Computer vision of video to augment detection of fasciculations in Motor Neurone Disease

A2003302

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a devastating condition often diagnosed late, causing distress and delaying treatments that could prolong life. Current diagnostic tests like electromyography (EMG) are invasive, uncomfortable, and not always accessible. Additionally, measuring disease progression is challenging due to reliance on subjective clinical judgement.

This project explores the feasibility of using artificial intelligence (AI) applied to ordinary video footage, such as from smartphone cameras, to detect early signs of MND and track disease progression. This non-invasive, accessible technology could reduce the time to diagnosis and provide objective measures of progression, enabling earlier treatment and improved monitoring. It may also allow early detection of speech and swallowing muscle involvement, support better care planning, and facilitate timely referral for specialist review and clinical trial participation.

If successful, this approach could transform the diagnosis and management of MND locally in Leeds and eventually more widely, reducing patient suffering and accelerating the development of new treatments.

Lead Researcher	Dr Stefan Williams Consultant Neurologist
Co-Researchers	Dr Agam Jung Dr David Wong  Dr Amr Tageldin
Host Organisation	Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Grant Amount	£79,682.00
Start Date	15/11/2025
Estimated Duration	24 months
Impact Areas	Innovation & Health Technologies
Tags	Neurological