Consultation hours for functional neurological disorders (neuropsychosomatics)

This consultation focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of functional and psychosomatic neurological disorders (FNS).

Functional neurological disorders cause brain dysfunction, which can result in various neurological symptoms. These symptoms (e.g. functional sensory disturbance, paralysis, movement disorder, seizures) are involuntary and cannot be explained by structural diseases. Current studies show that these occur frequently in outpatient neurological practice – in third place after headaches and seizure disorders. They often occur in combination with classic neurological diseases (such as epilepsy), which can make diagnosis and treatment more challenging. If functional neurological disorders are not recognized early and treated properly, there is a high risk of chronification and disability.

Our specialized multidisciplinary team makes it possible to provide targeted diagnostics and prompt treatment, or to shorten the diagnostic odyssey with numerous examinations and changes of doctor and to show an adequate treatment path. Our consultation hours are dedicated to taking sufficient time to assess and understand the patient’s individual health situation in detail and – if available – to review and summarize the findings obtained to date. On this basis, a decision is made together with the patient as to how far and which diagnostic steps are required.

Once a diagnosis has been made, targeted and specific interdisciplinary and individual treatment is offered, consisting of targeted physiotherapy and occupational therapy as well as further medical neurological and psychosomatic care and, if necessary, psychotherapy. In addition, the need for inpatient psychosomatic rehabilitation is evaluated. This enables the management of chronic symptoms and, if necessary, relapses.

Responsible professionals

Evdokia Efthymiou, Dr. med.

Attending Physician, Department of Neurology

Tel. +41 44 255 55 11
Specialties: Parkinson's and other movement disorders, wearables, Escalation therapies for movement disorders (deep brain stimulation, pump therapies), wearables, Functional neurological disorders (FNS; SAPPM focus on psychosomatic and psychosocial medicine)

Bettina Balint, Prof. Dr. med.

Attending Physician, Department of Neurology

Tel. +41 44 255 55 11
Specialties: Parkinson's, Movement disorders, Rare genetic diseases

Marian Galovic, Ph.D., PD Dr. med.

Senior Attending Physician, Department of Neurology

Tel. +41 44 255 55 11
Specialties: Epileptology, Electroencephalography (EEG), Evoked potentials

For patients

You can either register directly using the form or be referred by your family doctor.

Tel. +41 44 255 88 66
Self-registration

For referrering physicians

University Hospital Zurich
Department of Neurology
Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders
Frauenklinikstrasse 26
8091 Zurich

Tel. +41 44 255 55 08
Patient registration form