Modeling spike and wave discharge initiation, maintenance and termination with hierarchical networks of neurooscillators

Here we propose the network model of spike and wave discharges (SWDs) composed of four populations of neurooscillators representing pyramids, interneurons, thlamo-cortical cells and cells of reticular thalamic nucleus. Nervus trigeminus is considered as an external exciting input for the thalamo-cortical population. First, a simple network of 14 neurons is investigated and possible bifurcation mechanisms leading to SWD development is revealed. Then a larger network of 500 cells is considered reproducing the same mechanism. We show that SWDs can be described as a long transient process rather than a stable regime.