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Cited by 84Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanismsTactile and Sensory InteractionsVisual perception and processing mechanisms

Critical periods of brain development

José Miguel Cisneros-Franco, Patrice Voss, Maryse E. Thomas, Etienne de Villers‐Sidani·2020·Handbook of Clinical Neurology
DOI 10.1016/b978-0-444-64150-2.00009-5
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Abstract

Brain plasticity is maximal at specific time windows during early development known as critical periods (CPs), during which sensory experience is necessary to establish optimal cortical representations of the surrounding environment. After CP closure, a range of functional and structural elements prevent passive experience from eliciting significant plastic changes in the brain. The transition from a plastic to a more fixed state is advantageous as it allows for the sequential consolidation and retention of new and more complex perceptual, motor, and cognitive functions. However, the formation of stable neural representations may pose limitations on future revisions to the circuitry. If sensory experience is abnormal or absent during this time, it can have profound effects on sensory representations in adulthood, resulting in quasi-permanent adaptations that can make it nearly impossible to learn certain skills or process certain stimulus properties later on in life. This chapter begins with a brief introduction to experience-dependent plasticity throughout the lifespan (Section Introduction). Next, we define what constitutes a CP (Section What Are Critical Periods?) and review some of the key CPs in the visual and auditory systems (Section Key Critical Periods of Sensory Systems). We then discuss the mechanisms whereby cortical plasticity is regulated both locally and through neuromodulatory systems (Section How Are Critical Periods Regulated?). Finally, we highlight studies showing that CPs can be extended beyond their normal epochs, closed prematurely, or reopened during adult life by merely altering sensory inputs (Section Timing of Critical Periods: Can CP Plasticity Be Extended, Limited, or Reactivated?).

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  • The influence of sensory input on brain structure and function is strongly dependent on developmental stages, as neural plasticity fluctuates throughout life.

    “According to the study by Cisneros-Franco et al. [25], the influence of sensory input on brain structure and function is strongly dependent on developmental stages, as neural plasticity fluctuates throughout life.”

    From The Neuroscience Behind Writing: Handwriting vs. Typing—Who Wins the Battle? (2025) · cites this paper as [25]

  • In early development, the brain exhibits heightened plasticity, enabling rapid adaptation and learning, whereas the adult brain is more structurally stable.

    “In early development, before many essential neural circuits have been fully established, the brain exhibits heightened plasticity, enabling rapid adaptation and learning. In contrast, the adult brain is more structurally stable, making the acquisition of new skills more challenging.”

    From The Neuroscience Behind Writing: Handwriting vs. Typing—Who Wins the Battle? (2025) · cites this paper as [25]

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Authors
Cisneros-Franco, J. M., Voss, P., Thomas, M. E., & de Villers‐Sidani, E.
Affiliations
Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital (CA)
Corresponding author
Etienne de Villers‐Sidani
ORCID
Venue
Handbook of Clinical Neurology
Publisher
Elsevier
Published
2020
Volume
173
Pages
75-88
ISSN
0072-9752 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/b978-0-444-64150-2.00009-5
OpenAlex
W3087025945
Cited by
84
References
25
Citations by year
2026: 20 · 2025: 16 · 2024: 17 · 2023: 15 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 2 · 2014: 1 · 2012: 1
FWCI
10.50
Type
book chapter
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
Locations
  • Handbook of clinical neurology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Developmental Neuroscience › Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Tactile and Sensory Interactions
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Visual perception and processing mechanisms
Keywords
critical period, neuroplasticity, experience-dependent plasticity, sensory deprivation, visual system, auditory system, cortical development, neuromodulation, sensory experience
MeSH terms
Adaptation, Physiological, Brain, Critical Period, Psychological, Humans, Learning, Neuronal Plasticity

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