Comparison of two models of electric neuro-stimulation and consequences for the design of retinal prostheses

Abstract

Two simple mathematical models of electric neuro-stimulation are derived and discussed. It is found that the common injected-charge model is less realistic than a model, in which a latency period, which follows after a short electric pulse, plays a role as important as the electric pulse. A stimulation signal is proposed that takes advantage of these findings and calls for experimental testing.