Suppression of Phase Synchronization in Scale-Free Neural Networks Using External Pulsed Current Protocols

Abstract

The synchronization of neurons is fundamental for the functioning of the brain since its lack or excess may be related to neurological disorders, such as autism, Parkinson’s and neuropathies such as epilepsy. In this way, the study of synchronization, as well as its suppression in coupled neurons systems, consists of an important multidisciplinary research field where there are still questions to be answered. Here, through mathematical modeling and numerical approach, we simulated a neural network composed of 5000 bursting neurons in a scale-free connection scheme where non-trivial synchronization phenomenon is observed. We proposed two different protocols to the suppression of phase synchronization, which is related to deep brain stimulation and delayed feedback control. Through an optimization process, it is possible to suppression the abnormal synchronization in the neural network.