Optimal magnetic stimulation strategy for absence seizures: Targeted therapy for PY and E in a neural mass model

Abstract

Studies have shown that excitatory neurons play a crucial role in regulating seizures. We use an improved Wendling neural mass model to explore the effects of magnetic current stimulation on absence seizures. Firstly, we study the reciprocal excitatory projections between pyramidal neurons(PY) and excitatory interneurons (E), where the system appears in resting state, spike and wave discharge state (SWD) and simple oscillation state. Secondly, we apply magnetic stimulation to PY and E, independently. During PY-targeted magnetic stimulation, the gradual disappearance of the unstable region in the bifurcation diagram suggests that appropriate magnetic stimulation effectively suppressed seizures. During E-targeted magnetic stimulation, the backward shift of the Hopf bifurcation curve suggests that appropriate magnetic stimulation is capable of inducing resting state in the physiologic range of epilepsy. Finally, in order to find a stimulation strategy with the least stimulation intensity and the best effect, we target the magnetic stimulation in ratio to PY and E. By comparing the stimulation efficiency and the minimum magnetic stimulation intensity, we confirm that the optimal magnetic current ratio strategy for seizure suppression is $\mathrm{PY:\; E\; =\; 1\; :\; 9}$. This finding reveals the intrinsic nature of epileptic discharge states through bifurcation analysis. The study provides feasible suggestions for magnetic flow in the treatment of absence seizures.