Control and analysis of epilepsy waveforms in a disinhibition model of cortex network

Considering the disinhibition circuit between inhibitory neuronal populations with different time scales in cortical neural networks, here we propose a novel model to describe the occurrences and transitions of epilepsy waveforms. With the model we can successfully simulate poly-spike complexes, which are common in electrophysiological experiments and focal epilepsy patients. Meanwhile, we focus on the dynamic transitions between epilepsy waveforms and normal state and are devoted to exploring effective electrical stimulation strategies. Results show that disinhibition can induce an epileptic bidirectional transition, which is from spike and wave discharges, to poly-spike complexes and then to low-voltage rapid discharge activity, or it is reversed. And fascinating dynamical transition behaviors can be induced by varying average inhibitory synaptic gain. Interestingly, after applying two different control signals (deep brain stimulation and oscillatory input) to the system, all epilepsy waveforms can be suppressed or even eliminated. Results shed light on the pathophysiological mechanisms of epilepsy and guide clinical treatment from a theoretical viewpoint.