Neural field theory of effects of brain modifications and lesions on functional connectivity: Acute effects, short-term homeostasis, and long-term plasticity.

Abstract

Neural field theory is used to predict the functional connectivity effects of lesions or other modifications to effective connectivity. Widespread initial changes are predicted after localized or diffuse changes to white or gray matter, consistent with observations, and enabling lesion severity indexes to be defined. It is shown how short-term homeostasis and longer-term plasticity can reduce perturbations while maintaining brain criticality under conditions where some connections remain fixed because of damage in the lesion core. The extent to which such effects can compensate for initial connectivity changes is then explored, showing that the strongest corrective changes are concentrated toward the edges of the perturbation if it is localized and its core is fixed. The results are applicable to inferring underlying connectivity changes and to interpreting and monitoring functional connectivity modifications after lesions, injury, surgery, drugs, or brain stimulation.