A chaotic brain could lead to epilepsy (ScienceAlert)

A chaotic brain could lead to epilepsy

Thursday, 16 November 2006

Swinburne University

A mathematical model developed by a Swinburne researcher could pave the way to understanding the causes of epilepsy and exploring possible treatments.

Published in the American physics journal, Physical Review Letters, the paper shows that a mathematical model of the brain can produce extremely complicated behaviour known as chaos by a mechanism that has not previously been observed in any chemical, physical or biological theory.

Swinburne neuroscientist Professor David Liley, together with La Trobe University mathematician Dr Lennaert van Veen, used a model which helps to understand how the brain works through an EEG (electroencephalogram –– an electrical record of brain activity), to find important clues as to how qualitative, and not just quantitative, changes in brain function can occur.

“We have used this model to look at the functional aspects of brain patterns and find out more about what triggers a qualitative change in behaviour –– for instance what causes a change from a restful calm state to an activated and disordered state, such as what occurs during a seizure.

“Identifying a mechanism that causes these changes will provide important and much needed clues to predicting and controlling seizures,” he explained.

Professor Liley’s research is based on using mathematical equations which incorporate a detailed understanding of brain physiology and anatomy such as the different neuron types and the way they connect with each other.

This model will be important in the investigation and assessment of a range of new treatments for a number of brain disorders. “This model can be thought of as a compass or road map for future experiments into brain physiology. Essentially it provides a different way of understanding the functional significance of the brain’s electrical activity,” he said.

Editor's Note: Original news release can be found here.