RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A partially averaged system to model neuron responses to interferential current stimulation
JF bioRxiv
FD Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
SP 2022.05.23.493095
DO 10.1101/2022.05.23.493095
A1 Eduardo Cerpa
A1 Matías Courdurier
A1 Esteban Hernández
A1 Leonel E. Medina
A1 Esteban Paduro
YR 2022
UL http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2022/05/24/2022.05.23.493095.abstract
AB The interferential current (IFC) therapy is a noninvasive electrical neurostimulation technique intended to activate deep neurons using surface electrodes. In IFC, two independent kilohertz-frequency currents purportedly intersect where an interference field is generated. However, the effects of IFC on neurons within and outside the interference field are not completely understood, and it is unclear whether this technique can reliable activate deep target neurons without side effects. In recent years, realistic computational models of IFC have been introduced to quantify the effects of IFC on brain cells, but they are often complex and computationally costly. Here, we introduce a simplified model of IFC based on the FitzHugh-Nagumo (FHN) model of a neuron. By considering a modified averaging method, we obtain a non-autonomous approximated system, with explicit representation of relevant IFC parameters. For this approximated system we determine conditions under which it reliably approximates the complete FHN system under IFC stimulation, and we mathematically prove its ability to predict nonspiking states. In addition, we perform numerical simulations that show that the interference effect is observed only for a narrow set of IFC parameters and, in particular, for a beat frequency no higher than about 100 [Hz]. Our novel model tailored to the IFC technique contributes to the understanding of neurostimulation modalities using this type of signals, and can have implications in the design of noninvasive electrical stimulation therapies.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.