The first two decades of the 21st century have seen great advances in artificial
intelligence and machine learning. The techniques have found their way into everyday
life, for example in smartphones, search engines, digital customer assistants, motion
control systems, and biomedical devices. The aims of this paper are to outline the
possibilities for using artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques in
supporting the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases, and to discuss selected
applications of these techniques based on the most recent published reports. First,
contemporary definitions of artificial intelligence and machine learning are presented.
This is followed by a review of the most important techniques for intelligent data
processing: search methods, mathematical logic, probabilistic methods, classifiers, and
artificial neural networks (including deep and convolutional networks). Areas of
application of these techniques in medicine are identified, including disease diagnosis
and support of treatment as well as monitoring and prediction of changes in health
status. The role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in neuroscience is
presented, together with examples of diagnostic applications based on anatomical,
morphological and functional brain connectivity data. Sample applications of intelligent
techniques in supporting the treatment (including surgical management) of nervous system
diseases are also described. Ambient smart devices monitoring the health status of
patients with chronic neurological conditions are discussed, and selected projects based
on smart techniques to support early detection of symptoms of neurodegenerative
disorders are described. The conclusions highlight the potential of the techniques, as
well as the challenges and risks associated with them. A possible synergy between
intelligent systems and actions taken by medical staff is outlined as a way to improve
the safety and quality of life of patients with acute and chronic neurological
diseases.