A skin nerve biopsy, also known as a cutaneous nerve biopsy, is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose or monitor nerve damage by examining nerve fibers within a small sample of skin. It is primarily used to evaluate small nerve fibers that cannot be assessed by conventional electrophysiological studies, such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS).
Reasons for a skin nerve biopsy
A doctor may order a skin nerve biopsy for patients with symptoms of neuropathy, such as unexplained burning, tingling, pain, or numbness. It can be helpful in diagnosing conditions including:
- Small fiber neuropathy (SFN): Often presents with painful, burning sensations or prickling in the hands or feet.
- Diabetic neuropathy: Can be used for early detection and monitoring of nerve damage caused by diabetes.
- Amyloidosis: The biopsy can reveal abnormal protein deposits (amyloid) in the nerve tissue.
- Autoimmune neuropathies: Diagnoses conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome that cause nerve damage.
- Vasculitic neuropathy: Identifies nerve damage caused by inflamed blood vessels.
- Certain infectious diseases: Such as leprosy, where nerve fibers are affected.
- Hereditary neuropathies: Provides insight into genetic conditions like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
