Methods for analysis of brain connectivity: An IFCN-sponsored review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Systems Neuroscience
• Computational Neuroscience

Background:

• The human brain connectome, representing anatomical and functional brain organization, is increasingly studied using multimodal approaches.
• Understanding brain connectivity is crucial for identifying etiological relationships between connectivity abnormalities and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine existing neurophysiological methods for studying the human brain connectome.
• To provide a state-of-the-art overview of anatomical and functional connectivity assessment techniques.

Main Methods:

• Review of neurophysiological techniques including electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), and non-invasive brain stimulation.
• Integration of neuroimaging techniques such as structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Application of network analysis to integrated structural-functional connectivity maps.

Main Results:

• Identified key neurophysiological and neuroimaging methods for mapping brain connectivity.
• Highlighted the power of network analysis in exploring structural-functional relationships.
• Emphasized the role of connectivity in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Conclusions:

• An integrated approach combining neurophysiological and neuroimaging techniques is essential for comprehensive connectome analysis.
• Network analysis provides a powerful framework for understanding brain organization and its relation to neurological and psychiatric conditions.