Rare nerve disorders: Charité in Berlin as a specialised treatment centre for international patients

In modern medicine, rare neurological disorders (Seltene neurologische Erkrankungen) represent a double challenge: they are hard to diagnose and complex to treat. These conditions include Fabry disease (Morbus Fabry), Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT), rare and aggressive forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and atypical autoimmune disorders of the nervous system.

Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin is considered one of the leading centres in Europe for such conditions, combining cutting-edge research, high clinical expertise and a truly international infrastructure.

What are rare nerve disorders?

They are diseases affecting the central or peripheral nervous system, where the prevalence of each disorder is usually below 5 cases per 10,000 people.

Typical features:

• Vague or slowly progressive symptoms

• Difficulty in early and accurate diagnosis

• Shortage of specialised neurologists in many countries

• A need for highly specialised, multidisciplinary care (interdisciplinary) involving neurology, genetics, immunology and neuro-rehabilitation

Why Charité?

Charité is one of the largest and oldest university hospitals in Europe and is regularly listed among the top 5 medical centres worldwide.

Its key strengths in rare neurological diseases:

• Dedicated outpatient clinics for rare neurological disorders

• Research teams developing novel gene-based and biological therapies

• Active participation in European networks such as ERN-RND (European Reference Network for Rare Neurological Diseases)

• Advanced diagnostic technology, including:

  • 7-Tesla MRI scanners

  • Comprehensive genetic testing (panel or whole-genome approaches)

• Tailored programmes for international patients with medical interpreters and full coordination of appointments, logistics and billing

Key conditions treated at Charité include:

• CMT (Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease)

• Rare genetic forms of ALS

• Dysautonomias (disorders of the autonomic nervous system)

• Connective tissue diseases of the nervous system

• Hereditary ataxias

• Fabry disease (Morbus Fabry)

• Neuromyelitis optica (NMO)

• Rare paraneoplastic neurological syndromes

Each patient is assessed by an expert panel, and receives a personalised treatment plan (Personalisierter Therapieplan) based on clinical findings, disease stage and individual needs.

For patients from outside Germany – how to start treatment

• Send translated medical reports (preferably in German or English)

• Contact the International Office at Charité

• Obtain a preliminary cost estimate (Kostenvoranschlag) for diagnostics and treatment

• Provide proof of financial coverage or international health insurance

• Schedule an appointment for advanced diagnostics or inpatient admission, depending on urgency and complexity

Does Charité accept patients without international insurance?

Yes, in principle it does, but usually requires:

• Proof of sufficient financial resources

• Advance payment (Vorauszahlung) before treatment is started

• Existing diagnostic tests and written reports, if available, to speed up assessment and avoid unnecessary duplication of procedures

Support and patient services

• Provision of professional medical interpreters (German – Arabic / English / Russian, etc.)

• Assistance in finding nearby accommodation or medical serviced apartments

• Access to psychological support and neurological rehabilitation (Neurorehabilitation) during and after treatment

• Options for remote follow-up (telemedicine) once the patient returns home, in coordination with local physicians

Conclusion

Rare nerve disorders require rare expertise – and Charité in Berlin is widely recognised as a global reference centre for this group of patients.

Thanks to highly specialised research and treatment teams, state-of-the-art diagnostics and customised programmes for international patients, Charité remains a trusted address for anyone seeking a precise diagnosis and a real treatment opportunity in the field of rare neurological diseases.

ـ The editorial team of the website aims to provide accurate, well-researched information based on multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors or incomplete details may occur. The contents of this article should therefore be regarded as an initial orientation only, and do not replace personal advice from specialist physicians, clinics or competent authorities.