A multinational research team led by UCL has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) program that can detect minute brain anomalies that cause epileptic seizures. The algorithm designed for the Multicenter Epilepsy Lesion Detection project (MELD) reports the locations of abnormalities in cases of drug-resistant focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). The AI program was developed using MRI scans of more than 1,000 patients from 22 international epilepsy centers. Surgery is the most common method used to treat FCDs. However, finding the lesions on MRI is a constant problem for doctors because MRI scans appear to be normal in most cases.

In the study published in the journal Brain, the scientists employed about 300,000 places throughout the brain to quantify cortical properties from the MRI scans, followed by training the system on cases that have been classified as either having FCD or being healthy brains based on their conditions. In 67% of cases, the algorithm was successful in identifying the FCD. 

Dr. Mathilde Ripart, of the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, stated that the AI program is a crucial development because, if doctors could identify the anomaly in the brain scan, surgery to remove the anomaly could result in fast recovery and improved quality of life. Dr. Konrad Wagstyl, of the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, stated that the algorithm made the identification of concealed lesions in epileptic children and adults easier. In turn, it would increase the number of patients who could potentially benefit from brain surgery to treat their condition and enhance cognitive function. 

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/health-it/ai-algorithm-that-recognizes-anomalies-in-brain-may-help-treat-epilepsy/93521561 )