Figure 2.

Representation of the three key variables that can be modified to construct whole-brain models of different altered states of consciousness. These variables correspond to local dynamics, anatomical connectivity, and priors related to neuromodulatory systems necessary to accommodate physiological, pathological, and pharmacologically-induced altered states of consciousness. Certain states may require the modification of multiple variables; for instance, focal seizures and propofol-induced anaesthesia are both associated with low complexity patterns of brain activity; yet, in the first case, these dynamics reflect structural abnormalities, while, in the second case, they reflect the activation of certain inhibitory pathways.