ChatGPT Uncovers Rare Condition After Years of Misdiagnosis
Phoebe Tesoriere, 23, from Cardiff, endured years of debilitating symptoms and multiple misdiagnoses, including anxiety, depression, and epilepsy, before turning to an AI chatbot for assistance. Following a severe seizure that left her in a coma for three days, Ms Tesoriere input her symptoms into ChatGPT, which suggested hereditary spastic paraplegia as a possible condition. This suggestion, presented to her GP, was subsequently confirmed by genetic testing.
The Diagnostic Journey
From childhood, Ms Tesoriere experienced a persistent limp and balance issues. Despite numerous medical consultations, her symptoms were often attributed to previous hip operations or dismissed as anxiety. She recounted feeling she had to “fight to be listened to” throughout her medical journey, describing the experience as “really lonely”. Her struggles escalated, leading to collapses and seizures, with doctors initially diagnosing epilepsy and prescribing medication.
However, a significant seizure in July 2025 resulted in a three-day coma. Upon recovery, she claims a doctor again attributed her symptoms to anxiety, prompting her to explore alternative avenues for understanding her condition.
The Role of AI in Healthcare
Ms Tesoriere’s experience has reignited discussions about the integration of AI tools in healthcare. While GP Dr Rebeccah Tomlinson acknowledged the pressures on the NHS and the potential for AI to serve as a valuable starting point for patient-doctor discussions, she stressed the importance of professional medical consultation following any AI-generated advice. A recent University of Oxford study highlighted the inconsistent accuracy of AI healthcare advice, making it challenging for users to discern reliable information.
The Cardiff and Vale University Health Board stated they were “sorry to hear about Phoebe’s experience” and invited her to contact their concerns team. Ms Tesoriere is now wheelchair-bound and unable to continue her career as a special educational needs teacher. She is pursuing a Master’s degree in psychology, aiming to continue helping people.
