Information dynamics of $in\; silico$ EEG Brain Waves: Insights into oscillations and functions

Abstract: The relation between EEG rhythms, brain functions, and behavioral correlates is well-established. Some mechanisms underlying rhythm generation are understood, enabling the replication of brain rhythms $in\; silico$. This allows to explore relations between neural oscillations and specific neuronal circuits, helping to decipher the functional properties of brain waves. Integrated information Decomposition ($\Phi$-ID) framework relates dynamical regimes with informational properties, providing deeper insights into neuronal dynamic functions. Here, we investigate wave emergence in an excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balanced network of IF neurons with short-term synaptic plasticity producing a diverse range of EEG-like rhythms, from low $\delta$ waves to high-frequency oscillations. Through $\Phi$-ID, we analyze the network's information dynamics elucidating the system's suitability for robust information transfer, storage, and parallel operation. Our study identifies also regimes that may resemble pathological states due to poor informational properties and high randomness. We found that $in\; silico$ $\beta$ and $\delta$ waves are associated with maximum information transfer in inhibitory and excitatory neuron populations, and the coexistence of excitatory $\theta$, $\alpha$, and $\beta$ waves associated to information storage. Also, high-frequency oscillations can exhibit either high or poor informational properties, shedding light on discussions regarding physiological versus pathological high-frequency oscillations. Our study demonstrates that dynamical regimes with similar oscillations may exhibit different information dynamics. Finally, our findings suggest that the use of information dynamics in both model and experimental data analysis, could help discriminate between oscillations associated with cognitive functions and those linked to neuronal disorders.