Management of Stroke: An Exploration with ChatGPT

Sir, ChatGPT is an Artificial Intelligence chatbot developed by OpenAI, that uses Generative Pre-Trained Transformers (GPT) model, has proven effective in generating discharge summaries, and assessing radiology reports, with potential to improve efficiency for healthcare providers.[1] A stroke transpires when the brain is deprived of blood flow due to a blocked artery or hemorrhage. Early recognition and management are pivotal to prevent irreversible brain damage. Symptoms of a stroke, include sudden weakness, loss of balance, facial droop and slurred speech.[2] The diagnosis of a stroke is based on a combination of neurological examination and diagnostic imaging- computerized tomography (CT) scan. Targeted interventions, such as thrombolysis or thrombectomy for ischemic stroke and blood pressure control or surgical evacuation for hemorrhagic stroke, are essential for optimizing outcomes.[3,4] Patients tend to use ChatGPT to diagnose their random symptoms that turned it into an enticing research interest in scientific community. ChatGPT bestows basic, medically accurate information about stroke in an easy-to-understand manner, ascribable to it’s use in raising awareness about stroke symptoms, risk factors, and general prevention. However, ChatGPT lacks the aptness to incorporate individual medical histories, underlying conditions, or detailed symptomatology into its guidance, resulting in generalised advice that may be unsuitable for complex cases. It may misinterpret vague or overlapping symptoms, potentially causing undue anxiety or delays in soliciting proper medical care. These limitations underscore it as a supplementary tool rather than a replacement for personalised medical consultation. The incorporation of ChatGPT into healthcare enhances patient education. However, the individualised nature of stroke management underscores the indispensable role of doctors in the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. While ChatGPT serves as a valuable adjunct for raising awareness and providing general guidance, its utility is limited by the absence of personalised care and the inability to perform clinical assessments. Future advancements, such as aligning ChatGPT’s responses with updated clinical guidelines and incorporating evidence-based practices, could significantly magnify its solidarity and benefaction to the healthcare system. Ultimately, AI should complement—not replace—the expertise, judgment, and human touch of healthcare providers in managing critical conditions like stroke.Table 1: ChatGPT responses to stroke queriesFinancial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.