05/1 Theoretical modeling of thalamocortical dysrhythmia

		Schematic diagram of the thalamocortical circuits that support the TCD mechanisms

In order to identify the pertinent anatomical and physiological mechanisms that underlie the normal and abnormal functioning of the thalamocortical system as observed in thalamocortical dysrhythmia (TCD) we will use theoretical methods to describe it as a complex dynamical system. In particular we want to understand the onset of TCD, the incremental enslaving of thalamocortical modules and the coding regimes that they can support.

First we will develop detailed sets of anatomical and physiological criteria of the thalamocortical system and of TCD. All models of the thalamocortical system will be extensively benchmarked against these datasets to assess their value for our understanding of TCD.

The thalamocortical system will then be modeled as a complex system of dynamically linked oscillators. This model will allow us to make specific predictions on the relationship between the spread of the dysrhythmia throughout the thalamocortical system, its physiological signatures and its relation to specific symptomatologies.

In order to assess their biological realism the functionally validated abstract models will require a more thorough evaluation in terms of their anatomical and biophysical assumptions. Specific dynamic modules will be modeled in detail with the aim to identify the specific anatomical and biophysical parameters that can account for their dynamics.