Desynchronizing effect of high-frequency stimulation in a generic cortical network model

TL;DR

This paper models how high-frequency electrical stimulation can desynchronize cortical neuron activity, explaining the frequency-dependent effectiveness of therapies like TCES and DBS.

Contribution

It introduces a simple cortical network model that reproduces and predicts the frequency dependence of desynchronization effects of electrical stimulation.

Findings

Optimal desynchronization occurs around 100Hz.

The model predicts the full frequency dependence of stimulation efficiency.

Provides a possible mechanism for TCES action.

Abstract

Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (TCES) and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) are two different applications of electrical current to the brain used in different areas of medicine. Both have a similar frequency dependence of their efficiency, with the most pronounced effects around 100Hz. We apply superthreshold electrical stimulation, specifically depolarizing DC current, interrupted at different frequencies, to a simple model of a population of cortical neurons which uses phenomenological descriptions of neurons by Izhikevich and synaptic connections on a similar level of sophistication. With this model, we are able to reproduce the optimal desynchronization around 100Hz, as well as to predict the full frequency dependence of the efficiency of desynchronization, and thereby to give a possible explanation for the action mechanism of TCES.