Default Mode Network: Granger Causality Characterization of Cognitive State Changes

Pan Lin¹, Simon Robinson¹, Nicola De Pisapia¹, Jorge Jovicich^1,2

Characterization of the default mode network (DMN) as a complex network of functionally interacting dynamic systems has received great interest. However, it is still unclear how DMN sub-regions interact during resting state and how these interactions change when task performance. In this study, we used Granger causality method to explore how intrinsic causal temporal interactions within DMN sub regions during resting state may change when subjects perform a task. We find that although the spatial scale of DMN maps during rest and task are similar, the causal relationships in sub-regions show significant changes, suggesting potential markers for potential clinical applications.