Nerve and Muscle Biopsy

Nerve and muscle biopsies are diagnostic procedures used to examine tissue samples from nerves and muscles to aid in the diagnosis of various medical conditions affecting the neuromuscular system. These biopsies are typically performed when other diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies or blood tests, are inconclusive or when a specific diagnosis is needed to guide treatment.

Nerve Biopsy:

• Procedure: During a nerve biopsy, a small piece of nerve tissue is removed for examination under a microscope. The biopsy may be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the location of the nerve and the patient's preferences.
• Nerve biopsies are commonly used to diagnose conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, autoimmune neuropathies, vasculitis, and nerve tumors. The biopsy can provide valuable information about the structure and function of the nerve, as well as any signs of inflammation, infection, or damage.

Muscle Biopsy:

• Procedure: Muscle biopsies involve removing a small sample of muscle tissue for examination. The biopsy may be performed using a needle (percutaneous biopsy) or through a small incision (open biopsy), depending on the location and size of the muscle.
• Muscle biopsies are commonly used to diagnose conditions such as muscular dystrophy, inflammatory myopathies, metabolic myopathies, and mitochondrial disorders. The biopsy can provide information about the structure and function of the muscle fibers, as well as any signs of inflammation, degeneration, or metabolic abnormalities.