Lesion Network Mapping Using Normative Connectome Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lesion mapping techniques rely solely on lesion location, which is inadequate for predicting neurological symptoms and recovery outcomes, as similar symptoms can result from lesions in different locations and do not account for remote functional effects of brain lesions.
Innovation Solution
The use of normative human connectome data to identify functional networks affected by brain lesions through resting state functional connectivity MRI, allowing for the prediction of network effects and individualized treatment planning without the need for specialized neuroimaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional lesion mapping techniques are used that rely solely on lesion location, then the analysis is simple and requires only structural MRI, but the prediction of neurological symptoms and recovery outcomes is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing and storing functional connectivity matrices from healthy control subjects before actual lesion analysis. These pre-established connectivity networks allow rapid mapping of lesion effects without requiring new functional imaging of patients, thus improving symptom localization accuracy while avoiding the complexity of performing functional connectivity scans on each patient
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses functional connectivity matrices from healthy controls as an intermediary to translate lesion location into predicted symptom networks. Instead of directly imaging patient brain function, the method mediates through established connectivity patterns, allowing inference of affected networks from structural lesion data alone
2Reliability
If functional connectivity MRI is performed on patients to identify affected brain networks, then symptom prediction improves, but the cost and complexity of specialized neuroimaging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by using functional connectivity patterns from healthy control subjects as templates to represent normal brain network organization. These copied connectivity patterns are then overlaid with lesion locations to predict which networks are disrupted, providing reliable prognosis without requiring actual functional imaging of the patient
Solution Approach 2:
The method performs preliminary functional connectivity analysis on healthy controls to establish baseline network patterns before patient assessment. This pre-established knowledge base enables accurate symptom prediction using only structural MRI data, eliminating the need for complex functional imaging procedures in clinical practice
3Ease of operation
If standardized target brain regions are used for all patients with a given symptom regardless of lesion location, then treatment planning is simplified, but individualized recovery outcomes may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing treatment targets based on each patient's specific lesion location and its effect on functional networks. Instead of applying uniform treatment protocols, the method identifies which specific brain networks are disrupted by each lesion and tailors stimulation targets accordingly, improving treatment effectiveness while maintaining systematic planning through the use of pre-established connectivity patterns
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach improves symptom localization and recovery prognosis by identifying target brain regions for treatment, enabling more effective rehabilitation and therapy planning, such as non-invasive brain stimulation and medication targeting.
Implementation Method 1
The standard approach for identifying a target site for non-invasive brain stimulation in rehabilitation from a brain lesion, such as a stroke, involves selecting a target brain region
Implementation Method 2
Some embodiments use connectome databases to predict the network effects of focal brain lesions using functional connectivity MRI
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for providing a functional mapping of a brain lesion in a patient's brain. The method comprises determining using a computer processor, based on human connectome data stored on at least one computer datastore in communication with the computer processor, at least one functional network associated with a location of a brain lesion identified in an image of a patient's brain. The at least one functional network includes a plurality of brain areas functionally connected to the location of the brain lesion and a plurality of correlation measures. Each of the correlation measures indicates a strength of functional connection between the location of the brain lesion and a respective brain area of the plurality of brain areas in the at least one functional network. The method further comprises determining, based at least one functional network, a likelihood that the brain lesion is causing one or more patient symptoms.