Simulation of Epileptic Seizure Suppression through Extracellular Potassium Modulation

Epilepsy, a disabling condition impacting millions globally, remains largely refractory to standard pharmacological treatments in about one third of cases. Current alternative strategies include surgical resection of affected tissue or invasive neuromodulatory techniques like deep brain stimulation, though these methods often face significant limitations due to their non-specific and potentially disruptive nature. In this study, we employed network simulations to explore a novel approach based on the modulation of extracellular ion concentrations. Specifically, we investigated how manipulating extracellular potassium concentration could influence the behavior of an excitatory-inhibitory neural network affected by induced, focal epilepsy. Our simulations demonstrate the potential effectiveness of a theoretical device designed to alter potassium ion concentrations in blocking epileptic-like activity at its onset.