It is a medical test in which a small portion of a damaged nerve is surgically removed and examined under a microscope
A nerve biopsy is performed to detect nerve-damaging conditions, including leprosy, necrotizing vasculitis (an inflammation of the blood vessels), other nerve inflammation, and damage or loss of the nerve's protective myelin sheath.
A nerve biopsy (removal of a small piece of the nerve) may be performed to look for changes characteristic of CMT. However, this testing is not diagnostic of CMT and is usually not necessary for making a diagnosis.
Nerve biopsies are performed in the more serious conditions. The biopsy will permit the physician to see the actual condition of the nerve and rule out other causes for the pain the patient experiences.
sensory & motor evaluation - reflexs and site care & observation
Examining a sample of an affected nerve cell (biopsy ) will allow the diagnosis to be made
DefinitionA nerve biopsy is the removal of a small piece of a nerve for examination.Alternative NamesBiopsy - nerveHow the test is performedThe sural nerve (in the ankle), or the superficial radial nerve (wrist) are the sites most often used for biopsy. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area. A small incision is made, and a portion of the nerve is removed. The sample is then examined using either a regular (light) microscopic or an electron microscope. Individual nerve fibers may also be examined.How to prepare for the testThere is no special preparation.How the test will feelThe amount of pain during and after the procedure depends on the patient. Because a local anesthetic is used, discomfort during the procedure is usually minimal. The anesthetic may burn or sting when first injected. After the procedure, the area may feel tender or sore for a few days.Why the test is performedNerve biopsy may be done to help diagnose:Axon degeneration (destruction of the axon portion of the nerve cell)Damage to the small nervesDemyelination(destruction of parts of the myelin sheath covering the nerve)Inflammatory nerve conditions (neuropathies)Normal ValuesThere is normal nerve anatomy, with no abnormal growths or inclusions.Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.What abnormal results meanConditions or disorders that may be revealed include:Amyloidosis(sural nerve biopsy is most often used)DemyelinationInflammation of the nerveLeprosyLoss of axon tissueMetabolic neuropathiesNecrotizing vasculitisSarcoidosisAdditional conditions under which the test may be performed:Alcoholic neuropathyAxillary nerve dysfunctionBrachial plexopathyCharcot-Marie-Tooth disease (hereditary)Common peroneal nerve dysfunctionDistal median nerve dysfunctionMononeuritis multiplexMononeuropathyNecrotizing vasculitisNeurosarcoidosisRadial nerve dysfunctionTibial nerve dysfunctionWhat the risks areAllergic reaction to the local anestheticDiscomfort after the procedureInfection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)Permanent nerve damage (uncommon; minimized by careful site selection)Special considerationsNerve biopsy is invasive and is useful only in certain circumstances. These include diagnosis of asymmetric and multifocal nerve disorders, conditions in which a nerve enlargement can be felt with the fingers, and suspected inherited pediatric nerve disorders.ReferencesShy ME. Peripheral neuropathies. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier. 2007: chap 446.
There are four types of biopsy techniques. Aspiration biopsy, Needle biopsy, Incisional biopsy, Excisional biopsy
Biopsy.
Em biopsy likely means endometrial biopsy.
In an EXCISIONAL BIOPSY, the entire lesion is removed for biopsy.
A cervical biopsy involves the extraction of a smaller tissue sample and is less invasive than a cone biopsy.
biopsy