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Dr. Nicholas Galifianakis is a neurologist who specializes in taking a comprehensive approach to treating Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia and other movement disorders. His tools include deep brain stimulation, botulinum toxin injections and medication.

Galifianakis' research interests include outcomes in deep brain stimulation for patients with Parkinson's disease and essential tremor, such as with the use of new interventional MRI techniques. He also is interested in defining types of essential tremor and developing more complete models of care for advanced Parkinson's disease.

Galifianakis earned his medical degree and completed a neurology residency at the University of Southern California, where he served as chief resident. He completed a movement disorders fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania and UCSF.

Galifianakis also sees patients at the Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center in San Francisco, a Veterans Affairs center of excellence. He is a member of the American Academy of Neurology and International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

  • Board Certifications

    American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology., Neurology

  • Fellowships

    UCSF Medical Center - OMAG, Movement Disorders

    University of Pennsylvania, Movement Disorders

  • Residencies

    University of Southern California GME, Neurology

  • Internship

    University of Maryland Medicine, Internal Medicine

  • Degree

    MD, Keck School of Medicine at USC

Where I see patients (1)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    398 Ratings
    About our process
    Nov 19, 2025
    Dr. Galifianakis is outstanding in all respects.
    Nov 14, 2025
    Excellent! Exceeds all expectations.! Knowledgeable! Kind! Brilliant! Explains everything clearly, respectfully,
    Nov 07, 2025
    Dr G is outstanding
    Nov 02, 2025
    Dr. Galifianakis is a really wonderful doctor and listens and reacts to all my concerns. I have to say that he is one of the best doctors I have ever dealt with. Having the DBS there are lists of questions and tweaking and he is so easy to talk to, trusting and caring...
    Oct 26, 2025
    Dr. G is great.
    Oct 19, 2025
    Dr G explains things really well and is extremely knowledgeable. His guidance recommending DBS surgery has made a huge positive improvement on the quality of my life .
    Oct 04, 2025
    Overall I have a very pleasant experience with my care provider. I felt I was really taken good care by them.
    Sep 12, 2025
    I felt heard, listened to, and cared for. I have had so many drs appmts and they have not gone like this by any means, so thank you.
    Sep 04, 2025
    Always the best care from this doctor. Truly a compassionate man who cares for his patients.
    Sep 03, 2025
    I already have shared to 3 people since surgery.
    Aug 27, 2025
    Felt comfortable.
    Aug 10, 2025
    Fantastic
    Aug 10, 2025
    The doctor seemed rushed. We talked about the progression of symptoms but he didn't offer any solutions.
    Aug 02, 2025
    Doctor Galifianakis was very professional and very attentive and towards my concerns.
    Jul 17, 2025
    Absolutely the best
    Jun 11, 2025
    Dr. Galifianakis is always pleasant, thorough and very helpful. Feel very lucky that he's, my physician.
    Jun 07, 2025
    The care provider is amazing. Very helpful and understood my situation.
    Jun 03, 2025
    I have been experiencing a strange sensation of walking on a water bed and wish that could be given more of an explanation. I've heard of certain treatments that can be dry, but nobody mentioned them or the possibility of trying a solution.
    May 02, 2025
    Everyone is very enthusiastic and works hard.
    Mar 31, 2025
    Dr. G really cares about his patients. He is takes the time to explain what has to be done.
    Feb 28, 2025
    Always a pleasure seeing Dr G. He took the time to listen and gave his advise.
    Feb 23, 2025
    Very good established pretty clear treatment plan
    Feb 15, 2025
    Dr. G took as much time as I needed. Dealing with PD is, obviously, difficult and Dr. G never hurried me and made sure he answered my questions. He was excellent.
    Feb 13, 2025
    I could not ask for better care than I receive from my provider on every visit.
    Jan 16, 2025
    Dr. Galifianakis and Dr Chang were attentive to my questions and provided very good solutions.
    Jan 10, 2025
    Dr G very nice Number 1
    Dec 22, 2024
    I could not have asked for better treatment!
    Dec 12, 2024
    Felt comfortable with doctor
    Dec 12, 2024
    Dr Galifianakis continues to be a great doctor to have in my corner. I am grateful that he is my physician.
    Dec 08, 2024
    Excellent and gave me a lot of time and listened and helped me to understand and helped me going forward .
    Dec 06, 2024
    Dr. G is a caring physician! We are blessed to have him.
    Nov 22, 2024
    Excellent visit
    Nov 20, 2024
    We are go grateful for the relationship we've formed with UCSF and Dr Galifianakis! We think you're the best!
    Nov 15, 2024
    Great doctor
    Nov 13, 2024
    I think He's an excellent neurologist for the this professions but he needs to advise nurses If he's running late.,,To see the patient if running late.
    Nov 08, 2024
    Dr. Galifianakis is awesome. Always nice, courteous, friendly, professional, makes sure to ask how the last treatment went and discusses the current plan of treatment.
    Oct 25, 2024
    I really like Dr. G and Kinsey his PA is amazing as well.
    Sep 21, 2024
    Dr G is great. I have no complaints. He is very kind, a good listener and answers all my questions.
    Sep 18, 2024
    Excellence
    Sep 12, 2024
    Very caring and informative although I wish he had more natural remedy ideas
    Sep 05, 2024
    Excellent doctor and staff great confidence in them
    Aug 10, 2024
    Dr. G is great!!
    Aug 03, 2024
    I was very comfortable with this doctor for a procedure that I was a little nervous about.
    Jun 13, 2024
    All very well
    Jun 06, 2024
    The providers and assistant were extremely attentive, professional l, but especially compassionate.
    Jun 05, 2024
    Dr. G is a fabulous doctor! He is intelligent, up-to-date, caring and clearly loves his area of practice. He has a lovely manner and is articulate in explaining a serious diagnosis. He does not try to "dumb down" any of the circumstances involving my diagnosis and is clearly on top of his field.
    Jun 05, 2024
    Dr G is the best!! Wonderful doctor and human being!!!
    Jun 03, 2024
    Treat whole family well is so helpful encouraging and knowledgeable.
    May 24, 2024
    Dr. Galifianakis and his impressive staff are always professional and caring
    May 24, 2024
    I was very happy with our visit. I had numerous questions and all were answered.
    May 22, 2024
    Dr. Is outstanding. I've recommended Dr. G to 4-5 people.
    May 09, 2024
    Dr G is a kind caring knowledgeable passion person and doctor. We are grateful to have his guidance
    May 05, 2024
    I can't say enough good things about Dr. Galifianakis. I have Hemifacial Spasm and have had it for over 7 years. Dr. Galifianakis worked to find the right balance of botox to restore my face to "normal". I will always be grateful.
    May 02, 2024
    Dr. G is excellent. He has high standards of care and a wonderful bedside manner!
    May 02, 2024
    Dr and fellow were exceptional in every way. Thorough, smart, professional.
    May 01, 2024
    He was knowledgeable and his ability to explain everything is to be commended
    Apr 27, 2024
    I was happy to meet such an excellent doctor
    Apr 04, 2024
    Dr Galifianakis always provides excellent care. He carefully listens and thoughtfully responds to my questions and concerns
    Mar 20, 2024
    Excellence, for sure.
    Mar 07, 2024
    Great experience with both doctors I saw!
    Mar 06, 2024
    Best doctor! So kind. Makes me feel at ease.
    Mar 06, 2024
    Dr. Galifianakis is always courteous and professional. I highly recommend him to others.

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