Optimization in the Nervous System
Presenter
November 11, 2015
Keywords:
- Optimization, network topological structures, neurons
MSC:
- 78M50
Abstract
Deep brain stimulation is a therapy where an electrode is placed in the
brain and periodic electrical pulses are delivered for treatment of
diseases such as Parkinson's Disease and Epilepsy. This therapy has
been quite successful in Parkinson's and moderately successful in
epilepsy. Despite the wide range of stimulation parameters that can be
used, only a small range is used by the clinician setting them. A
closed loop optimization algorithm optimizing stimulation parameters
based on physiological measures may deliver patient specific treatment
achieving higher efficacy with lower energy. I will discuss the
approaches my lab has taken for designing optimal stimulation from
physiological signals.
In another application of control in the nervous system, I will discuss
how control is used in development. The nervous system must use closed
loop control during development to achieve the proper balance of
excitation and inhibition and network topological structures. I will
also briefly try to describe an open question of how neurons develop
complex networks with limited information about their neighbors.