Muscle and nerve biopsy

Posted By Rose on November 16, 1998 at 17:29:06:







Hi,  I have posted here in the past and I really appreciate your prompt responses to my concerns.  To recap,I have what my doctors call a severe neuropathy (feet, back of legs, thighs, back of arms, hands, face, lips and tongues.  Along with this I am ataxic, with loss of strength in my legs (I am presently using a walker).  I am a 49 year old female.  I have had an Emg and NC test which confirmed the neuropathy.  My neurologist has referred me for a muscle/nerve biopsy so I can have a diagnosis, he says. He says he can only treat the pain at this point, and not the underlying cause, if any.    Is the nerve and muscle biopsy the only way a doctor can make a diagnosis re: neuropathy?   From what I have read on this forum and other sites, a diagnosis can be made from the EMG and NC studies.  Is this correct?   I would really rather not have a muscle and nerve biopsy unless it is the last resort,  since these are invasive procedures.  Do I need to get a second opinion on my EMG and NC studies, or is it best to have the biopsies done.   Please let me know.  I am scheduled for the biopsies on Nov. 30th.  Thanks again for your help.