Dynamics of epileptic seizures: Evolution, spreading, and suppression

Dynamical properties of epileptic seizures are investigated using a recent compact continuum model for electric activity of the brain. Large amplitude limit cycles resembling electroencephalograms during epilepsy emerge when the system loses linear stability. Seizures that are confined to an onset area, or spread synchronously to other areas via spatial coupling, are studied and argued to be associated with clinical partial and secondarily generalized seizures, respectively. Suppression of such seizures is also demonstrated, which implies potential for future clinical applications. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.