WOODLANDS DOCTOR: “I DON’T KNOW, THAT’S WEIRD” — MAN USES AI TO SELF-CURE HIS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE HEADACHES
A Woodlands resident on high blood pressure medication recently faced a puzzling health issue that left even his doctor scratching their head. The man, who has been under medical supervision and prescribed antihypertensive drugs, noticed that every time he broke his fast and started eating, he would develop severe headaches. Despite raising the concern with his doctor, the explanation was vague and unhelpful: “I don’t know, that’s weird.”
Frustrated by the lack of clear answers, the man turned to artificial intelligence (AI) for help. Using AI-powered health advice platforms, he researched his symptoms and uncovered a likely cause: a sudden spike in blood pressure triggered by carbohydrate intake after fasting. This sudden rise can cause headaches even for patients on medication.
Using AI
AI tools, increasingly sophisticated and reliable, are transforming how people manage their health. Powered by vast databases and real-time analysis, AI can identify patterns and offer personalised advice that sometimes even experienced doctors might overlook. In this case, the man’s AI-assisted discovery led him to adjust his diet — favouring low glycaemic foods and balancing carb intake — which helped ease his headaches and stabilise his blood pressure.
The incident raises questions about the evolving role of doctors in an age where AI can provide quick, tailored medical insights. While AI is far from replacing medical professionals, some worry that it could disrupt traditional healthcare roles. Doctors may need to adapt, focusing more on complex diagnostics, patient empathy, and personalised care that machines cannot replicate.
The Woodlands doctor who prescribed the medication acknowledged the unusual symptoms and the usefulness of digital health tools in complementing conventional medicine. He advised patients to be mindful of diet, especially after fasting, and encouraged open communication about symptoms.
As AI becomes more integrated into everyday healthcare, patients are empowered to take a more active role in managing chronic conditions like hypertension. The collaboration between human expertise and artificial intelligence could pave the way for better health outcomes — but it also challenges the medical community to evolve with the times.
Warning in using AI to self diagnose medical symptoms.
While artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly valuable tool for health management and can offer helpful insights, it is important to exercise caution when relying solely on AI for medical advice. AI platforms, despite their growing sophistication, may not always have the full context of an individual’s medical history or nuances that a trained doctor can assess. Misinterpretations or incomplete information can lead to incorrect self-diagnosis or treatment decisions that could potentially cause harm. Therefore, AI should be viewed as a complementary resource rather than a replacement for professional medical consultation. Patients are advised to always discuss any new findings or changes in their health regimen with their healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective care.