ChatGPT helped diagnose a 4-year-old's persistent pain after 17 doctors failed over a span of 3 years

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, exemplified by the ChatGPT tool, has greatly streamlined various industries by automating repetitive tasks, thereby freeing up valuable time for more crucial responsibilities.

The tool's popularity gained further momentum when a concerned mother turned to ChatGPT to seek answers regarding her four-year-old son's toothache and stunted growth.

This decision was prompted by a series of distressing events during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alex, the young boy, began chewing on objects, causing him pain and prompting his mother, Courtney, to seek medical help. Over the course of three years and after consulting 17 doctors, the cause remained elusive.

ChatGPT's critical role in diagnosing rare medical condition

According to a report by Today.com, the mother of the boy said that, "I have to give him Motrin (pain relieving drug) every day, or he will have these gigantic meltdowns. If he had Motrin, he was totally fine.”

She further added, "We visited numerous doctors and even had to make an emergency room trip at one point. I remained persistent, dedicating countless nights to researching and investigating these issues."

Subsequently, she noticed that Alex had ceased to experience any increase in height and sought advice from a doctor who suggested that it might be a potential consequence of COVID-19. "He had shown minimal growth. He tended to favour his right foot and somewhat dragged his left one," she explained.

This is how ChatGPT identified the problem

It was only when Courtney approached ChatGPT, describing her son's symptoms, that she finally received a breakthrough diagnosis. ChatGPT identified a rare neurological condition known as Tethered Cord Syndrome as the likely culprit.

Courtney subsequently joined a Facebook support group for parents facing the same condition. She carefully analysed her son's MRI notes and fed the information into ChatGPT, noting that Alex's inability to sit cross-legged was a significant indicator of a potential structural issue.

Armed with this newfound knowledge, Courtney arranged an appointment with a neurosurgeon and expressed her suspicion about Tethered Cord Syndrome. The doctor reviewed the MRI and confirmed the diagnosis, leading to surgery for Alex, which took place just a few weeks ago.

In short, ChatGPT's role in diagnosing a rare medical condition highlights the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, offering hope and solutions where conventional methods are delayed.