Multilayer Analysis of Dynamic Network Reorganization in Tinnitus Patients

Motivation: Traditional research views tinnitus via static brain connectivity, but the brain's dynamic nature hints at greater complexity. Goal(s): We sought to unravel the dynamic reorganization patterns of brain networks in tinnitus patients, moving beyond static analyses to capture the fluid nature of neural interactions. Approach: Using resting-state fMRI and multilayer network analysis, we compared network modularity (Q value) and switching rates across global, network, and nodal levels between tinnitus patients and healthy controls. Results: Tinnitus patients showed heightened network dynamics, especially in the Default Mode Network (DMN), with specific switching rates correlating with symptom severity, suggesting a novel pattern of neural adaptation. Impact: This study offers a novel perspective on the reconstruction of dynamic functional networks in tinnitus patients, uncovering the link between brain functional remodeling and tinnitus severity, and establishing a potential foundation for future clinical interventions.