Domino effects and synchrony in seizure initiation

Domino effects and synchrony in seizure initiation

3 years ago
Anonymous $K6XgmDN5_o

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/01/210125191817.htm

Scientists have observed distinctive patterns in the electrical activity of neuron groups in healthy brains. Networks of neurons move through states of similar behavior (synchronization) and dissimilar behavior (desynchronization) in a process that is associated with memory and attention. But in a brain with a neurological disorder like epilepsy, synchronization can grow to a dangerous extent when a collection of brain cells begins to emit excess electricity. "Synchronization is thought to be important for information processing," Jennifer Creaser of the University of Exeter said. "But too much synchronization -- such as what occurs in epileptic seizures or Parkinson's disease -- is associated with disease states and can impair brain function."

Measurements of epileptic seizures have revealed that desynchronization in brain networks often occurs before or during the early stages of a seizure. As the seizure progresses, networks become increasingly more synchronized as additional regions of the brain get involved, leading to high levels of synchronization towards the seizure's end. Understanding the interactions between the increased electrical activity during a seizure and changes in synchronization is an important step towards improving the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy.