No surgeries are performed at the Neurology Clinic, only some invasive tests including cerebrospinal fluid draws, very rarely cerebral fluid draws, and muscle and nerve biopsies. Apart from a physical examination rarely any imaging examination is needed prior to a CSF draw.
The procedure: the area where we tap the fluid is defatted with rubbing alcohol, then disinfected. Afterwards a fine needle is introduced into the intervertebral space and into the spinal canal just under the 3rd lumbar vertebra from where the fluid is tapped.
Muscle or nerve biopsy is usually done at the Neurosurgery or Surgery Clinic by appointment. The muscle or nerve to be removed is defined based on the neurological examination. The biopsy is performed under local anesthesia, and prior to the intervention a blood panel is made and coagulation parameters are tested.