Old equations for a new system: A possible use of Navier-Stokes equations to model the circulation of spikes in the nervous system

TL;DR

This paper explores using Navier-Stokes equations, traditionally for fluid dynamics, to model neural impulse circulation, proposing a physical analogy based on turbulence features observed in Parkinson's disease neuron discharges.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to model nervous system impulses using fluid dynamics equations, bridging physics and neuroscience.

Findings

Neuronal discharge patterns share features with turbulent fluid flows.

A theoretical framework for physical analogy between neural impulses and fluid dynamics.

Potential for new quantitative tools in neuroscience modeling.

Abstract

In the present work we discuss a possible application of Navier-Stokes-based models to the quantitative description of the circulation of nervous impulses throughout the nervous system. In previous works we have shown that the discharge from Basal Ganglia neurons from patients with Parkinson's disease share mathematical features with the velocity fields of fluids under turbulence regimes. In the present work we try to build the fundaments for a physical analogy between both kinds of systems.