[Considerations of biopsy in neurological diagnosis]

The evolution is described in the views of neurologists on the indications to brain biopsy in clinical practice. In the 1960 and 1970s the main indication were diffuse progressing processes in brain associated with dementia. Presently, this biopsy is done mainly in cases of focal lesions of unclear aetiology. Technical advances in neurovisual examinations and the development of stereotactic methods sparing the patients open presently extensive possibilities of neuropathological diagnosis of lesions, even those situated deeply in the brain. The ethical and legal principles of the use of biopsies in neurological practice have not changed over years.