Neural field modelling of the electroencephalogram: Physiological insights and practical applications

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to outline a mean field approach to modelling brain activity that has been particularly successful in articulating the genesis of rhythmic electroencephalographic activity in the mammalian brain. In addition to being able to provide a physiologically consistent explanation for the genesis of the alpha rhythm, as well as expressing an array of complex dynamical phenomena that may be of relevance to understanding cognition Cognition, the model is also capable of accounting for many of the macroscopic electroencephalographic effects associated with anaesthetic action, a feature often missing in similar formulations. This chapter will then conclude with an example of how the physiological insights afforded by this mean field modelling approach can be translated into improved methods for the clinical monitoring of depth of anaesthesia.