Temporal neuronal activity patterns in barrel cortex to simple and complex stimuli and the effects of traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious and debilitating health problem worldwide. This study analysed the electrical activity of neurons responsible for whisker sensation in rats with and without TBI. We found these neurons could be categorised by the content and timing of their electrical activity. The proportion of these categories of neurons was significantly changed in rats with TBI compared to rats without TBI. The timing of neurons’ electrical activities was also significantly affected. However, over a period of up to 12 weeks, some of these changes were shown to reverse, indicating partial brain recovery.