In comparing therapy for brain injury versus progressive disorder, which statement best reflects spontaneous recovery potential?

• A. Brain injury shows more spontaneous recovery.
• B. Progressive disorder shows more spontaneous recovery.
• C. There is a substantial spontaneous recovery in brain injury, but not in progressive disorder.
• D. Spontaneous recovery is equally likely in both.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that spontaneous recovery potential is typically higher after a brain injury than in a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. After a brain injury, early improvements often occur as edema and temporary metabolic dysfunction resolve, and the brain can reorganize and recruit alternative pathways through plasticity. This makes substantial spontaneous recovery possible, especially in the months following the injury. In contrast, progressive disorders involve ongoing neuronal loss and degeneration, so there is little natural recovery of lost functions; any gains usually come from rehabilitation and compensation rather than spontaneous reversal of damage. Therefore, the statement that reflects this contrast best is that there is substantial spontaneous recovery in brain injury, but not in progressive disorder.