A new face-screening tool on smartphones has been developed to assist paramedics in quickly identifying strokes. Strokes, a common issue worldwide, occur when blood flow to the brain is obstructed, leading to damage to brain tissue due to lack of oxygen and nutrients. Prompt identification is crucial as delays can result in permanent brain damage.
Researchers at RMIT University created the AI technology behind this tool, aiming to improve stroke detection efficiency. The findings were published in Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine. Led by PhD scholar Guilherme Camargo de Oliveira and supervised by Professor Dinesh Kumar, the team emphasized the importance of early detection in enhancing recovery and reducing disability risks.
The smartphone tool, with an 82% accuracy rate in detecting strokes, supplements clinical tests rather than replacing them. It enables quicker identification and treatment initiation for stroke patients, potentially improving outcomes significantly.
Recognizing strokes can be challenging due to various symptoms, including cognitive confusion, loss of motor control, speech problems, and facial expression changes. The tool focuses on analyzing facial symmetry and muscle movements to detect stroke signals.
Future plans involve developing the tool into an App with expanded capabilities for detecting other neurological conditions affecting facial expressions. Collaboration with healthcare providers will be essential for integrating the App into emergency response systems, aiding paramedics in early diagnoses.
