredible potential of the 
human brain’s adaptability. These instances challenge our understanding of 
intelligence and skill development and underscore the complexity of 
neurological function.