Modeling cortical spreading depression induced by the hyperactivity of interneurons

Cortical spreading depression (CSD) is a wave of transient intense neuronal firing leading to a long lasting depolarizing block of neuronal activity. It is a proposed pathological mechanism of migraine with aura. Some forms of migraine are associated with a genetic mutation of the Nav1.1 channel, resulting in its gain of function and implying hyperexcitability of interneurons. This leads to the counterintuitive hypothesis that intense firing of...