Son Credits AI for Saving Mother's Life

A son utilized artificial intelligence to diagnose his mother's seizures, potentially saving her life. Edward Patrick, an NHS anaesthetist, was alerted at 4 a.m. by doctors that his mother, Ann, was critically ill and near death.

While driving to Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham from his home in Oxfordshire with his wife and three-month-old baby, Patrick received a text from his brother suggesting a vitamin deficiency as a possible cause for his mother's seizures. He initially set the idea aside as he prepared for the worst.

Upon arriving at the hospital, Patrick used his phone to search his mother's symptoms. He realized that her Parkinson's medication could be causing a B6 vitamin deficiency, aligning with his brother's suggestion. Ann, who is in her late seventies, was experiencing rhabdomyolysis, a condition where muscle tissue breaks down and enters the bloodstream due to seizures.

Patrick presented his findings to the on-duty neurologist, Dr. Bruno Gran. To Patrick's surprise, the neurologist was receptive to the information. After receiving a B6 infusion, Ann began to recover, and Patrick described the moment as akin to a scene from the medical drama 'House.'

Ann has since recovered and has not returned to the hospital. Her son noted an improvement in her mental sharpness. A case file documenting Edward's actions and his mother's case is being prepared for the medical journal of Neurology.

Rachel Hughes, a preclinical research manager at the charity Cure Parkinson's, stated that the case offers encouraging results but emphasized the need for further research to determine if this approach can become a safe and effective treatment. She cautioned patients against altering their prescribed treatments or taking vitamin B6 supplements without consulting their doctor.

Parkinson's disease affects approximately 166,000 people in the UK, causing damage to the nervous system and symptoms that can include tremors, stiffness, and balance issues.