Demystifying multiple sclerosis diagnosis using interpretable and understandable artificial intelligence

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a dangerous illness that strikes the central nervous system. The body’s immune system attacks myelin (an entity above the nerves) and impairs brain-to-body communication. To date, it is not possible to cure MS. However, symptoms can be managed, and treatments can be provided if the disease is diagnosed early. Hence, supervised machine learning (ML) algorithms and several hyperparameter tuning techniques, including Bayesian optimization, have been utilized in this study to predict MS in patients. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis has been conducted before training the classifiers. The most essential markers were chosen using a technique called mutual information. Among the search techniques, the Bayesian optimization search technique prevailed to be pre-eminent, with an accuracy of 89%. To comprehend the diagnosis generated by the ML classifiers, four techniques of explainable artificial intelligence were utilized. According to them, the crucial attributes are periventricular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), infratentorial MRI, oligoclonal bands, spinal cord MRI, breastfeeding, varicella disease, and initial symptoms. The models could be deployed in various medical facilities to detect MS in patients. The doctors could also use this framework to get a second opinion regarding the diagnosis.

Keywords

• bayesian optimization
• explainable artificial intelligence
• hyperparameter tuning techniques
• machine learning
• multiple sclerosis