Privatdozent Dr. Michael von Brevern

Consultant neurologist

Subspecialties:

  • Vertigo and balance disorders
  • Epilepsy
  • Migraines and headaches
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Electrophysiology
1986–1994Medical training at the University of Padua (Italy), University of California, Davis (USA) and Freie Universität Berlin
1995–1996Research Fellowship at MRC Human Movement and Balance Unit of the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London (UK)
1995Completion of doctoral studies (Dr. med.) at the Freie Universität Berlin; „Synkopale Augenbewegungen“ (syncopal eye movements) with magna cum laude
1996–2003Research fellow at the neurology department of Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (Leiter Prof. Einhäupl)
2002EEG-certificate of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für klinische Neurophysiologie
2002–2006Head of the outpatients clinic for vertigo and balance disorders of the neurology outpatients department of Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum
2003–2004Research fellow at the psychiatry department of Charité, Campus Mitte (Leiter Prof. Heinz)
2004–2006Research fellow at the neurology department of Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (Leiter Prof. Einhäupl)
2005completion of neurology training, registered with Ärztekammer Berlin
2006EMG certificate of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für klinische Neurophysiologie
2007Certificate „Epileptologie plus“ of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Epileptologie
2007–2008Consultant neurologist (Oberarzt) of the neurology department Park-Klinik Weißensee, Berlin
2008Habilitation „Lageabhängiger Schwindel“ (positional vertigo) and qualification as a university lecturer for neurology at Charité medical school
2008–2017Medical director of the neurology department Park-Klinik Weißensee, Berlin
seit 2018Consultant neurologist in this practice (joint practice with Dr. Martina Müngersdorf)
Further activities:
  • Author of more than 60 scientific publications in international journals, over 15 book contributions
  • Frequent lecturer at national and international conferences
  • Since 1996 Lecturer at Charité
  • Since 2008 examiner for Specialty Certificate Examination in Neurology of Ärztekammer Berlin
  • Since 2014 associate member of the Arzneimittelkommission der Deutschen Ärzteschaft (AKdÄ)
  • 2014 ranked as one of the top 10 global experts for vertigo (expertscape.com)
  • Contributor to the national guidelines of vestibular disorders
  • Board member of the committee for the International Classification of Vestibular disorders
  • Adviser for a number of scientific journals (Journal of Vestibular Research, Audiology Research, Arzneimittelbrief)
Member of the following specialist societies:
  • Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurologie
  • Deutsche Gesellschaft für klinische Neurophysiologie
  • Deutsche Gesellschaft für Epileptologie
  • Bárány-Society
  • Berliner Gesellschaft für Psychiatrie und Neurologie
  • Neuro-Otology Society of Australia
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Dystonia

Dystonias comprise conditions such as blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, torticollis (wry neck), tremor of the head and focal hand dystonia (writer’s cramp). Other kinds of movement disorders can also occur with dystonia. After the prerequisite diagnostic tests effective treatment of the condition includes botulinum toxin injections, medication, deep brain stimulation and physiotherapy. We are part of the network Therapienetz Dystonie/ Spastik Berlin-Brandenburg.
Deutsche Dystonie Gesellschaft
Therapienetz Dystonie-Spastik Berlin-Brandenburg e.V.

Restless Legs Syndrome

The restless legs syndrome is characterised by the unpleasant or uncomfortable urge to move the legs (most noticeable in the evenings).  It responds well to medication therapy. Diagnostic testing is necessary to rule out other neurological causes such as polyneuropathy.
RLS e. V. | Deutsche Restless Legs Vereinigung

Dementia Screening Tests

Cognitive functions (memory, attention, abstraction, language etc.) are evaluated in standardised tests.

Olfactory Test

Olfactory function (sense of smell) can be assessed with pen-like odour devices called “Sniffin’ Sticks”. The test can support the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

Lumbar Puncture

Lumbar puncture is an important procedure for the diagnosis of inflammatory conditions of the nervous system such as multiple sclerosis, Lyme’s disease and polyneuropathy. A thin needle is inserted between the bones in the lower spine to take out a few ml of cerebrospinal fluid. It is then sent off to be analysed in a special laboratory. After the procedure you will need to stay lying down at the practice for at least half an hour.

