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Updated: Dec 8, 2025
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Author Spotlight: Exploring Glial Influence in Experience-Dependent Synaptic Pruning During Critical Periods
Published on: March 1, 2024
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Critical periods of brain development
J Miguel Cisneros-Franco1, Patrice Voss1, Maryse E Thomas1
1Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre for Research on Brain, Language and Music, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
Handbook of Clinical Neurology
|September 22, 2020
Summary
Brain plasticity, crucial during early development
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Sensory Systems
Background:
- Brain plasticity is highest during critical periods (CPs) in early development.
- Sensory experience is vital for establishing neural representations during CPs.
- After CP closure, the brain becomes less adaptable, consolidating functions but limiting future changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define critical periods (CPs) in brain development.
- To explore mechanisms regulating plasticity during CPs.
- To investigate factors influencing CP timing and potential reactivation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on experience-dependent plasticity.
- Definition and characterization of critical periods.
- Discussion of regulatory mechanisms and factors affecting CP duration.
Main Results:
- CPs are specific developmental windows for optimal sensory system development.
- Abnormal sensory input during CPs can lead to lasting negative effects.
- CPs can be modulated—extended, shortened, or reopened—by altering sensory experience.
Conclusions:
- Critical periods are essential but sensitive windows for neural development.
- Understanding CP regulation offers potential therapeutic avenues for sensory processing disorders.
- Manipulating sensory input may offer ways to enhance or restore plasticity.
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