AI in healthcare often makes headlines for passing exams or analyzing X-rays. But until recently, very few studies tested its performance where it truly matters: real patients in real hospital wards.

A new study from Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in California takes that leap, asking a simple but critical question:

👉 Can ChatGPT-4 keep up with neurologists in inpatient consultations? (1)

Why Neurology Needs AI Support

Neurology is one of the most resource-strained specialties worldwide.

  • In the U.S., nearly 1 in 3 counties has no practicing neurologist at all (2).
  • In India and other low- and middle-income countries, shortages are even sharper.

This results in long waits, delayed diagnoses, and unequal access to care. If AI can help bridge the gap, the impact could be transformative.

What the Study Found

Researchers compared consultant neurologists’ diagnoses with ChatGPT-4, which was given de-identified patient data from electronic health records.

The results were striking:

  • High accuracy – ChatGPT-4 achieved a “comprehensive diagnosis” in 96.1% of cases, nearly identical to consultants’ 94.1% (1).
  • Different strengths – Neurologists were more consistent, but ChatGPT-4 sometimes flagged conditions they initially missed (e.g., lupus cerebritis, medication non-compliance).
  • Best together – When AI and neurologists’ diagnoses were combined, every single case had a complete diagnostic picture.

💡 Takeaway: This is not AI replacing doctors—it’s AI acting as a safety net.

How AI Adds Value in Neurology

Neurology often depends on small, multi-system clues—from metabolic changes to autoimmune overlap.

  • Human doctors may focus on one leading diagnosis.
  • AI, by contrast, can process huge amounts of data quickly, raising possibilities that may be overlooked.

Examples:

  • For structural issues (brain tumors, hemorrhages), both AI and neurologists performed equally well.
  • For complex cases (autoimmune, metabolic, or mixed presentations), AI sometimes surfaced answers faster—potentially reducing diagnostic delays.

What This Means for Health Systems

The insight is not that AI is “as good as a neurologist.” It is that AI can serve as a second set of eyes, improving safety nets in places where neurology expertise is limited:

  • Access in underserved areas – Around 40% of people worldwide lack access to a neurologist (2). AI can help doctors in these regions by acting as a second opinion.
  • Hospital efficiency – AI can handle time-consuming front-end tasks like scanning electronic records, giving doctors more time for nuanced interpretation.
  • Stroke care urgency – In stroke, every lost minute costs brain tissue. AI that speeds up diagnostic thinking could save lives.

Limitations and Cautionary Notes

  • The study was small (51 cases) and retrospective.
  • It assumed that consultants’ diagnoses were always correct.
  • AI still struggles in gray zones of medicine—where context, history, or patient interaction matter deeply.

👉 Translation for patients: AI is not a substitute for human doctors. It can assist, but real-world nuances require expert judgement.

The Road Ahead: AI and Neurologists as Partners

Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT-4 are no longer theoretical. They are showing promise in real-world hospital data.

The key challenge now is integration:

  • Embedding AI into workflows so it supports, not distracts, clinicians.
  • Using AI as a partner, not a competitor.

As neurological disease burdens rise and doctors face burnout, the future of care may lie in human-AI teamwork.

Quick Summary for Patients & Families

  • ChatGPT-4 was as accurate as neurologists in a U.S. study.
  • AI can reduce missed diagnoses and speed up complex cases.
  • But AI cannot replace human doctors—it lacks patient context and empathy.
  • Its biggest promise: bringing neurological support to regions with few or no specialists.

Must Read: Early Neurological Diagnosis: Why Acting Fast Can Change the Brain’s Future

FAQs on AI in Neurology

Q1. Can AI replace neurologists?

No. AI cannot replace neurologists. It can act as a second set of eyes, improving accuracy and reducing missed diagnoses, but final judgement must come from doctors.

Q2. How accurate was ChatGPT-4 compared to neurologists?

In the study, ChatGPT-4 reached a comprehensive diagnosis in 96.1% of cases, compared to neurologists’ 94.1%.

Q3. Where can AI help the most?

AI is especially useful in areas with neurologist shortages, and in complex cases where multiple conditions overlap.

Q4. Is AI safe to trust in critical cases like stroke?

AI can help speed up diagnosis, but treatment decisions must always be made by a neurologist.

References

  1. Cano-Besquet S, Rice-Canetto T, Abou-El-Hassan H, et al. ChatGPT4’s diagnostic accuracy in inpatient neurology: A retrospective cohort study. Heliyon. 2024;10:e40964. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e40964
  2. McGinley MP, et al. Geographic disparities in access to neurologists and multiple sclerosis care in the United States. Neurology. 2024;102(2):e207916.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It summarizes recent research and expert perspectives but is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.