An open hypothesis: Is epilepsy learned, and can it be unlearned?

作者：Hsu David^*; Chen Wei; Hsu Murielle; Beggs John M

来源：Epilepsy and Behavior, 2008, 13(3): 511-522.

DOI：10.1016/j.yebeh.2008.05.007

• epileptogenesis
• critical connectivity
• homeostasis
• Hebbian learning
• neuroplasticity
• postictal state
• post-traumatic epilepsy
• neurostimulation

Plasticity is central to the ability of a neural system to learn and also to its ability to develop spontaneous seizures. What is the connection between the two? Learning itself is known to be a destabilizing process at the algorithmic level. We have investigated necessary constraints on a spontaneously active Hebbian learning system and find that the ability to learn appears to confer an intrinsic vulnerability to epileptogenesis on I hat system. We hypothesize that epilepsy arises as an abnormal learned response of such a system to certain repeated provocations. This response is a network-level effect. If epilepsy really is a learned response, then it should be possible to reverse it, that is, to unlearn epilepsy. Unlearning epilepsy may then provide a new approach to its treatment.

• 出版日期2008-10