TechX: Latest developments in Artificial Intelligence in the field of Neurology

By- Krish Kherajani, Final Year MBBS Terna Medical College, Navi Mumbai & Madhav Bansal, Final Year MBBS Inst. of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar

Did you hear about the robot neurologist? It said the patient had a bit of a screw loose—literally.

Artificial Intelligence and Neurology: A Match Made in Heaven

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been making waves in the field of healthcare for quite some time now, and neurology is no exception. With its ability to analyze large amounts of data quickly and accurately, AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we diagnose and treat neurological disorders. Let’s take a look at some of the latest developments in this exciting field.

One of the most promising areas of AI research in neurology is the use of deep learning algorithms to analyze brain scans. These algorithms can detect even the smallest anomalies in brain structure and function, making it possible to diagnose diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s in their earliest stages. This means that treatment can begin sooner, giving patients a better chance of slowing or even reversing the progression of the disease.

But it’s not just in diagnosis where AI is making a difference. Researchers are also exploring the use of machine learning algorithms to predict which patients are at the highest risk of developing certain neurological disorders. By analyzing data from a variety of sources, including medical records and genetic tests, these algorithms can identify patterns that human doctors might miss. This could help us develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Of course, AI isn’t just limited to diagnosis and prediction. It’s also being used to develop new treatments for neurological disorders. For example, researchers are using machine learning to design more effective deep brain stimulation (DBS) protocols for patients with movement disorders like Parkinson’s. By analyzing data from hundreds of patient records, AI algorithms can identify the optimal stimulation parameters for each patient, reducing side effects and improving symptom control.

But it’s not just DBS that’s benefiting from AI. Researchers are also exploring the use of AI to develop new drugs for neurological disorders. By analyzing vast amounts of chemical and With biological data, machine learning algorithms can identify promising drug candidates more quickly and accurately than traditional methods. This could help us develop new treatments for diseases like Alzheimer’s and ALS more quickly, giving hope to millions of patients and their families. Researchers are already working to create exoskeletons, provide patients with paralyzed limbs with artificial arms to grab objects, and even recreate sensations. Although AI has a long way to go before it comprehends the intricate workings of the human brain, the revolution has already begun.

Because of the unfathomable complexity of the human brain, neuroscience may be in a ‘golden age’ of discoveries but is still unable to accomplish the advancements it so desperately seeks. Things are certain to happen at a quicker rate now that AI has incorporated machine learning into the equation of neuroscience, and discoveries will soon follow. Machine learning is capable of processing enormous amounts of data and identifying patterns that can lead to substantial advances in the area of neuroscience.

For those with neuromuscular conditions, including cerebral palsy or spinal cord injuries, several AI-assisted brain computer/machine interface (BCI) apps have been created. The BrainGate implant, which enables users to control limb motions, is another example of how AI has been extensively employed to operate prostheses. Due to the vast spectrum of symptoms associated with neurological disorders like meningitis, detection can be difficult. However, AI-based methods that make use of several predictive factors, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), may accurately identify the kind of meningitis. AI has several advantages when used in neuro-oncology since it may be able to deliver an accurate first diagnosis and treatment alternatives.

Of course, there are also some challenges to be addressed when it comes to using AI in neurology. One of the biggest is the need for high-quality data. For AI algorithms to be effective, they need to be trained on large amounts of accurate, high-quality data. This can be a challenge in neurology, where data is often complex and difficult to obtain.

Another challenge is the need for collaboration between AI researchers and neurologists. While AI has the potential to transform the field of neurology, it must be used in a way that complements and enhances the work of human doctors rather than replacing it. That means that AI researchers need to work closely with neurologists to ensure that their algorithms are designed to meet real-world clinical needs.

So there you have it: the latest developments in artificial intelligence in the field of neurology. While there are certainly challenges to be addressed, the potential benefits of AI in this field are enormous. And now, to close things off:

Why did the neuron break up with its axon? It just didn’t feel like a spark anymore.

By- Krish Kherajani, Final Year MBBS Terna Medical College, Navi Mumbai

& Madhav Bansal, Final Year MBBS Inst. of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar

References:

1. Artificial Intelligence in Neurology: Why Now and What Next? from the journal Neurology: https://n.neurology.org/content/94/18/801
2. Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Neurology from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/News-Events/Directors-Messages/All-Directors-Messages/Artificial-Intelligence-and-Future-Neurology
3. The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Neurology from the journal Brain Sciences: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7704445/
4. Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Neurology from the journal Frontiers in Neurology: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2020.00068/full
5. Artificial Intelligence in Neuroscience: A Survey from the journal IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8411472
6. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230315/Combining-AI-and-neuroscience-to-detect-and-predict-neurological-disorders.aspx