A role for desynchronization of neuronal activity in triggering epileptic seizures in the brain

Recent physiological evidence has suggested that initiation of partial epileptic seizures may be due to a desynchronization rather than hypersynchronization of neuronal communication at a seizure focus. This hypothesis was tested using a computational model of the hippocampal slice possessing a physiologically-consistent network structure and behavior. When desynchronization was simulated using either increased inhibition or decreased synaptic connectivity, inhibition was decreased or normal synaptic connectivity was restored. Thus a decrease in neuronal synchronization may provide a trigger for seizure initiation in some types of epilepsies.