Mednet Logo
HomeNeurologyQuestion

How do you utilize skin punch biopsy to assess for alpha-synuclein in patients with parkinsonism?

3 Answers
Mednet Member
Mednet Member
Neurology · Emory University School of Medicine

Before starting autonomic training in Boston (with the creators of a test that looks for cutaneous synuclein/amyloid/small fiber density), I used the technique on several patients. It was actually quite helpful; one patient had an idiopathic autonomic failure (with several risk factors for it) and a...

Register or Sign In to see full answer

Mednet Member
Mednet Member
Neurology · VUMC Neurology

This is mainly a research tool at this point. Keep in mind that the sensitivity and specificity of this test are not well established.

Register or Sign In to see full answer

Mednet Member
Mednet Member
Neurology · SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University

Please also see the answer to the following question for more thoughts on this topic:

https://www.themednet.org/question/19564

"What is the practical application of alpha-synuclein seed amplification assay CSF testing for the diagnosis and management of Parkinson's disease?".

Register or Sign In to see full answer