Analysis of Epilepsy Treatment Strategies Based on an Astrocyte–Neuron-Coupled Network Model

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that not only severely impacts patients' health but also imposes a significant burden on families and society. However, its pathogenesis remains unclear. Astrocytes play a crucial role in epileptic seizures and may serve as potential therapeutic targets. Establishing a network model of epileptic seizures based on the astrocyte-neuron cell coupling and the clinical electroencephalographic (EEG) characteristics of epilepsy can facilitate further research on refractory epilepsy and the development of treatment strategies. <b>Methods:</b> This study constructs a neuronal network dynamic model of epileptic seizures based on the Watts-Strogatz small-world network, with a particular emphasis on the biological mechanisms of astrocyte-neuron coupling. The phase-locking value (PLV) is used to quantify the degree of network synchronization and to identify the key nodes or connections influencing synchronous seizures, such that two epilepsy treatment strategies are proposed: seizure suppression through stimulation and surgical resection simulation therapy. The therapeutic effects are evaluated based on the PLV-quantified network synchronization. <b>Results:</b> The results indicate that the desynchronization effect of random noise and sinusoidal wave stimulation is limited, while square wave stimulation is the most effective. Among the four surgical resection strategies, the effectiveness is the highest when resecting nodes exhibiting epileptic discharges. These findings contribute to the development of rational seizure suppression strategies and provide insights into precise epileptic focus localization and personalized treatment approaches.