Given the potential risks surrounding the procedure, cerebral<unk>  is indicated only if other diagnostic approaches (e.g. magnetic resonance imaging) have been insufficient in showing the cause of symptoms, and if it is felt that the benefits of histological diagnosis will influence the treatment plan. If the person has a<unk>  tumor,<unk>  is 95% sensitive. The procedure can also be valuable in people who are immunocompromised and who have evidence of<unk>  lesions that could be caused by opportunistic infections. In other groups, particularly those with unexplained neurological disease, a diagnosis is reached by performing a<unk>  in half the cases where it is done, and it has helpful practical effect in 30% of people. If primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) is suspected,<unk>  is most likely to positively influence the treatment plan.
Brain biopsy
Meningeal biopsy
Hemoencephalography
Cranioscopy
Lumbar puncture
Stereoelectroencephalography
CSF tap test
Ultrasound-guided lumbar puncture