A recently proposed mean-field theory of mammalian cortex rhythmogenesis describes the salient features of
electrical activity in the cerebral macrocolumn, with the use of inhibitory and excitatory neuronal populations
(Liley et al 2002). This model is capable of producing a range of important human EEG (electroencephalogram)
features such as the alpha rhythm, the 40 Hz activity thought to be associated with conscious awareness (Bojak
& Liley 2007) and the changes in EEG spectral power associated with general anesthetic effect (Bojak & Liley
2005). From the point of view of nonlinear dynamics, the model entails a vast parameter space within which
multistability, pseudoperiodic regimes, various routes to chaos, fat fractals and rich bifurcation scenarios occur
for physiologically relevant parameter values (van Veen & Liley 2006). The origin and the character of this
complex behaviour, and its relevance for EEG activity will be illustrated. The existence of short-lived unstable
brain states will also be discussed in terms of the available theoretical and experimental results. A perspective
on future analysis will conclude the presentation.
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