Laboratory Tests

We offer laboratory analysis as part of a diagnostic work-up, including genetic tests (e.g. for polyneuropathies or movement disorders).

Tremor Analysis

There are different causes of tremor (shaking). Characterisation and analysis of tremor can be conducted with surface electromyography (EMG) electrodes, accelerometer and spectral analysis. 

Duplex ultrasound study

The arteries that provide blood circulation to the brain can be examined by ultrasound imaging of the neck and through the skull. A duplex study can assess direction and speed of the blood flow. The test is used to determine if the vessels are patent (open) and do not have blockages. In addition it can show deposits in the arteries (atherosclerosis). Duplex studies are an important tool for the assessment of stroke risk.

Head Impulse Video-Oculography

This test is used to assess the function of the vestibular organ in the inner ear. It is used to help differentiate between various causes of vertigo and balance problems. Another test of the vestibular system is the subjective visual vertical test.

EEG

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a procedure for recording the electrical activity produced by the brain and therefore assessing its functionality. It is used as a diagnostic test in suspected epilepsy or other fits with loss of consciousness, but also with memory loss and dementia.

Nerve Ultrasound

Peripheral nerves, nerve plexus and near-surface nerve roots can be examined with high resolution ultrasound. This non-invasive and painless diagnostic tool allows identification of nerve entrapment, traumatic lesions and certain kinds of polyneuropathies.

Evoked Response Examinations

Evoked response examinations measure nerve conduction in the peripheral and central nervous system. For a somatosensory evoked response test, a peripheral nerve (e.g. median or ulnar nerve, tibial nerve, trigeminal nerve) is stimulated with a mild electrical impulse. Electrodes on the scalp then determine the amount of time it takes for the current to travel along the nerves to the brain. A visual evoked response testdetermines the nerve conduction via the optic nerve to the visual cortex on the hind lobe of the brain. A brainstem auditory evoked response test uses clicking sounds as stimulus to assess the auditory and vestibular nerve. A motor evoked potentials test measures motor neuron conduction to face, arms or legs by stimulating the motor cortex of the brain with magnetic impulses.

EMG

Electromyography (EMG) is performed by inserting a small needle electrode into various muscles in order to study the electrical activity of the muscle. The test may detect problems of the muscle or of the nerve controlling the muscle. In suspected myasthenia, further tests such as repetitive nerve stimulation and single-fibre electromyography can be necessary.

Nerve Conduction Study

In a nerve conduction study (NCS, also: nerve conduction velocity test), nerves are stimulated with an electrode in order to determine how fast the electrical impulse moves through the nerve. The NCS detects lesions of the nerve.

Multiple Sclerosis

In multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks neuronal structures in the brain and spine. Around 200.000 people are affected in Germany, most of them young adults. Symptoms vary widely among people, they mostly occur as attacks, followed by complete or incomplete recovery. The most common symptoms are sensory disturbances of the skin, disturbed vision, loss of coordination, weakness and chronic fatigue. Scientific insights into the disease are increasing fast and so are the number of treatment options. An early diagnosis and the right choice of therapy have a positive effect on the course of the disease. We cover the complete diagnostic work-up, care for and support you over the course of the disease, including managing acute attacks. We give detailed counselling, also in respect to special topics such as pregnancy/ childbirth and travelling.
Deutsche Multiple Sklerose Gesellschaft Bundesverband e.V.
Krankheitsbezogenes Kompetenznetz Multiple Sklerose e. V.

Migraine

Migraine is a very common neurological condition that leads to intense episodic headaches, often associated with nausea, need for rest and sensitivity to external stimuli. Individual migraine attacks can usually be effectively treated with pain killers. If migraine attacks occur more frequently or turn into a chronic headache, additional steps, such as relaxation training or a daily preventative medication, need to be taken. Further individual therapeutic options include botulinum toxin, CGRP antibodies or the prescription of a migraine app.
MigräneLiga e.V. Deutschland
Deutsche Migräne- und Kopfschmerzgesellschaft e.V.

