AI to the rescue of stroke victims

Artificial intelligence technology has helped to triple the number of stroke victims who ­recover to a point where they can perform daily activities, according to new research.

In Australia, 27,428 Australians experienced a stroke for the first time in 2020 and more than 445,000 were living with the ­effects of stroke, according to Stroke Foundation data.

Artificial intelligence technology has helped to triple the number of stroke victims who ­recover to a point where they can perform daily activities, according to new research released on Tuesday.

Early-stage analysis of more than 111,000 suspected stroke ­patients whose care included use of the technology found it reduced the time between being seen by a doctor and treatment beginning by over 60 minutes, leading to improved results.

The proportion who were able to resume day-to-day activities increased from 16 per cent to 48 per cent, the analysis of the Brainomix e-Stroke imaging platform found.

The technology, developed by British med-tech firm Brainomix, is being used across 11 stroke treatment networks in the UK’s National Health Service to diagnose strokes and determine the best treatment.

In Australia, 27,428 Australians experienced a stroke for the first time in 2020 and more than 445,000 were living with the ­effects of stroke, according to Stroke Foundation data.

About 10,000 Australians die of a stroke each year.

The platform helps doctors interpret brain scans and allows them to share the images with specialists worldwide.

“AI has the potential to transform our NHS, delivering faster, more accurate diagnoses and making sure patients can get the treatment they need, when they need it,” the British Health Secretary Steve Barclay said.

“Brainomix is an incredible example of how this can be achieved, using the power of AI to shave lifesaving minutes off one of the most time-sensitive diagnoses in medicine.”

Patient Carol Wilson said the prompt diagnosis and treatment she received as a result of the technology meant she was sitting up and texting her family later the same day. The grandmother said she was “back home and able to walk around two days after having a stroke”.

NHS England director of transformation Timothy Ferris said the treatment was “harnessing the potential that AI has to support expert staff in delivering life-changing care”.

“Every minute saved during the initial hospital assessment of people with stroke-like symptoms can dramatically improve a patient’s chance of leaving hospital in good health,” he said.

AFP