Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026
10:25
Brain Infarct Segmentation and Registration on MRI or CT for Lesion-symptom Mapping
Published on: September 25, 2019
The methodological foundations of lesion network mapping remain sound
Shan Siddiqi1,2, Andreas Horn1,3, Frederic L W V J Schaper1
1Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics, Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry, Neurosurgery, and Radiology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115, USA.
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|May 13, 2026
Summary
Lesion network mapping (LNM) validity is confirmed, refuting recent challenges. New analyses show LNM accurately identifies lesion-deficit specificity, supporting its continued use in neuroscience research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neurology
Background:
- Lesion network mapping (LNM) is widely used to link brain lesions to symptoms by identifying common networks.
- A recent critique questioned LNM's specificity, suggesting maps reflect intrinsic brain connectivity rather than lesion-symptom relationships.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address criticisms of Lesion Network Mapping (LNM).
- To validate the specificity and utility of LNM in connecting brain damage to neurological deficits.
Main Methods:
- Re-analyzed data from 1090 lesion locations across 34 LNM studies.
- Compared LNM methodology with the procedures used in the critical review.
- Employed specificity testing to evaluate lesion-deficit relationships.
Main Results:
- The critique's methodology and conclusions were found to be inconsistent with standard LNM practices.
- Analyses confirmed that LNM maps demonstrate lesion-deficit specificity.
- Similarity metrics used in the critique did not adequately account for meaningful differences.
Conclusions:
- The validity and specificity of Lesion Network Mapping (LNM) are supported by empirical evidence.
- The criticisms raised do not invalidate existing LNM findings or future research applications.
- Further methodological exploration is encouraged, but current LNM practices remain robust.
