Superior longitudinal fasciculus subserves vestibular network in humans

Abstract

Vestibular function is known to be represented in a large-scale network within the brain. Although much is known about the topography of this cortical network, the subcortical anatomo-functional connectivity has received less attention. We present three patients operated on while conscious for cerebral low-grade gliomas, in which we elicited vestibular symptoms during subcortical stimulation. Anatomo-functional correlations between postoperative imaging and intraoperative findings suggest the involvement of the superior longitudinal fasciculus in the spreading of the vestibular symptoms. We argue that this fasciculus plays a major role in the functional connectivity of the areas involved in the complex multimodal network that controls vestibular function.