We have analyzed the responses of an excitable FitzHugh-Nagumo neuron model to a weak periodic signal with and without noise. In contrast to previous studies which have dealt with stochastic resonance in the excitable model when the model with periodic input has only one stable attractor, we have focused our attention on the relationship between the global dynamics of the forced excitable neuron model and stochastic resonance. Our results show that for some parameters the forced FitzHugh-Nagumo neuron model has two attractors: the small-amplitude subthreshold periodic oscillation and the large-amplitude suprathreshold periodic oscillation. Random transitions between these two periodic oscillations are the essential mechanism underlying stochastic resonance in this model. Differences of such stochastic resonance to that in a classical bistable system and the excitable system are discussed. We also report that the state of the basin of attraction has a significant effect on the stability of neuronal firings, in the sense that the fractal basin boundary of the system enhances the noise-induced transitions.

• Received 28 September 1999

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.63.031906