Final answer:
The slowing of functioning in the brain and spinal cord can lead to paralysis and cognitive deficits, with the extent of the impact depending on the location and severity of the injury. While recovery can sometimes be achieved through therapies utilizing the brain's neuroplasticity, long-term disabilities are possible, and treatment strategies are focused on both healing and prevention of further damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The slowing of functioning in the brain and spinal cord can significantly affect an individual's motor functions, sensory functions, and overall quality of life. For instance, when the spinal cord is damaged, it may lead to paralysis, which is the inability to feel or move parts of the body. This condition depends on the location and severity of the injury. Paralysis such as quadriplegia affects the arms, hands, trunk, legs, and pelvic organs, while paraplegia impacts the trunk, legs, and pelvic organs but leaves arm and hand function intact.
In the case of a traumatic brain injury, cognitive functions such as memory and language can be adversely affected. However, the brain has a degree of neuroplasticity, which allows for some recovery of functions through therapies, as highlighted by the recovery journey of ABC reporter Bob Woodruff.
Due to the complexity of the central nervous system, treatments for injuries often involve preventative measures against secondary damage, such as inflammation, and innovative research into potential remedies like stem cell transplants and induced hypothermia.