• AI can identify CRPS with over 90% accuracy by analyzing gut microbiome patterns.
• CRPS patients, even after limb amputation, retain a specific gut microbiome signature.
• The gut microbiome might predispose individuals to developing CRPS after an injury.

A recent study by McGill University researchers, in collaboration with colleagues in Israel and Ireland, has developed AI technology capable of detecting complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) by analyzing gut bacteria. The AI can identify CRPS with over 90% accuracy, even across different geographical locations and diets. This research could transform CRPS diagnosis and treatment by enabling earlier detection and potentially identifying individuals predisposed to the condition.

• What: AI technology can identify complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) by analyzing gut bacteria patterns.
• Who: McGill University researchers, in collaboration with colleagues in Israel and Ireland, led by Dr. Amir Minerbi and Dr. Yoram Shir.
• When: The study was published in the journal Anesthesiology in May 2025.
• Where: The study involved patients from Israel and Canada.

This research demonstrates a significant advancement in the diagnosis and understanding of CRPS. The use of AI to identify CRPS through gut microbiome analysis offers a non-invasive and potentially more accurate diagnostic method. The finding that even patients who have undergone limb amputation still retain the CRPS-related microbiome signature suggests a potential predisposition to the condition. This opens up possibilities for identifying individuals at risk and developing preventative measures. The study's use of geographically diverse cohorts strengthens the validity of the findings.

CRPS remains challenging to treat, with patients often experiencing prolonged suffering before receiving appropriate care.

What’s remarkable about this study is that we trained our machine learning algorithms on high-quality microbiome data from patients in Israel and successfully predicted CRPS in Canadian patients with over 90 percent accuracy.

This persistent signature suggests the gut microbiome might make some people more prone to developing CRPS, with an injury or other event triggering the condition.

The study highlights the potential of using AI and microbiome analysis for the diagnosis and understanding of CRPS. The ability to accurately identify CRPS through gut bacteria patterns, even in the absence of symptoms, offers a promising avenue for early detection and intervention. Future research should focus on further elucidating the mechanisms by which the gut microbiome influences CRPS and developing targeted therapies to modulate the microbiome and prevent the development of chronic pain.