Giving kids time and control
Imagine a future where children with migraine headaches receive a warning hours before the pain begins, giving them time enough to take medication, adjust their schedule or simply prepare for what’s ahead. That future may be closer than we think.
Child neurologist Dr. Sharoon Qaiser, director of UK HealthCare’s Children and Young Adult Headache & Research Program, is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to decode the predictors of migraine attacks. Through an app that he and his team are developing, children and parents could have another tool to manage these debilitating episodes.
“The first phase of the project is enrolling pediatric patients ages 12 and up to gather information about their triggers,” Dr. Qaiser said. “When they come into the clinic, they will use a QR code to fill in some questions. Their answers will help train AI on what are often subtle warning signs. The next phase will be to use the app to help predict a migraine.”
Migraine headaches affect approximately 10% of children ages 5-15, with up to 28% of teenagers experiencing attacks. In addition to missing school, social events and everyday activities, migraines can leave kids fatigued, irritable, in pain and even depressed or anxious.
The new technology offers something profound for these young patients, Dr. Qaiser said. It not only helps with treatment, but may provide children with the gift of time and control over their own lives.
“We may not be able to prevent the attack, but with warning, kids may be better able to plan their day,” he said. “It’s similar to how we might use a weather app to make decisions on how to dress, whether or not to take an umbrella or avoid driving at the height of a bad storm.”
Dr. Qaiser’s newest research builds upon his clinical trials work and other innovative projects, including an app that analyzes drawings patients have made of their headaches. The app helps identify which children should be referred for further diagnosis and treatment.
“Based on national data, there is a delay of more than five years in getting a migraine diagnosis even if you see a neurologist,” he said. “Many children don’t have access to a specialist and if they are seeing any other type of doctor, it can be up to 15 years before they are correctly diagnosed. We are devoted to finding ways to help children get the care they need sooner, so they don’t have to suffer through years of debilitating pain while waiting for answers.”
