Two distinct desynchronization processes caused by lesions in globally coupled neurons

TL;DR

This paper investigates how different types of brain lesions lead to distinct desynchronization processes in neuronal networks, using a simplified model to understand the impact on brain function.

Contribution

It introduces a model distinguishing two lesion types and demonstrates their unique effects on neuronal synchronization, advancing understanding of brain lesion impacts.

Findings

Lesions disrupting connections cause gradual desynchronization.

Neuronal death leads to abrupt loss of synchronization.

Different lesion mechanisms produce distinct desynchronization patterns.

Abstract

To accomplish a task, the brain works like a synchronized neuronal network where all the involved neurons work together. When a lesion spreads in the brain, depending on its evolution, it can reach a significant portion of relevant area. As a consequence, a phase transition might occur: the neurons desynchronize and cannot perform a certain task anymore. Lesions are responsible for either disrupting the neuronal connections or, in some cases, for killing the neuron. In this work, we will use a simplified model of neuronal network to show that these two types of lesions cause different types of desynchronization.