Network analysis detects changes in the contralesional hemisphere following stroke

►Using diffusion MRI tractography we assess structural connectivity between brain regions in chronic unilateral stroke patients. ►Complex network analysis enabled us to separate patient and control groups, not only in the lesioned hemisphere but also in the contralesional hemisphere. ►We found evidence for secondary degeneration of fibre pathways which occur in remote regions interconnected, directly or indirectly, with the primary area of damage.