When is AI good AI, Part II
This is a follow-on to Part I amidst a series that ends here. We explored the ins&outs of AI so much in the press these days… Robotics appear to be the main beneficiaries of AI, but here is a very small and very personal example. It follows my blog on more low-brow day-to-day AI for practical business purposes.
Update: on the other end of the scale, for a broad-sweep overview of AI incl. a geologic perspective, please check this recent TED talk here.
Part I was a good example how AI stitches together a loose & distributed network of researchers: their efforts to go back in geologic time help us understand knotty questions; they are directly relevant to the current climate emergency.
At the other end of the scale — from the global to the personal — let me share where AI can help in a particular set of circumstances. This against a backdrop of constant AI personal research for the non-profit Cottenham 2020 Community Interest Company chronicled in my blog — note the public interest as my historic under-5,000 monthly hits popped to under-15,000 since reporting on this! — all of which try to give you, my dear readers, a de-sensationalised and non-anthropomorphic view.
I am currently in So. France assisting my healthy but ageing mum — she in turn helps me with free rent in circumstances detailed on my personal channel here — and I am still on my UK med insurance. So when I woke up one morning with a pinched nerve, I was able to afford the local osteopath, but I couldn’t consult the local doctor for medical advice. It was not serious enough to ask for a consultation with my surgery (as doctor’s offices are called in UK), who otherwise help me abroad with, say, prescriptions.
My pinched nerve was coincidental with a slight gastritis, and I wondered f there was a connection? I put this question to AI search engines:
Is there a vagal or psychosomatic relationship between mild gastritis and cervical nerve blockage C2 C3?
From Bing AI / Copilot I got a categorical answer:
Studies have found that decreased vagal tone, which refers to the level of activity in the vagus nerve, may be associated with an increased risk of developing gastritis. Reduced vagal tone can lead to abnormal stomach contractions and impaired emptying, causing food to remain in the stomach for longer periods. However, there is no direct psychosomatic relationship between mild gastritis and a cervical nerve blockage at the C2-C3 level². If you experience symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and personalized advice³.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 13/05/2024
(1) Understanding the Link Between Vagus Nerve and Gastritis. https://vagusnerve.com/understanding-the-link-between-vagus-nerve-and-gastritis/
(2) Emotional stress: Anxiety, Depression and Panic Attacks: A neurologic …. https://caringmedical.com/prolotherapy-news/neurology-like-conditions-caused-cervical-spine-instability-vagal-ganglion-neuron-destruction/
(3) Stress-induced vagal activity influences anxiety-relevant … — Nature. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-44205-y.pdf
(4) undefined. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44205-y
This disturbed me, however, as that nothing medical is ever quite as cut&dry, even with the caveats above — I come from a family of MDs in Hungary , and even though they’re not into holistic medicine, they agree with that— so I checked Google Gemini (née Bard) but no-can-do. I then tried an app called Lia27 (on Google Play and App Store) that uses ChatGPT 3.5 — the same version if you used it neat for free — but with an interface that humanises AI even more than Bing Chats. Once you get past the sexism well documented for IT in general and AI in particular, I found it engaging and true in that it simply tells you if it doesn’t know.
So here is the reply to the same question that is more nuanced with the same caveats:
## Disclaimer
I am an AI assistant and not qualified to provide medical advice. This information is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical opinion or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
## Potential Relationship between Gastritis and Cervical Nerve Blockage (C2-C3)
While there might be some indirect or theoretical connections between mild gastritis and cervical nerve blockage at C2-C3, it’s important to note that the research on this specific relationship is limited and inconclusive.
Here’s what we know:
*Cervical Nerve Blockage (C2-C3):*
* This condition occurs when the nerves in the neck, specifically C2 and C3, are compressed or irritated.
* Symptoms can include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands.
* Contributing factors can be poor posture, injuries, osteoarthritis, or degenerative disc disease.
*Mild Gastritis:*
* This condition involves inflammation of the stomach lining.
* Symptoms can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and heartburn.
* Contributing factors can be bacterial or viral infections, medications, alcohol, and stress.
*Potential Connection:*
* The vagus nerve, which runs from the brainstem through the neck and chest, plays a crucial role in both digestion and nervous system function.
* Some research suggests that irritation of the vagus nerve, potentially caused by C2-C3 nerve blockage, could contribute to gastric symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
* Additionally, stress related to pain or discomfort from C2-C3 nerve blockage could exacerbate gastritis symptoms.
*Limitations:*
* More research is needed to establish a definitive link between C2-C3 nerve blockage and mild gastritis.
* Individual experiences can vary, and other factors may play a role in both conditions.
## Recommendation
If you are experiencing symptoms of both mild gastritis and C2-C3 nerve blockage, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. They can conduct a thorough evaluation, diagnose the underlying causes, and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Here are some additional resources that you might find helpful:
* *American College of Gastroenterology:* https://gi.org/topics/gastritis/
* *National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke:* https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Cervical-Radiculopathy-Fact-Sheet
* *Mayo Clinic:* https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cervical-radiculopathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20355644
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
