A Simplified Neuronal Model for the Instigation and Propagation of Cortical Spreading Depression

In this paper, we construct a simplified neuronal model which is capable of simulating the instigation of cortical spreading depression (CSD) and propagation of a CSD wave. Our model is a simplification and extension of a single neuron model proposed in the literature for studying the instigation of CSD. Using the simplified neuronal model, we construct a network of these simplified neurons. This network model shows that the propagation of a CSD wave occurs naturally after it is instigated electrically or chemically. Although the model is simple, the speed of the CSD wave predicted by our model is consistent with experimentally observed values. Finally, our model allows us to investigate the effects of specific ion channels on the spread of a CSD wave.