Stimulation-induced long-lasting desynchronization of plastic neuronal networks

Excessive neuronal synchrony is a hallmark of several brain disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease. Brain stimulation may counteract abnormal synchrony and suppress symptoms. Exploiting synaptic plasticity, modern theory-based approaches deliver spatio-temporal stimulus patterns that cause a reshaping of synaptic connectivity. By driving neuronal networks into an attractor of a stable desynchronized state, this may cause desynchronization effects that outlast stimulation. Corresponding long-lasting desynchronization effects were demonstrated in animal and clinical studies.

We study stimulation-induced long-lasting desynchronization in plastic neuronal networks. Our theoretical analysis reveals mechanisms by which stimulation may affect network connectivity and stabilize desired activity patterns. We present a Random Reset stimulation protocol that specifically targets synaptic connections. Remarkably, long-lasting desynchronization is achieved even though the neurons remain partially synchronized during stimulation. In contrast to previous approaches, Random Reset stimulation does not rely on a fine tuning of the stimulation frequency to the pathological synchronous rhythm. This may be advantageous in treating Parkinson’s disease where different pathological rhythms may coexist.