AI tools can help neurologists research their patients’ conditions, use large databases, take notes, and more. Here’s a current look at AI in neurology.
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is now used in many kinds of technology, from social media algorithms to autocorrect. It’s no surprise, then, that many neurologists are exploring how AI can support them in the clinic and improve care.
Through a set of specialized tools for health care professionals, neurologists can use AI to research conditions, use large databases of information, and take notes while they treat their patients.
Here’s a look at some of the ways you could see AI used in neurology.
How Can AI Help Doctors Understand Neurological Problems?
There’s a lot of promise in this area. Certain large language models—advanced AI tools that can “chat” with you—are designed to extend a doctor's reach into vast amounts of available medical information. That means your doctor can ask it questions and it can help consult huge databases of medical journal articles, treatment guidelines, and more.
For instance, maybe they want to know how many patients with a certain genetic condition have had problems with a medication. Traditionally, they would have to manually search through thousands of medical journal articles, reviewing each to see which actually apply. With these tools, they can get a quick, relevant response with source articles, which they can then verify.
Some other uses for AI are also being developed, like in imaging—tools like MRI and CT scans. AI can help analyze imaging studies, identify subtle findings, patterns, or abnormalities, and provide that information to assist neurologists who are reviewing the same studies.
How Else Is AI Used in Neurology Clinics?
One common use of AI is ambient listening, where an AI tool “listens” to a conversation between the provider and their patient to automatically generate clinical notes. Doctors always need to review the notes and correct any errors, but it can help them listen without the distraction of typing on the computer and note-taking.
There are also uses for AI before you even arrive for your visit—some tools are being developed that can help you set up an appointment. When you contact the doctor’s office to schedule an appointment, AI can do more than scheduling. It can ask questions to either find an appointment with appropriate urgency or note urgent or complex concerns so that a human staff member can quickly help. Other tools can help you organize your concerns ahead of time, so you arrive prepared to make the most of your time with your doctor.
Finally, doctors get lots of messages from their patients—and if the clinic is busy, it can take a long time for them and their staff to answer everyone’s questions. AI tools could help by giving you updates while you wait, answering basic questions like whether your refill has been sent to the pharmacy, and sending more complicated questions to your doctor or clinic staff so they can spend more time on them.
Read more: How is My Neurologist Using Artificial Intelligence?
How Is AI Used in Neurological Research?
In my current research, we’re trying to improve how epilepsy surgery is done—and AI has helped a great deal. We’ve created a large database of de-identified patient information from the hospital charts—like notes and imaging—which also include diagnoses and treatments. In a way, we’re creating a history book for our institution built on decades of excellent clinical care where we can see how patients were diagnosed and treated. Then we can try to apply the lessons from this medical history to future patients by “asking” questions to our database, like “If a person comes in with this brain abnormality and this number of seizures, would they benefit from this kind of surgery?”
Doctors would normally have to do separate research projects for questions like that. But with large databases and AI tools, we can quickly do large-scale research to help a single patient. That’s something that could really change how we do medicine.
AI can do a lot with data, which I think will lead to many more personalized care options and help us better understand diseases and treatment options.
How Can Neurologists Use AI Safely in Health Care?
This is really important to consider. Neurologists and other health care providers need to understand that AI is a tool and is not a substitute for a physician. Humans are always double-checking its work.
It’s also important to protect patient data, especially with ambient listening and other tools that process private information. Physicians who want to use AI always need to make sure their patients’ data and privacy will be protected.
Patients can also take an active role in this new technology. When you visit a neurologist or other doctor, you can always ask whether and how they’re using AI. Some other questions you could ask include whether you’ll be able to review any AI-generated notes, whether you can opt out, and how your data will be handled and stored.
Doctors need to be safe and smart about using AI, and we need to partner with our patients to make sure it works well for everyone. We have to use our own expertise and our own minds to figure things out. But, in my experience, AI has been very helpful to doctors and patients. I’m optimistic that it will help us provide quicker communication and better, faster, and safer treatment than before.
Key Takeaways
- AI should never be seen as a substitute for the work neurologists and other doctors do, but it can be a useful tool for research and patient care.
- AI can help doctors by taking clinical notes, answering basic questions, and setting up appointments.
- Because of its ability to search and analyze large amounts of data, AI is useful in medical research.
- Doctors who use AI need to double-check results and make sure patient data is protected.
Dr. Hadar is a neurologist and researcher at Mass General Brigham specializing in epilepsy and brain disorders. His current research aims to improve epilepsy treatments and study how signals in the brain affect human behavior.
-As told to Val Lick
