ChatGPT Identifies Rare Disease Missed by 17 Doctors
Artificial intelligence is breaking new ground in the medical field, as demonstrated by a remarkable case from the United States. A woman who had consulted seventeen medical experts in a desperate attempt to understand her young son’s mysterious illness finally received clarity—thanks to ChatGPT.
According to a report by Today.com, Courtney, a resident of the United States, had been seeking answers for nearly three years about her son Alex’s puzzling health issues. The child began exhibiting unusual symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, including frequent chewing pain, stunted physical growth, and issues with walking balance. Despite consultations with seventeen doctors, including pediatric specialists, none could provide a definitive diagnosis.
Feeling helpless after exhausting conventional avenues, Courtney decided to take an unconventional approach. She entered all of Alex’s medical test results—including MRI scan reports—and a detailed account of his symptoms into ChatGPT. Within moments, the AI tool suggested a diagnosis: Tethered Cord Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that affects the spinal cord.
Seeking further validation, Courtney joined a Facebook group dedicated to parents of children with similar symptoms. Many members confirmed that the signs described by ChatGPT matched their own children’s experiences. Encouraged by this, she consulted a new neurosurgeon who medically confirmed that Alex indeed had Tethered Cord Syndrome.
Following this diagnosis, Alex underwent spinal surgery, which was reported to be successful. He is now on the path to recovery.
