ePoster

Analysis of the transcranial current stimulation impact on epileptic network activity

Mariam Al Harrach, Maxime Yochum, Pascal Benquet, Fabrice Wendling
FENS Forum 2024(2024)
Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center, Vienna, Austria

Conference

FENS Forum 2024

Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center, Vienna, Austria

Resources

Authors & Affiliations

Mariam Al Harrach, Maxime Yochum, Pascal Benquet, Fabrice Wendling

Abstract

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects 1% of the world's population and is often linked with notable comorbidities and higher risks of mortality. Around 30% of epilepsies are considered pharmacoresistant (PRE). Resection surgery provides around remission in only 30-40% of eligible patients, leaving the remainder without alternative treatment options. Transcranial current stimulation (tCS) is a new safe and noninvasive approach that is increasingly being used in treating brain disorders. In the context of PRE, tCS seems to be a promising solution that aims to reduce cortical excitability through neuromodulation. However, despite the increasing number of studies, the mechanisms underlying tCS impact on individual neurons in a network setting are still poorly understood. In this work, we aimed to quantify the key behavioral responses of neurons to direct and alternating transcranial current stimulation (tDCS, tACS). We used a neuro-inspired microscale model of the neocortical network to analyze the impact of tCS on interictal epileptic events. We modeled the impact of tCS using the lambda E model where the cells’ polarisation lengths were obtained using detailed cell models from the NEURON simulator. The main results indicated a significant decrease in the Firing Rate (FR) of neurons in the case of cathodal tDCS which was delineated by a reduction in interictal spikes amplitude. In the case of tACS, the FR variation depended on the stimulation frequency. This model can be useful in optimizing the stimulation protocol to maximize its impact by providing mechanistic insights into both intracellular and extracellular responses.

Unique ID: fens-24/analysis-transcranial-current-stimulation-3575eb62