Skin Biopsy for Neurological Conditions
Expert Diagnostic Testing at Chicago Neurological Services
A skin biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose neurological and systemic conditions affecting the small nerve fibers in the skin. At Chicago Neurological Services, our specialists perform skin biopsies to detect conditions like small fiber neuropathy, neurodegenerative diseases, and autoimmune disorders, ensuring accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.
What Is a Skin Biopsy?
A skin biopsy involves removing a small sample of skin—typically from the lower leg or thigh—to examine nerve fiber density and function. This procedure helps identify nerve damage, inflammation, and degenerative changes that may contribute to neurological symptoms such as:
✅ Chronic pain, burning, or tingling sensations
✅ Unexplained numbness or weakness
✅ Temperature sensitivity
✅ Unexplained autonomic dysfunction (sweating abnormalities, dizziness, or blood pressure issues)
What Conditions Can a Skin Biopsy Help Diagnose?
✔ Small Fiber Neuropathy – Affects the small nerve fibers responsible for pain and temperature sensation
✔ Peripheral Neuropathy – Damage to the peripheral nerves from conditions like diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or infections
✔ Neurodegenerative Disorders – Assists in diagnosing Parkinson’s disease
✔ Autoimmune & Inflammatory Disorders – Helps detect conditions like vasculitis, lupus, and sarcoidosis
Why Choose Chicago Neurological Services for Skin Biopsy?
✔ Neurology Experts – Our board-certified specialist has 18 years and specializes in diagnosing and treating complex neurological conditions.
✔ State-of-the-Art Diagnostic Testing – We use advanced skin biopsy techniques to ensure highly accurate results.
✔ Minimally Invasive & Painless – The procedure is quick, performed under local anesthesia, and requires minimal downtime.
✔ Comprehensive Neurological Care – We integrate skin biopsy results into a personalized treatment plan for optimal care.
✔ Insurance Assistance – Our team works with your insurance provider to facilitate approval and coverage.
What to Expect During a Skin Biopsy?
1️⃣ Preparation – A local anesthetic is applied to numb the area.
2️⃣ Biopsy Procedure – A small, painless skin sample is collected.
3️⃣ Lab Analysis – The sample is shipped to our partner pathology lab for nerve fiber density and abnormalities. Results take approximately 2 weeks.
4️⃣ Results & Next Steps – Dr. Cohen will discuss the findings and recommend a personalized treatment plan.
Schedule Your Skin Biopsy
If you are experiencing unexplained pain, numbness, tingling, or nerve-related symptoms, a skin biopsy at Chicago Neurological Services can provide the answers you need. Our team is dedicated to delivering expert neurological diagnostics and care to help you achieve better nerve health and symptom relief.