Question

Neurological diseases and synchronixation

Answer 1

In the nervous system, synchronization processes play an important role, e.g., in the context of information processing and motor control. However, pathological, excessive synchronization may strongly impair brain function and is a hallmark of several neurological disorders. This focused review addresses the question of how an abnormal neuronal synchronization can specifically be counteracted by invasive and non-invasive brain stimulation as, for instance, by deep brain stimulation for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, or by acoustic stimulation for the treatment of tinnitus. On the example of coordinated reset (CR) neuromodulation, we illustrate how insights into the dynamics of complex systems contribute to successful model-based approaches, which use methods from synergetics, non-linear dynamics, and statistical physics, for the development of novel therapies for normalization of brain function and synaptic connectivity. Based on the intrinsic multistability of the neuronal populations induced by spike timing-dependent plasticity (STDP), CR neuromodulation utilizes the mutual interdependence between synaptic connectivity and dynamics of the neuronal networks in order to restore more physiological patterns of connectivity via desynchronization of neuronal activity. The very goal is to shift the neuronal population by stimulation from an abnormally coupled and synchronized state to a desynchronized regime with normalized synaptic connectivity, which significantly outlasts the stimulation cessation, so that long-lasting therapeutic effects can be achieved.

Answer 2

Neurology is the medical specialty that deals with the function of nerves.

This can be carpal tunnel syndrome; many neurologists are trained to do nerve  conduction studies, which will help to see whether or not there is a blockage if the median nerve in the carpal tunnel or not.

It there is a blockage, the patient will need to see a surgeon for a carpal tunnel release.  

However, neurologists are very good in analyzing what abnormal reflexes mean.

When a person has a stroke and there is an absent deep tendon reflex, this means that there is an interruption of one of the nerve circuits, which could indicate a stroke in the brain.