Nerve and Muscle Biopsy Procedure in Sydney
What is a muscle biopsy? And a nerve biopsy?
A muscle biopsy is a procedure used to diagnose muscle diseases. During a muscle biopsy, the specialist removes a small piece of muscle tissue, which is then examined under a microscope in the laboratory.
Similarly, during a nerve biopsy, the specialist removes a tiny piece of nerve tissue. This is later examined in the laboratory to help diagnose nerve diseases.
Why do I need a muscle biopsy?
If you have been referred for a muscle biopsy, your doctor may suspect a disease involving your muscles. Muscle diseases commonly cause muscle weakness and/or muscle pain. A muscle biopsy will help your doctor to know the cause of your symptoms. This is important for treatment, as well as advice regarding the expected course of a disease.
Why do I need a nerve biopsy?
Nerve damage could cause various symptoms. Depending on the nerves involved, symptoms could include:
- Numbness/ “pins and needles” sensation.
- Pain or burning sensation/ abnormal sensitivity to touch.
- Muscle weakness/ loss of coordination.
Nerves could be damaged for many reasons. Sometimes, nerve damage is a localised process that only affects one nerve. In other cases, there is an illness that affects multiple nerves, or multiple body organs. Nerve symptoms could be related to a nerve disease, but could also be caused by a disease of blood vessels, or by another illness that affects multiple body systems.
A nerve biopsy may help your doctor to find the cause of the problem.
What does a muscle biopsy involve?
A muscle biopsy is a small procedure that can be done in the specialist’s rooms, while you are awake. The location of the biopsy depends on your symptoms. Frequently, a muscle biopsy is taken from the upper arm or thigh.
During a muscle biopsy:
- Your skin is cleaned with a disinfectant.
- The specialist injects local anaesthetic. This causes a brief stinging sensation, before the area becomes numb.
- Once the area is completely numb, the specialist inserts a biopsy needle through the skin, to take a tiny sample of muscle tissue. In some cases, if more tissue is needed, the specialist may make a small skin incision before removing a piece of muscle tissue.
- After obtaining the muscle sample, the specialist applies pressure to the site, to prevent bleeding.
- The wound is closed with sticky strips, or stitches when necessary, and then covered with a dressing.
- The muscle specimen is sent to the laboratory to be tested.
What does a nerve biopsy involve?
A muscle biopsy is usually done under general anaesthetic in the operating theatre as a day surgery procedure.
During a muscle biopsy:
- Your skin is cleaned with a disinfectant.
- The specialist may make a small skin incision before removing a piece of muscle tissue.
- After obtaining the muscle sample, the specialist applies pressure to the site, to prevent bleeding.
- The wound is closed with stitches and then covered with a dressing.
- The muscle specimen is sent to the laboratory to be tested.
The procedure for a nerve biopsy is similar to the muscle biopsy procedure described above. It is usually performed through a small incision on your ankle.
What should I expect after a muscle or nerve biopsy?
A muscle or nerve biopsy is a minor procedure. You may expect mild discomfort at the biopsy site for a few days. As with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of:
- Ongoing bleeding at the biopsy site.
- Infection at the biopsy site.
With a nerve biopsy, you may have a small spot of skin numbness where the biopsy was done. In some cases, this numbness could be permanent, but the biopsy site is chosen carefully, to minimise any sensation loss.
At Sydney Surgical Clinic, we will advise you how to care for your wound. Please contact us if, for any reason, you are concerned about the biopsy site.
