Significance We show how small-scale (less than millimeters ² ) neuronal dynamics relates to network activity observed across wide areas (greater than centimeters ² ) during certain network states, such as seizures. Simulations show how macroscopic network properties can affect frequency and amplitude of ictal oscillations. Additionally, the seizure dynamic suggests that one neuronal function, feedforward inhibition, plays different roles across scales: ( i ) inhibition at the small-scale wavefront fails, allowing seizure activity to propagate, but ( ii ) at macroscopic scales, inhibition of the surrounding territory is activated via long-range intracortical connections and creates a distinct pathway to a postictal state. Ultimately, our modeling framework can be used to examine meso- and macroscopic perturbations and evaluate strategies to promote transitions between ictal and nonictal network states.