Nens van Alfen is a professor of Clinical Neurophysiology, with a particular focus on neuromuscular ultrasound. In her role as a neurologist and clinical neurophysiologist, she specializes in diagnosing muscle and nerve disorders. In 2006, she earned her PhD cum laude with research on Neuralgic Amyotrophy. As the medical head of Clinical Neurophysiology (KNF), the diagnostic laboratory of the Neurology department, she and her team focus on developing advanced techniques in muscle and nerve ultrasound. Together with national colleagues, she provides education and training in neuromuscular ultrasound. Each year, the team trains 5–10 international visitors in this area of expertise.

The KNF department conducts approximately 2,500 diagnostic tests annually for suspected neuromuscular disorders, in addition to around 3,500 other functional tests for departments such as Neurology, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, and Plastic Surgery. The department also trains 2–4 neurology residents annually.

Her clinical work centers on the multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of patients with brachial plexus injuries and other, often traumatic, peripheral nerve injuries. This care is provided at the Plexus Clinic—a collaboration between Rehabilitation, Paramedics, and Neurology—and the Radboud Peripheral Nerve Center, a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic involving Plastic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Anesthesiology/Pain Management, Rehabilitation Medicine, Hand Therapy, and Neurology.

Expertises:

• Neuromuscular ultrasound
• Brachial plexus disorders
• Muscle imaging
• Clinical neurophysiology
• Nerve trauma