Creating a definition for Gulf War Illness using advanced data analysis techniques
Official title: Constructing a Clinical Gulf War Illness (GWI) Case Definition Using Natural Language Processing and Advanced Machine Learning Algorithms
Funded at Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center · NIH-10927693 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to create a better definition of Gulf War Illness by looking at health data from veterans' medical records, so that we can help improve how this condition is diagnosed and treated for those who are affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2024 |
| Project end | September 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1I01CX002841-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10927693 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who served in the Gulf War and are experiencing symptoms consistent with Gulf War Illness.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who did not serve in the Gulf War or do not exhibit symptoms related to Gulf War Illness may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a clear case definition for Gulf War Illness (GWI) by utilizing advanced data science methods, particularly focusing on the information available in electronic medical records (EMR) of veterans. It addresses the challenges of previous definitions that relied solely on self-reported symptoms, which can be biased and variable among individuals. By incorporating a broader range of health data, the study seeks to create a more accurate and universally accepted definition of GWI, which affects a significant number of veterans. This could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for those suffering from this complex condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and better-targeted treatments for veterans suffering from Gulf War Illness.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research efforts to define Gulf War Illness have faced challenges, but this approach utilizing EMR data represents a novel and potentially more effective method.
Where this research is happening
-
Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Razjouyan, Javad — Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Razjouyan, Javad
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.