Neurology Today: How and where artificial intelligence works for stroke detection

Nearly every industry is wrestling with how artificial intelligence (AI) will affect its future, and the area of stroke imaging and care is no exception.

Achala Vagal, MD, vice chair of research and professor of radiology in UC’s College of Medicine and a UC Health neuroradiologist, was one of several experts who discussed this topic with Neurology Today.

“As powerful as AI is, I don't think it can ever replace the human expert,” Vagal said. “We cannot take AI as gospel. I call it augmented intelligence: it's one more tool to help us help our patients.

“For me, the paradigm shift is that we have our desktop PACS workstations for viewing images, but the decision-making and communication about triaging the patient is happening on a different platform, on the phone,” Vagal continued. “We radiologists need to stay actively involved with the rest of the stroke team in interpreting and confirming what the AI is saying.”

Read the Neurology Today article.

Featured photo at top of Achala Vagal looking at brain scans. Photo/Colleen Kelley/UC Marketing + Brand.

Related Stories

1

World class: Alumni travel program connects Bearcats on global scale

January 7, 2026

Most people have a natural curiosity to see the world. Meanwhile, most Bearcats enjoy being around other Bearcats. Alumni can check both boxes through the UC Alumni Association’s travel program, which offers about half a dozen excursions each year to fascinating places around the globe.

2

UC launches Bearcat Affordability Grant

January 7, 2026

The University of Cincinnati is making college more attainable for students across Ohio with the creation of the Bearcat Affordability Grant. The new grant will provide a pathway to tuition-free college for students of families who make less than $75,000 per year. Beginning in fall 2026, the Bearcat Affordability Grant will cover the remaining cost of tuition for Ohio residents who are Pell eligible.

3

How aerospace is turning to trustworthy AI

January 6, 2026

UC College of Engineering and Applied Science graduate Lynn Pickering talks to the Ohio Federal Research Network about her research into artificial intelligence and the future of AI in aerospace engineering.