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Peer-reviewedCC BY-NCHuman brain mapping

Inside a Programmer's Brain: Dissociating Code and Language Comprehension Networks Using a Novel fMRI-ESM Protocol.

  • Victor Cepero-Escribano1,2
  • Patricia León-Cabrera3,4
  • Anna Gasa-Roqué3,4,5,6
  • Xavier Otazu1,2
  • Alejandro Fernandez-Coello7,8
  • Pablo Naval-Baudin9,10,11
  • Àngels Camins9,10,11
  • Immaculada Rico5
  • Andreu Gabarros7,8
  • Antoni Rodriguez-Fornells3,4,6,12
  • Xim Cerda-Company1,2,3,4
12 affiliations
  1. 1Bridging Research in AI and Neuroscience (BRAIN), Computer Vision Center (CVC), Cerdanyola del Valles, Spain.
  2. 2Computer Science Department, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Valles, Spain.
  3. 3Cognition and Brain Plasticity Unit (CBPU), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.
  4. 4Department of Cognition, Development, and Educational Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
  5. 5Neurology Section, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge (HUB), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.
  6. 6Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
  7. 7Neurosurgery Section, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge (HUB), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.
  8. 8Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Campus Bellvitge, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.
  9. 9Institut de Diagnòstic Per la Imatge, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.
  10. 10Neuroradiology Section, Department of Radiology, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.
  11. 11Translational Imaging Biomarkers Group, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.
  12. 12Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.
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Abstract

Code comprehension and natural language share structural similarities but engage partially distinct neural systems. While language predominantly recruits the classical perisylvian language network, code comprehension has been linked to the multiple-demand system, associated with mathematical thinking and problem solving. We report the case of a professional software engineer with an IDH-mutant astrocytoma in the left middle frontal gyrus, a region where these networks converge. To address the potential risk of impairing computer programming abilities during surgery, we implemented a personalized protocol combining fMRI and intraoperative electrical stimulation mapping (ESM), extending the standard language assessment with a Code comprehension task. Intraoperative mapping identified sites in the left inferior frontal cortex that were functionally relevant to the Code comprehension task but were not identified during standard object-naming mapping. Complete tumor resection was achieved while preserving these critical regions, with the patient showing intact post-operative language and programming performances. This single case study suggests that individualized Code comprehension mapping may identify functionally relevant sites not detected by standard object-naming mapping, supporting the potential clinical value of tailored fMRI-ESM protocols for preserving higher-order cognitive functions in neurosurgical patients.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{ceperoescribano2026inside,
  title = {{Inside a Programmer's Brain: Dissociating Code and Language Comprehension Networks Using a Novel fMRI-ESM Protocol.}},
  author = {Victor Cepero-Escribano and Patricia León-Cabrera and Anna Gasa-Roqué and Xavier Otazu and Alejandro Fernandez-Coello and Pablo Naval-Baudin and Àngels Camins and Immaculada Rico and Andreu Gabarros and Antoni Rodriguez-Fornells and Xim Cerda-Company},
  journal = {Human brain mapping},
  year = {2026},
  month = oct,
  doi = {10.1002/hbm.70634},
  url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42897783},
  note = {CC BY-NC},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Inside a Programmer's Brain: Dissociating Code and Language Comprehension Networks Using a Novel fMRI-ESM Protocol.
AU  - Victor Cepero-Escribano
AU  - Patricia León-Cabrera
AU  - Anna Gasa-Roqué
AU  - Xavier Otazu
AU  - Alejandro Fernandez-Coello
AU  - Pablo Naval-Baudin
AU  - Àngels Camins
AU  - Immaculada Rico
AU  - Andreu Gabarros
AU  - Antoni Rodriguez-Fornells
AU  - Xim Cerda-Company
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/10/01
JO  - Human brain mapping
DO  - 10.1002/hbm.70634
UR  - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42897783
AB  - Code comprehension and natural language share structural similarities but engage partially distinct neural systems. While language predominantly recruits the classical perisylvian language network, code comprehension has been linked to the multiple-demand system, associated with mathematical thinking and problem solving. We report the case of a professional software engineer with an IDH-mutant astrocytoma in the left middle frontal gyrus, a region where these networks converge. To address the potential risk of impairing computer programming abilities during surgery, we implemented a personalized protocol combining fMRI and intraoperative electrical stimulation mapping (ESM), extending the standard language assessment with a Code comprehension task. Intraoperative mapping identified sites in the left inferior frontal cortex that were functionally relevant to the Code comprehension task but were not identified during standard object-naming mapping. Complete tumor resection was achieved while preserving these critical regions, with the patient showing intact post-operative language and programming performances. This single case study suggests that individualized Code comprehension mapping may identify functionally relevant sites not detected by standard object-naming mapping, supporting the potential clinical value of tailored fMRI-ESM protocols for preserving higher-order cognitive functions in neurosurgical patients.
SN  - 1065-9471
SN  - 1097-0193
ER  -