Transition Dynamics of Generalized Periodic Discharges Observed in EEG Waveforms

Abstract

Generalized periodic discharges (GPD) are generalized waveforms that recur with a relatively uniform morphology and duration observed in EEG recordings of many types of metabolic encephalopathy, which are often referred to as epileptiform. In this paper, we try to link these spatiotemporal electrocortical activities and significant attributes of cortex based on Liley’s mean field model, and seek possible generation mechanisms of GPD rhythms from several factors. To these ends, the dynamical properties of simulated EEG consistent with neurophysiological features of human cortex are investigated, among which GPD patterns are our focus. Firstly, with different value sets of model parameters, we reproduce some typical simulation waveforms which are analogous to mammalian normal or abnormal brain activities detected by EEG. Or in other words, we put more emphasis on brain waveforms of GPD states, normal states, and low firing rate states in our numerical simulations, and mode transitions among different firing states are our main interests. Secondly, through analysis of maximum Lyapunov exponents and frequency spectrum, we give several mode transitions by varying synaptic connections between excitatory and inhibitory populations, which support the conjecture that selective changes of synaptic connections can trigger GPD states, such as in excitatory (AMPA receptors) and inhibitory neurotransmitters (GABA receptors). Thirdly, we stress the importance of time delay on neural population connections and find that they are free to transfer among different firing modes with appropriate time delays. Furthermore, considering the effects of external inputs to cerebral cortex, we verify that stimulation can lead to good controls on GPD patterns, including facilitation and elimination. Finally, we show that more dynamical rhythms can be produced when taking into account the cortico-cortical connections. These modeling results are expected to shed light into the pathophysiological mechanisms of GPD modes from a theoretical viewpoint.