Brain Network Signature of Autoscopic Phenomena in Humans

Aims: Autoscopic phenomena (AP) are distinct manifestations of epileptic seizure semiology and are also identified in diverse psychiatric disorders. Our study aimed to map the brain AP network and characterize its multimodal signatures.

Methods: By performing lesion network mapping using the human connectome dataset (n = 1000), we investigated the brain AP network derived from 25 cases of AP caused by distributed focal brain lesions (n = 19) and direct electrical stimulation (DES) (n = 6). We further studied the multimodal signatures of the AP network, including exploring spatial correlation with human cortical developmental and evolutionary expansions, neurotransmitters, and electrophysiological rhythms.

Results: We mapped a common AP network primarily involving the bilateral angular gyrus, posterior medial cortex, intraparietal sulcus, cuneus, fusiform and insula. Specifically, the bilateral thalamic pulvinar were identified as subcortical hubs. We further found a significant negative correlation between the AP network and developmental and evolutionary expansions. Particularly, the spatial density of norepinephrine transporter and the alpha frequency band power were significantly positively correlated with the AP network.

Conclusion: Our study identified a common brain AP network and uncovered its multimodal signatures. These findings may clarify the network mechanisms underpinning AP, providing novel insights into bodily self-consciousness.