Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy based on Causal Theory

AM Mohan Rao

Causality as described by Judea Pearl, enunciates the effects of disrupted function. For example, he asks what could be the cause of certain observed effect. Multiple causes may be attributed for an effect. In such a case sustenance of a cause to its effect can be attributed by observing the cause and effect structure more closely. In the temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) there are changes in limbic system. There is a possibility that 3 dimensional spatial changes in limbic system can effect their functionality. There is also a possibility that temporal changes are also involved in their effects. Here I present a representative model of brain function by its connections and its effects if they are disrupted. Limbic system (amygdala, hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus) is shown along with caudate, hypothalamus and pituitary. Amygdala, parahippocampal nuclei (B,C,A) has connections to cortex and subcortical nuclei (D,E,F). If any nuclei (eg., C) is conditioned, then the pathways of these connections can change (as represented by sustenance of causal theory) giving rise to epilepsy. Thus causal theory can be used to explain the effect of lesions in brain.
Both comments and trackbacks are currently closed.