Improved Treatment for Epilepsy, Depression Using Mathematical Brain Modeling

Mathematical modeling of electromechemical processes in the brain cells using focused ultrasound will assist in the treatment of epilepsy and chronic depression.

Epilepsy is the most common neurological disease that affects people. According to the World Health Organization, about 50 million people worldwide suffer from epilepsy, and more than 264 million people from all age groups suffer from depression.

‘Stimulating brain cells called neurons using focused ultrasound will help in the mathematical modeling of the brain's electrochemical processes and will help improve treatments for conditions like epilepsy and depression.’

Dysfunction of neurons in the brain can be the cause of both diseases.

Researchers from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) in collaboration with colleagues from the University College London under the framework of "Project 5-100" study the effect of stimulation of neurons by ultrasonic waves and analyze the influence of ultrasonic wave parameters on the excitation of electrical signals in the nerves.

The results can be used to improve the methods used to treat a range of severe neurological and mental disorders, including epilepsy and chronic depression.

"We have proposed and tested various hypotheses regarding the physics of the process of ultrasonic neural stimulation," - explains Vladimir Filkin, a member of the scientific group, a graduate student of the Higher School of Mechanics and Control Processes SPbPU. Currently, the researchers obtained a mathematical model of this fundamental process, which will be useful for the effective algorithm of using the ultrasound to treat patients and conduct all kinds of research.

Source: Medindia