Where are higher-order cognitive functions? The paradox of non-locality in awake cognitive mapping using a complex dynamic system framework
This study addresses the challenge in identifying and preserving higher-order cognitive functions within a complex dynamic systems framework during neurosurgery. Traditionally, neurosurgical practice has prioritized avoiding language and motor deficits, while higher-order functions—such as social co...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Psychology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1542505/full |
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| author | Jesús Martín-Fernández Jesús Martín-Fernández Jesús Martín-Fernández Nayra Caballero-Estebaranz Nayra Caballero-Estebaranz Nayra Caballero-Estebaranz Esteban Félez Esteban Félez Natalia Navarro-Peris Pedro Pérez del Rosario Pedro Pérez del Rosario Raúl Hernández Bisshopp Jaime Domínguez-Báez |
| author_facet | Jesús Martín-Fernández Jesús Martín-Fernández Jesús Martín-Fernández Nayra Caballero-Estebaranz Nayra Caballero-Estebaranz Nayra Caballero-Estebaranz Esteban Félez Esteban Félez Natalia Navarro-Peris Pedro Pérez del Rosario Pedro Pérez del Rosario Raúl Hernández Bisshopp Jaime Domínguez-Báez |
| author_sort | Jesús Martín-Fernández |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study addresses the challenge in identifying and preserving higher-order cognitive functions within a complex dynamic systems framework during neurosurgery. Traditionally, neurosurgical practice has prioritized avoiding language and motor deficits, while higher-order functions—such as social cognition and executive processes—remain underexplored. These functions arise from dynamic large-scale networks operating in an optimal balance between synchronization and metastability rather than from isolated and localized cortical regions. This complexity highlights a paradox of non-locality in awake cognitive mapping: no single area “contains” a function, but certain “critical points” can transiently disrupt network dynamics when stimulated intraoperatively. Direct electrical stimulation provides unique real-time insights by inducing brief dyssynchronizations that elicit observable behavioral changes, allowing neurosurgeons and neuropsychologists to pinpoint crucial cortical and subcortical “connectome-stop points” and minimize damage. Preserving deep white-matter tracts is essential, given their limited neuroplasticity and the profound, often irreversible impact of tract lesions on cognition. To address these challenges, we propose a three-step awake cognitive mapping approach: (1) localizing critical points of networks via DES-driven behavioral impairment, (2) constant monitoring of multiple cognitive domains as tumor resection progresses, and (3) halting resection at connectome-stop points to prevent irreversible deficits. An illustrative case involving a right parietal glioma demonstrates how this methodology integrates computational neuroscience, network theory, and clinical practice to achieve optimal functional preservation and maintain the patient’s quality of life. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-7931a2fad353460fa1cd1f33fac33546 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1664-1078 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Psychology |
| spelling | doaj-art-7931a2fad353460fa1cd1f33fac335462025-08-20T03:15:23ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychology1664-10782025-03-011610.3389/fpsyg.2025.15425051542505Where are higher-order cognitive functions? The paradox of non-locality in awake cognitive mapping using a complex dynamic system frameworkJesús Martín-Fernández0Jesús Martín-Fernández1Jesús Martín-Fernández2Nayra Caballero-Estebaranz3Nayra Caballero-Estebaranz4Nayra Caballero-Estebaranz5Esteban Félez6Esteban Félez7Natalia Navarro-Peris8Pedro Pérez del Rosario9Pedro Pérez del Rosario10Raúl Hernández Bisshopp11Jaime Domínguez-Báez12Department of Neurosurgery, Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital, Tenerife, SpainDepartment of Cognitive-Affective Neuroscience, e-Awake Institute, Tenerife, SpainCanary Association of Creative Therapies (ASCATEC), Tenerife, SpainDepartment of Cognitive-Affective Neuroscience, e-Awake Institute, Tenerife, SpainCanary Association of Creative Therapies (ASCATEC), Tenerife, SpainFaculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Canarias, Tenerife, SpainDepartment of Cognitive-Affective Neuroscience, e-Awake Institute, Tenerife, SpainInstitute of Neuroinformatics: University of Zürich and ETH, Zürich, SwitzerlandDepartment of Cognitive-Affective Neuroscience, e-Awake Institute, Tenerife, SpainDepartment of Neurosurgery, Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital, Tenerife, SpainDepartment of Cognitive-Affective Neuroscience, e-Awake Institute, Tenerife, SpainDepartment of Neurosurgery, Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital, Tenerife, SpainDepartment of Neurosurgery, Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital, Tenerife, SpainThis study addresses the challenge in identifying and preserving higher-order cognitive functions within a complex dynamic systems framework during neurosurgery. Traditionally, neurosurgical practice has prioritized avoiding language and motor deficits, while higher-order functions—such as social cognition and executive processes—remain underexplored. These functions arise from dynamic large-scale networks operating in an optimal balance between synchronization and metastability rather than from isolated and localized cortical regions. This complexity highlights a paradox of non-locality in awake cognitive mapping: no single area “contains” a function, but certain “critical points” can transiently disrupt network dynamics when stimulated intraoperatively. Direct electrical stimulation provides unique real-time insights by inducing brief dyssynchronizations that elicit observable behavioral changes, allowing neurosurgeons and neuropsychologists to pinpoint crucial cortical and subcortical “connectome-stop points” and minimize damage. Preserving deep white-matter tracts is essential, given their limited neuroplasticity and the profound, often irreversible impact of tract lesions on cognition. To address these challenges, we propose a three-step awake cognitive mapping approach: (1) localizing critical points of networks via DES-driven behavioral impairment, (2) constant monitoring of multiple cognitive domains as tumor resection progresses, and (3) halting resection at connectome-stop points to prevent irreversible deficits. An illustrative case involving a right parietal glioma demonstrates how this methodology integrates computational neuroscience, network theory, and clinical practice to achieve optimal functional preservation and maintain the patient’s quality of life.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1542505/fullcognitive mappingcomputational neurosciencesawake neurosurgeryemotionsnetwork neuroscienceconnectomics |
| spellingShingle | Jesús Martín-Fernández Jesús Martín-Fernández Jesús Martín-Fernández Nayra Caballero-Estebaranz Nayra Caballero-Estebaranz Nayra Caballero-Estebaranz Esteban Félez Esteban Félez Natalia Navarro-Peris Pedro Pérez del Rosario Pedro Pérez del Rosario Raúl Hernández Bisshopp Jaime Domínguez-Báez Where are higher-order cognitive functions? The paradox of non-locality in awake cognitive mapping using a complex dynamic system framework Frontiers in Psychology cognitive mapping computational neurosciences awake neurosurgery emotions network neuroscience connectomics |
| title | Where are higher-order cognitive functions? The paradox of non-locality in awake cognitive mapping using a complex dynamic system framework |
| title_full | Where are higher-order cognitive functions? The paradox of non-locality in awake cognitive mapping using a complex dynamic system framework |
| title_fullStr | Where are higher-order cognitive functions? The paradox of non-locality in awake cognitive mapping using a complex dynamic system framework |
| title_full_unstemmed | Where are higher-order cognitive functions? The paradox of non-locality in awake cognitive mapping using a complex dynamic system framework |
| title_short | Where are higher-order cognitive functions? The paradox of non-locality in awake cognitive mapping using a complex dynamic system framework |
| title_sort | where are higher order cognitive functions the paradox of non locality in awake cognitive mapping using a complex dynamic system framework |
| topic | cognitive mapping computational neurosciences awake neurosurgery emotions network neuroscience connectomics |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1542505/full |
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