Artificial neural networks for medical classification decisions.

Neural networks are growing in popularity. However, empirically comparing them with traditional methods of solving medical classification decisions is not trivial. Following a brief description and comparison with the statistical technique, discriminant analysis, the methodology for comparing neural networks with discriminant analysis is described. The advantages and disadvantages of neural networks are summarized to support a conclusion that neural networks are beneficial and destined to proliferate. Areas of fruitful future research are identified.