Network analysis of human fMRI data suggests modular restructuring after simulated acquired brain injury

• Published in: Medical & biological engineering & computing Vol. 54; no. 1; pp. 235 - 248
• Main Authors: Ruiz Vargas, E., Mitchell, D. G. V., Greening, S. G., Wahl, L. M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 2016; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Alzheimer's disease; Analysis; Applied mathematics; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering; Biomedicine; Brain; Brain Injuries - physiopathology; Brain research; Computation; Computer Applications; Concussion; Contusions; Diffusion; Diffusion effects; Head injuries; Human Physiology; Humans; Imaging; Injuries; Magnetic resonance imaging; Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Medical; Models, Biological; Modular; NMR; Nuclear magnetic resonance; Original Article; Pathophysiology; Radiology; Sensory perception; Studies; Traumatic brain injury; Traumatic brain injuries; Networks; Modularity
• ISSN: 0140-0118; 1741-0444
• DOI: 10.1007/s11517-015-1396-2

The pathophysiology underlying neurocognitive dysfunction following mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), or concussion, is poorly understood. In order to shed light on the effects of TBI at the functional network or modular level, our research groups are engaged in the acquisition and analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging data from subjects post-TBI. Complementary to this effort, in this paper we use mathematical and computational techniques to determine how modular structure changes in response to specific mechanisms of injury. In particular, we examine in detail the potential effects of focal contusions, diffuse axonal degeneration and diffuse microlesions, illustrating the extent to which functional modules are preserved or degenerated by each type of injury. One striking prediction of our study is that the left and right hemispheres show a tendency to become functionally separated post-injury, but only in response to diffuse microlesions. We highlight other key differences among the effects of the three modelled injuries and discuss their clinical implications. These results may help delineate the functional mechanisms underlying several of the cognitive sequelae associated with TBI.