On Structural Controllability of Symmetric (Brain) Networks

Abstract: The question of controllability of natural and man-made network systems has recently received considerable attention. In the context of the human brain, the study of controllability may not only shed light into the organization and function of different neural circuits, but also inform the design and implementation of minimally invasive yet effective intervention protocols to treat neurological disorders. While the characterization of brain controllability is still in its infancy, some results have recently appeared and given rise to scientific debate. Among these, [1] has numerically shown that a class of brain networks constructed from DSI/DTI imaging data are controllable from one brain region. That is, a single brain region is theoretically capable of moving the whole brain network towards any desired target state. In this note we provide evidence supporting controllability of brain networks from a single region as discussed in [1], thus contradicting the main conclusion and methods developed in [2].