Methinks AI secures €2.19M to speed neurological diagnosis in emergency departments

Methinks Software, S.L. has announced the launch of Neuro-rescue, a new project designed to accelerate the detection and treatment of neurological conditions in non-specialised emergency departments through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and telemedicine.

The initiative has secured €2.19 million in funding from the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI) under its Public-Private Collaboration (CPP) 2024 programme. The project brings together a consortium comprising Methinks AI, Fundación Vithas, Fundació Món Clínic, and Atrys, with the shared goal of improving access to timely neurological assessment in general emergency settings.

At the core of Neuro-rescue is the use of non-contrast head CT scans, one of the most widely available imaging tools in emergency medicine. By applying advanced AI algorithms to these routinely performed scans, the platform aims to support the earlier detection of serious neurological conditions, including intracranial aneurysms, vessel occlusions, intracranial haemorrhages, and other treatable abnormalities.

“We know that there are many people living with undiagnosed intracranial aneurysms and other treatable neurological conditions,” said Víctor Salvia, VP of R&D at Methinks AI. “The opportunity lies in the fact that non-contrast CT scans are already performed in virtually every hospital.”

The technology is designed to help clinicians in hospitals without specialised neurology units identify suspicious findings sooner and accelerate referrals for potentially life-saving treatment. Methinks AI already brings established expertise in this space, with CE-marked technology currently used in clinical settings to support stroke care.

Alongside AI-driven image analysis, Neuro-rescue integrates telemedicine capabilities that enable radiologists and neurologists to provide remote support in interpreting scans and carrying out clinical assessments, including NIHSS scoring. This approach is intended to ensure expert input even in hospitals without 24-hour neurological coverage.

“At Atrys, we are committed to making specialized clinical expertise available wherever patients need it, regardless of the resources of the hospital treating them,” said Dr. Facundo Nahuel, Head of Artificial Intelligence in the teleradiology department at Atrys. “Initiatives such as Neuro-rescue broaden access to advanced neurological diagnosis and help ensure that more patients receive expert evaluation at the right time.”

The project will be implemented across four hospitals within the Vithas Group, supporting real-world clinical validation. Dr. David Baulenas, Corporate Director of Healthcare, Quality and Innovation at Vithas and Vice President of Fundación Vithas, said the initiative will help improve detection while reducing variability in care across centres.

A major area of focus is the earlier identification of intracranial aneurysms, which often remain undetected until rupture.

“In many patients with cerebral aneurysms, diagnosis comes too late,” said Dr. Xabier Urra, Head of Neurology at Hospital Clínic de Barcelona. “The non-contrast CT scan is the most common imaging test in emergency departments, and that is precisely where Neuro-rescue intervenes—flagging suspicious findings and accelerating the diagnostic pathway. Detecting an aneurysm in time opens the door to preventive, personalized management instead of facing a potentially devastating subarachnoid hemorrhage.”

Beyond improving individual patient outcomes, the consortium expects Neuro-rescue to support broader healthcare system efficiencies by extending access to specialist neurological expertise regardless of hospital size or location.

The project’s final results are expected in the second half of 2028, marking an important step toward more accessible and proactive neurological care.

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