Artificial Intelligence in Neurosurgical Practices: Current Trends and Future Opportunities

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming an integral component of neurosurgical practices, reshaping the landscape of the field with improved diagnostics, surgical planning, and patient outcomes. With the leverage of technologies such as machine learning, image recognition, and data analytics, AI systems are becoming indispensable supports for complex neurosurgical interventions such as brain tumor and neurovascular disorders management, epilepsy treatment, and neurotrauma. AI technologies are transforming traditional practices, offering new possibilities for preoperative and intraoperative support, and facilitating personalized treatment plans. These advancements are pivotal in transitioning from traditional methods to more precise and tailored neurosurgical care, especially with the integration of neuroimaging and augmented reality.

This Research Topic aims to delve into the comprehensive role AI plays in neurosurgery, encompassing both its current integration and future potential. Our focus is to elucidate the applications of AI across various surgical avenues, including brain mapping, tumor resection, epileptic surgical treatment, neuromodulation techniques, robotic-assisted or augmented reality surgeries, and postoperative care, and the advances brought by AI in neurosurgical procedures across the entire age spectrum. We also aim to uncover the existing challenges in embedding AI into routine clinical practice, further understanding its transformative impact on patient-specific therapeutics.

In pursuit of expanded knowledge about the impact of AI on neurosurgical practices, we welcome the submissions of various types of manuscripts supported by the journal (including Original Research, Reviews, Brief Research Reports, Perspectives, Protocols, Mini-Review, etc.). These manuscripts should explore the application of AI in neurosurgery. Specific themes of interest include, but are not limited to:
- AI in imaging and diagnostic advancements.
- The use of AI in specific neurosurgical interventions such as those dealing with primary brain tumors, brain metastases, epilepsy, vascular diseases, and neurotrauma.
- Applications of augmented reality in surgical settings.
- Surgical planning and intraoperative guidance empowered by machine learning
- Integration of robotics in neurosurgical procedures.
- Development of predictive models for improving surgical outcomes and personalized care plans.
- Innovations in AI that improve postoperative care and rehabilitation.

By collating research and reviews on these facets, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and stimulate further innovation in the employment of AI in neurosurgery. We encourage researchers, clinicians, and scholars to contribute and assist in paving the future of neurosurgical advancements through AI-driven solutions.

Contributions should be prepared according to the journal's guidelines and are subject to rigorous peer review before publication. If accepted after peer review, articles will be published and appear online as soon as approved for publication.

Register on the collection homepage to participate in this topic.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Neurosurgery, Neuroimaging, Brain Tumors, Spine Surgery, Neurotrauma, Neuro-Otology, Epilepsy, Neuromodulation, Vascular Diseases, Virtual Reality

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.