Merck Manual

Please confirm that you are a health care professional

honeypot link

Nerve and Muscle Biopsy

By

Mark Freedman

, MD, MSc, University of Ottawa

Reviewed/Revised Aug 2023
View PATIENT EDUCATION

Nerve and muscle biopsy are usually done simultaneously.

Nerve biopsy can help differentiate axonal from demyelinating polyneuropathies when other tests are inconclusive. A nerve supplying the affected area should be chosen.

If the biopsy shows that nerve endings are lost, skin punch biopsy can help confirm small-fiber polyneuropathy.

View PATIENT EDUCATION
NOTE: This is the Professional Version. CONSUMERS: View Consumer Version
quiz link

Test your knowledge

Take a Quiz! 
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
TOP