Neurology and Neuroscience

Neurocenter

About 2,900 people undergo treatment in our Department of Neurology and Neuroscience on an in-patient basis, and another 10,000 on an out-patient basis every year. Our patients are people who have suffered from a dysfunction of the motor apparatus, stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, polyneuropathy, dementia, headaches, Parkinson’s disease, and other movement disorders, as well as patients with rare neuropathological diseases. One of our department’s fields of expertise is neurophysiology which researches the electronic signals of the brain and nerves and the use of modern brain imaging (MRI and PET) to assess restorative capabilities of the brain for neurorehabilitation. Many test protocols were developed and standardized in Freiburg.

Diagnostic & Treatment Services

The Department of Neurology and Neuroscience performs the full spectrum of diagnostics and treatment of all diseases of the brain and the spine, the peripheral nervous system, and muscles. Diagnostics are based on ultrasound and neurophysiology methods, such as EEG, myography, nystagmography, and others. Treatment methods are constantly being further developed due to the implementation of new medication and the use of e.g. thrombolysis, hyperthermia and experimental treatments in acute strokes, as well as external and internal invasive brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease, or the most advanced techniques for multiple sclerosis treatment.

All diagnostic procedures are performed in special laboratories equipped according to the most recent developments. The neurovascular ultrasound laboratory of the Department of Neurology and Neuroscience was founded in the 1970s and is acknowledged as one of the leading laboratories in Germany for investigation of the cervical and intracranial arteries with more than 5000 patients being investigated every year. It was here that the first examination of the cervical artery in Europe was performed with the help of ultrasound in 1978. There are extensive facilities for electrophysiological assessment, gait analysis, tremor and vertigo testing as well as tests of the autonomic nervous system. A dedicated neuropsychological clinic is run weekly. Over 100 expert medical opinions are performed for medical insurance companies of legal cases.

On the department's Stroke Unit more than 1000 patients with acute ischemic stoke are treated every year. We are a comprehensive stroke centre with outstanding expertise in acute stroke treatment using various forms of thrombolysis and novel neuroprotective technologies. A dedicated Neurointensive Care Unit ward allows sophisticated and invasive procedures as plasmapheresis in inflammatory peripheral or central nervous disease or myasthenia gravis and the treatment of patients with severe brain damage.

Neurorehabilitation is a major focus of the department science-wise, with cutting edge new techniques as well as in the clinics with high-density programs (e.g. CIMT in motor stroke, intensive aphasia training, mirrot training in dystonia) on an out- or inpatient basis.

Diagnostics