PhD defense Robert Helling

On Tuesday 12 September 2023, Robert Helling will defend his thesis: “Brainwaves and Breakdowns. Tracking Brain Dynamics in Epilepsy and Migraine “.

Abstract:

The aim of this thesis was to identify diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers in people with epilepsy and migraine. The primary focus of this research was centered around devising methodologies to assess cortical brain excitability in individuals with epilepsy, particularly concentrating on detecting alterations in excitability associated with seizures and medication changes. Effective treatment for individuals with epilepsy should manifest as reduced excitability or increased inhibition, while leading away from the proximity of a critical transition to a seizure state. This approach could facilitate rapid individualized dose determination or aid in making well-informed choices regarding the appropriate anti-seizure medication. 

In this thesis the outcome of six studies are presented, each designed to develop and investigate potential biomarkers of epilepsy and migraine. In the first two studies the epileptogenicity of computational models with connected excitatory and inhibitory neuronal populations were explored while varying either the connectivity between the populations or their properties as control parameters. In the latter four studies a proactive strategy was adopted, involving the application of perturbations to disrupt brain dynamics in people with epilepsy and migraines. Transcranial magnetic stimulation and light flash stimuli were used, coupled with concurrent electroencephalography and electromyography.