The dynamics of neurological disease: integrating computational, experimental and clinical neuroscience

There is a vast (and rapidly growing) amount of experimental and clinical data of the nervous system at very diverse spatial scales of activity (e.g. from sub-cellular through to whole organ), with many neurological disorders characterized by oscillations in neural activity across these disparate scales. Computer modelling and the development of associated mathematical theories provide us with a unique opportunity to integrate information from across these diverse scales of activity; leading to explanations of the potential mechanisms underlying the time-evolving dynamics and, more importantly, allowing the development of new hypotheses regarding neural function that may be tested experimentally and ultimately translated into the clinic. The purpose of this special issue is to present an overview of current integrative research in the areas of epilepsy, Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia, where multidisciplinary relationships involving theory, experimental and clinical research are becoming increasingly established.