Descriptions of spared CNS structures, while not prone to concerns about compensation in the same way as neuropsychological performance, are subject to issues of tissue regrowth with sustained sobriety, which could mask effects that might have been observable earlier in abstinence (Ruiz et al., 2013). The picture is further complicated in cross-sectional studies when trying to identify structures that have been truly spared and those that have recovered after cessation of drinking. In other words, brain regions that appear to be spared from damage might contain tissues that have been repaired or regenerated.
