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Brain Biopsy

 
Medical Encyclopedia: Brain Biopsy
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Definition

A brain biopsy is the removal of a small piece of brain tissue for the diagnosis of abnormalities of the brain, such as Alzheimer's disease, tumors, infection, or inflammation.

Description

When an abnormality of the brain is suspected, Stereotactic (probing in three dimensions) brain needle biopsy is performed and guided precisely by a computer system to avoid serious complications. A small hole is drilled into the skull, and a needle is inserted into the brain tissue guided by computer-assisted imaging techniques (CT or MRI scans). Historically, the patient's head was held in a rigid frame to direct the probe into the brain; however since the early nineties, it has been possible to perform these biopsies without the frame. Since the frame was attached to the skull with screws, this advancement is less invasive and better tolerated by the patient. The doctor (pathologist) prepares the sample for analysis and studies it further under a microscope.

— Bonny McClain, MS


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Medical Test: Brain Biopsy
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General information

Where It's DoneWho Does ItHow Long It TakesDiscomfort/Pain
Hospital.Doctor (neurosurgeon or neurologist), in the presence of a pathologist.1 hour.Discomfort associated with general anesthesia.

Results Ready WhenSpecial EquipmentRisks/ComplicationsAverage Cost
1-3 days.Surgical instruments.Possible increased risk of seizures.$$$

Other names

None.

Purpose

To diagnose or confirm the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, tumors, infection, inflammation, and other brain disorders. Used rarely, often as a measure of last resort, when other tests have failed to provide a diagnosis.

How it works

A tiny sample of brain tissue is obtained with a long needle and examined under the microscope for damage or abnormalities.

Preparation

You are placed under general anesthesia.

Test procedure
  • A small burr hole is drilled in the skull, and a needle is then inserted into the brain.
  • A pathologist, who is usually present during the operation, promptly prepares the removed sample of brain tissue for analysis. The sample is studied under a microscope with available laboratory tests. If sufficient tissue has been removed, it may be frozen for further analysis.
After the test

The patient is taken to the recovery room and monitored for several hours.

Interpretation

The removed tissue sample provides information about various brain abnormalities. For example, in Alzheimer's disease the cortex contains plaques, abnormal collections within brain cells. If the brain is affected by infection, the infectious organism can be cultured from the sample and identified. If a tumor is removed, it can be classified as cancerous or benign.

Advantages

It provides an opportunity to examine brain tissue directly.

Disadvantages
  • It's invasive and includes the risks of surgery and anesthesia.
  • It leads to removal of brain tissue and may be associated with brain injury.
  • It leaves a scar on the brain that can potentially trigger seizures.
The next step

Treatment.

 
 

 

Copyrights:

Medical Encyclopedia. © 2006 through a partnership of Answers Corporation. All rights reserved.  Read more
Medical Test. The Patient's Guide to Medical Tests by Faculty Members at The Yale University of Medicine and G.S. Sharpe Communications, Inc. Copyright © 1997 by Yale University of Medicine and G.S. Sharpe Communications, Inc. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.  Read more