Dizziness and Vertigo

There are numerous variable causes underlying dizziness and vertigo. A structured history of symptoms and a physical exam help determine the origin of vertigo or dizziness. Additional testing can further support the diagnosis, such as head impulse video-oculography to assess the vestibular organ. A correct diagnosis is prerequisite for a successful treatment. The benign paroxysmal vertigo, for example, can be treated with a simple manoeuvre.
Deutsche Hirnstiftung 

Epilepsy

The diagnosis of seizures is largely dependent upon an accurate account of what happened at the time of the apparent seizure, given by patient and witnesses. Standard diagnostics include MRI imaging of the head and electroencephalography (EEG). Sometimes a sleep-deprived EEG may be necessary. A variety of antiseizure drugs are available to treat epilepsy. Consultation regarding driving ability and safety at the workplace is important after a seizure.
Deutsche Epilepsievereinigung

Peripheral Nerves

The most common disorders are polyneuropathies, nerve root lesions and nerve compression syndromes such as carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome. In addition to the standard diagnostic workup including nerve velocity conduction studies and electromyography, we conduct ultrasound imaging of the nerves. In rare cases a nerve biopsy can be necessary. For inflammatory neuropathies (e.g. CIDP) we offer treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin. We work together with neuro- and handsurgeons for operative treatment of peripheral nerve lesions.
Deutsche Polyneuropathie Selbsthilfe e.V.
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Klinische Neurophysiologie

Neuromuscular Disorders

Conditions of the muscle such as inflammation, genetic syndromes, degenerative diseases such as motor neuron disease (ALS) or malfunctioning of the transmission from nerve to muscle require thorough diagnostic testing, which may include electromyography (EMG) with nerve conduction studies, laboratory testing, muscle sonography and the arrangement of a muscle biopsy. We cooperate with specialised outpatient clinics and the neuropathology department of Charité Berlin. Patients with an advanced-stage disease can receive special support, and aid and suppliances from Ambulanz-Partner.
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Muskelkranke e.V.
Hochschulambulanz für Muskelkrankheiten der Charité

Spasticity

Spasticity can be caused by a range of diseases such as stroke, cerebral haemorrhage, childhood cerebral palsy, hereditary spastic paraplegia or spinal cord injuries. We individually assess treatment options for spasticity including oral medication, botulinum toxin, orthoses, aids and appliances.
Therapienetz Dystonie-Spastik Berlin-Brandenburg e.V.

Botulinum Toxin

Botulinum toxin injections are a safe and effective treatment method for dystonias and spasticity. Treatment is highly individualised and can only be carried out by a specially trained practitioner. Some injections require ultrasound or EMG guided administration.
Arbeitskreis Botulinumtoxin der Diagnostik

Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation is a well established surgical treatment of advanced Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor and generalised or other dystonias. In our practice we offer pre-operative counselling and post-operative follow-up and programming of the neurostimulator. We cooperate with Charité Berlin and other clinics specialised in deep brain stimulation via the Forum Deep Brain Stimulation Berlin, amongst other networks.
www.gesundheitsinformation.de/parkinson-tiefe-hirnstimulation.html

Parkinson’s Disease

The most common symptoms are slowness of movement and shaking (tremor). We offer a full range of diagnostic tests including a levodopa challenge test and standardised scoring systems. Therapy is initiated and adjusted to the individual needs of each patient. For patients with advanced stage Parkinson’s we offer treatment with apomorphine and levodopa pumps and programming of a deep brain stimulator (see below). We also offer video based outpatient visits. We cooperate with clinics and therapists that are part of the Parkinson’s-Syndrome Berlin group.
Arbeitskreis Parkinson Berlin e.V.
Deutsche Parkinson Gesellschaft e.V.
Kompetenznetz Parkinson
Deutsche Parkinson-Vereinigung
Portal für junge Parkinsonkranke
Internationale Parkinson Fonds Deutschland GmbH
Internationale Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society