Results
The results of brain biopsy vary considerably depending on the underlying disease. For example, in the case of spatial demands, a distinction should first be made between benign and malignant processes. Then it must be determined more precisely from which brain tissue the lesion originates.
In this way, in addition to the individual large parts of the brain (cerebrum, cerebellum, diencephalon, etc. ), it is also possible to decide between different cells in the brain. For example, the spatial demands can originate from the nerve cells themselves.
But also cells that only serve to isolate the nerve tracts can degenerate or multiply unintentionally. In addition, cells of the meninges can also change. An exact differentiation of the underlying mechanisms is usually done under the microscope.
In addition, various staining methods are used, which can examine certain biological properties of the affected cells. In the case of neurodegenerative diseases (decline in brain tissue), the results of the biopsy should also be able to explain from which cells of the brain the processes originate. If necessary, brain biopsies may also reveal deposits of toxic substances in the brain that explain certain symptoms. Occasionally, pathogens (fungi, bacteria) are also found which can cause infectious diseases of the brain.
Duration until results
Depending on the urgency of the case, the rough results of a brain biopsy can usually be expected within one day (depending on whether the hospital performing the biopsy has its own pathology department or must first send the samples to a suitable institution). A detailed examination of the diseased cells and their biological profile, on the other hand, can take from a few days to weeks. Individual results often arrive on several consecutive days.
Risks – How dangerous can it be?
The risks of a brain biopsy can be divided into different categories. First, there may be general complications such as bleeding, secondary bleeding, swelling and injury to structures on the skin or skull. This can subsequently lead to pain in the affected area.
An allergic reaction to the local anaesthetic and, if necessary, to the anaesthetic is also possible. Complications directly caused by the biopsy are particularly noticeable in the brain. There, too, individual structures can be damaged, which can lead to functional failures of the brain.
In most cases, however, only small structures are replaced, so that temporary phenomena are more likely to occur. In addition, short-term confusion after brain surgery is not uncommon. The most feared and dangerous risks of brain biopsy are infection.
Since holes are drilled into the skull during the examination, there is now a direct connection between the outside world and the otherwise particularly well shielded brain. Therefore, the holes as well as the biopsy instruments are ideally suited for infections caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses. Once the pathogens have entered the brain, they can often cause major damage, destroy important structures and lead to life-threatening encephalitis.