How AI-powered prescribing is changing the face of a common neurological condition

For the first time in Australia, patients with a common neurological condition are being prescribed AI-informed medicines as part of a nationwide clinical trial.

Alfred Health is the lead site for the randomised controlled PERSONAL trial, which is investigating whether AI-driven selection of first-line anti-seizure medicines improves seizure control, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness compared to the standard physician-selected approach.

“Epilepsy is notoriously tricky to prescribe for,” said neurologist Professor Patrick Kwan. “Doctors need to assess a really broad range of factors, and when they’re so numerous, some of it inevitably gets overlooked.”

Professor Kwan further added, “We come up against similar roadblocks when it comes to prescribing for depression, multiple sclerosis and diabetes. Hence the need to develop a model which can assist clinicians and take away the remaining guesswork.”

The clinical trial splits participants into two groups, each paired with a doctor. One group receives treatment recommendations guided by the AI model, while the other follows traditional physician-prescribed care. Participants remain unaware of which group they belong to, and their progress is monitored over 12 months. Findings from the trial will inform further refinements to the model to improve its accuracy.

“We’ve had much enthusiasm from patients which has kept recruitment for the trial strong,” Professor Kwan said. “It’s encouraging to hear from patients who are excited, not just about participating in the trial, but of its broader goals too.”

With more than 150,000 Australians living with epilepsy, the condition is among the most common neurological disorders. While anti-seizure medications effectively control symptoms for up to 70% of patients, the remaining 30% often require alternative treatments such as surgery or neurostimulation.

For many, epilepsy is a life of unpredictability. Seizures rarely follow a set pattern, forcing individuals to constantly adapt and remain prepared for sudden disruptions to daily life.

Funded by the NHMRC Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies, the PERSONAL trial is led by Monash University and is recruiting patients across 12 hospitals nationally.

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