Function Based Brain Modeling and Simulation of an Ischemic Region in Post-Stroke Patients using the Bidomain

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Computational Biology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Post-stroke patients exhibit altered sensorimotor cortex activity during motor tasks compared to healthy individuals.
• Understanding these neural differences is crucial for developing effective rehabilitation strategies.
• Mathematical models are essential for elucidating the mechanisms underlying post-stroke brain activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an anatomically based brain computer model for simulating neural activity in post-stroke patients.
• To investigate the differences in brain activity between healthy subjects and stroke patients during arm motion.
• To improve the understanding of brain network reorganization and functional recovery after stroke.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the bidomain approach to model electrical activity propagation in a simulated ischemic region.
• Incorporated functional information to limit the simulation's volume of propagation to the sensorimotor area.
• Compared simulation results with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) data from stroke patients and healthy controls during arm motion.

Main Results:

• The model accurately replicated empirical measurements from fNIRS, showing consistency with previous research.
• A significant disparity in the position and number of neural spikes was observed in post-stroke patients compared to healthy subjects.
• The simulation highlighted the importance of functionally limiting the model to avoid propagation into non-relevant brain areas.

Conclusions:

• The developed brain computer model offers a promising tool for understanding brain deterioration and network changes in stroke patients.
• The findings underscore the utility of function-informed modeling in neuroscience research.
• This approach can contribute to personalized rehabilitation strategies and improved patient outcomes.