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Mathematical models: An extension of the clinician's mind
1Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.
Progress in Brain Research
|June 27, 2019
Summary
Mathematical models enhance the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders by applying the scientific method. This approach, particularly in systems neuroscience, clarifies complex clinical problems like neural control of eye movements.
Area of Science:
- Systems neuroscience
- Clinical neurology
- Mathematical modeling
Background:
- Traditional clinical diagnosis relies on experience, but increasing knowledge and human judgment flaws necessitate scientific approaches.
- Mathematical models (quantitative hypotheses) offer a framework for experimentally testing clinical disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the utility of mathematical modeling in understanding and treating neurological disorders.
- To highlight the neural control of eye movements as a model system for clinical research.
Main Methods:
- Formulating clinical problems, specifically in the neural control of eye movements, as testable mathematical models.
- Applying experimental testing to validate these models.
Main Results:
- Complex clinical mysteries related to eye movement disorders were clarified through model formulation and testing.
- The modeling approach facilitated a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Mathematical modeling is a powerful tool for advancing clinical neuroscience and understanding neurological disorders.
- This approach not only clarifies existing problems but also generates new research questions and potential therapies.
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