Abstract
Based on a modified neural field network model composed of cortex and thalamus, we here propose a computational framework to investigate the onset control of absence seizure, which is characterized by the spike-wave discharges. Firstly, we briefly demonstrate the existence of various transition types in Taylor's model by increasing the thalamic input. Furthermore, after the disinhibitory function is reasonably introduced into the Taylor's model, we can observe the occurrence of various transition states of firing patterns with different dominant frequencies as the thalamic input is varied under different disinhibitory effects onto the pyramidal neural population. Interestingly, it is found that the onset of spike-wave discharges can be delayed as the disinhibitory input is considered. More importantly, we explore bifurcation mechanism of firing transitions as some key parameters are changed. And also, we observe other dynamical states, such as simple oscillations and saturated discharges with different spatial scales, which are consistent with previous theoretical or experimental findings.
Highlights
Absence seizure in epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder in human brain
Disinhibition function can appropriately delay the onset of absence seizures in epilepsy, by dynamical bifurcation mechanisms study, where the fold of cycles and Hopf-type bifurcations play a key role in these dynamical transitions
In the previous study (Taylor and Baier, 2011, Taylor et al, 2013b), the investigations emphasized the potential interest of nonlinear neural field modeling of epileptic absence seizures characterized by periodic spike and slow-wave (SWD) complexes in some simplified neural field models
Summary
Absence seizure in epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder in human brain. Pathological manifestations of absence seizure are mainly involved with the generalized abrupt and transient abnormal discharge of neural populations within the brain. Following the work of Wendling et al (2002), Taylor and Baier (2011) proposed a modified model by introducing a second inhibitory variable within the cortex, and they spatially and macroscopically expanded this improved model to investigate the generation mechanisms of SWD during epileptic seizures They are independent of the inhibitory behavior between inhibitory neural populations. To deeply understand the mechanisms of SWD for the epileptic absence seizures, we will set up a more complete and biological model (see Figure 1B) by introducing the second inhibitory neuronal populations I2 with a different time scale into the model of Taylor et al (2015), and simultaneously consider both the disinhibition of interneuronal population within the cerebral cortex and the subcortical thalamic function This modified model is independent of the seizure type, and with the addition of a second inhibitory neuron population, the epileptic SWD dynamics can be potentially changed due to the disinhibition modulation. It is shown that the onset of spike-wave discharges can increasingly be delayed as the disinhibitory input into the pyramidal neural population is increased, and we study bifurcation mechanisms of firing transitions as some key parameters are changed
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
