A neural circuit which exhibits some features of epileptic attacks

A neural model based on a generalization of a model proposed in 1938 in the first edition of the author'sMathematical Biophysics (Chicago: Univ. of Chicago Press) is described. It possesses the property that due to some endogenous or exogenous stimulus, which may be of random nature, a pathway may suddenly begin to fire spontaneously. This spontaneous firing may either gradually spread over other pathways and eventually cease, or it may remain localized within one or a few pathways and then cease. Which of the two types of events occurs depends on the values of a number of parameters. The case of spreading reminds one of Jacksonian epilepsy.