Health care is constantly changing and developments in technology are leading to innovations in neurology that are making care faster, more accurate and more personalized.
Tools like AI, wearable devices for brain health and brain imaging advances are transforming how neurological conditions are diagnosed and treated. These changes can lead to new hope for people with conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and epilepsy,
Artificial intelligence (AI): A game-changer in neurology
AI is transforming how health care providers approach neurological care technology. AI can process large amounts of data quickly, and AI-powered tools are giving health care providers insights that may improve diagnosis and treatment. They may even help providers spot issues that might go unnoticed.
"Although AI applications are becoming widely available, the best results are when they are used alongside good clinical decision making. When used appropriately, they can significantly improve care," said Kristin Nosova, a neurosurgeon with Banner Brain & Spine.
AI may help with:
- Early detection: AI can analyze brain scans and a person’s medical history to spot early signs of conditions like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, sometimes even before symptoms appear.
- Enhanced imaging tools: One of the major breakthroughs in neurology is AI's ability to precisely examine brain scans. AI tools can flag abnormalities in MRIs and CT scans, helping providers make more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
- Preparing for surgery: "There are a variety of tools that are powered by AI and machine learning algorithms. These tools aim to enhance precision, ease pre-operative planning and optimize surgical workflows," Dr. Nosova said.
- Predicting disease progression: AI can also calculate how a condition like Alzheimer's may get worse. Better predictions can help health care providers develop personalized treatment strategies and give people with these conditions and their families a better idea of what to expect.
- Improved stroke diagnosis and care: Applications like AI technology for stroke care analyze brain scans and spot critical conditions, such as ischemic strokes, in real time.
"AI analyzes imaging data to spot critical conditions,” Dr. Nosova said. “And this data is accessible to all members of the treatment team at the same time, significantly improving communication efficiency. It enables faster and more accurate decision-making, leading to better outcomes," Dr. Nosova said.
Wearable devices: Continuous monitoring for better care
Wearable devices for brain health, like smartwatches and biosensors, play a major role in digital health for neurological conditions. They are changing how people monitor epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS) movement disorders and more.
- Daily tracking: Devices record heart rate, sleep patterns and movement and help with continuous monitoring. For people with conditions like epilepsy or Parkinson’s disease, wearables can monitor changes in physical activity or detect seizures, so any needed care can start right away.
- Managing chronic conditions: These tools may help people track symptoms of long-term neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis or dementia in real time, making care more personalized.
- Monitoring: Biosensors can monitor things like brain waves or muscle movements, so health care providers get immediate feedback and can adjust treatment plans.
Advances in brain imaging: Seeing neurology more clearly
Brain imaging advancements like these are helping health care providers diagnose neurological conditions more quickly and accurately:
- Sharper imaging tools: Advanced MRI and CT scans now offer clearer images of the brain. With more precise brain images, providers can diagnose conditions more confidently. This means fewer invasive tests, faster diagnoses for issues like tumors, strokes or lesions and more targeted treatments.
- Functional imaging: Functional MRI (fMRI) shows brain activity in real time during neurological events like seizures or after brain injuries. This as-it-happens information is important for creating precise care plans.
The future of neurological care: Innovations on the horizon
Neurology innovations are setting the stage for even greater advancements in neurological care technology. The next decade could bring possibilities such as:
- Robotic-assisted surgery: Robotic tools help surgeons perform delicate procedures like removing brain tumors more precisely. These systems make surgeries less invasive, with smaller incisions, less blood loss, faster recovery time and better outcomes.
- Virtual reality (VR): VR and augmented reality (AR) are becoming more popular in helping people recover from strokes, brain injuries or spinal cord injuries. Immersive, engaging exercises can help people rebuild motor skills and brain function more effectively.
- Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs): These systems bypass damaged nerves to give people control over external devices. "They aim to enable communication between the brain and the external device, to help restore lost motor function, control prosthetics and allow people with neurological disorders to communicate," Dr. Nosova said.
- Emerging technologies: In the future, brain-machine interfaces could allow people to control prosthetic limbs or even communicate using only their thoughts.
How people benefit from these innovations
Neurological care technology is becoming more effective, less invasive and available to more people. These advancements are improving lives with:
- Personalized care: AI and improved brain imaging give providers more detailed and accurate information. They can use this information to make a better diagnosis and to tailor treatments to a person’s needs.
- Less invasive procedures: Wearable devices and advanced imaging reduce the need for frequent in-person visits or invasive tests. They make it easier for people to manage their conditions from their homes.
- Increased access to care: Telemedicine and remote monitoring for neurological disorders help deliver care to people in rural or underserved areas.
The bottom line
Technology in neurological care is offering hope and better outcomes for people with a range of conditions. AI in neurology, wearable devices for brain health, brain imaging advancements and emerging tools like robotics and VR are helping health care providers deliver faster, more accurate and personalized treatments.
If you or a loved one is managing a neurological condition, talk with your health care provider or an expert at Banner Health. Neurology innovations are making the future brighter for people who need care.
