Diagnosis To determine the cause of a thunderclap headache, your healthcare professional may recommend several tests. CT scan of the headCT scans take X-rays to create slice-like, cross-sectional images of the brain and head. A computer combines these images to form a full picture. Sometimes an iodine-based dye is used to enhance the images. Spinal tap (lumbar puncture)A small amount …

Diagnosis Diagnosing tension-type headaches often begins with a detailed medical history, a physical exam and a neurological exam. Your health care professional uses this information to identify the cause and type of headaches you experience. A key part of diagnosis is your description of the pain. Sharing clear details helps guide the evaluation. You may be asked about whether the …

Diagnosis To diagnose a spinal headache, a healthcare provider begins by asking detailed questions about your headache and reviewing your medical history. It is important to mention any recent medical procedures, especially a spinal tap or spinal anesthesia, as these are common causes of spinal headaches. A physical examination is done to assess your overall condition and to look for …

Diagnosis Determining the cause of headaches can be challenging. Your healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about your headache patterns and perform a physical exam. Imaging tests may be used to help identify the underlying cause: CT scan: Combines X-ray images from multiple angles to create cross-sectional images of the brain and head, including the sinuses. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): …

Diagnosis Your healthcare provider may recommend several tests to evaluate sex-related headaches and rule out underlying conditions. Brain imaging may include: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed cross-sectional images of the brain. This can help detect structural issues that may cause headaches. Computerized tomography (CT). CT scans use X-rays to produce …

Diagnosis Migraines are usually diagnosed by a specialist trained in treating headaches, most often a neurologist. The diagnosis is based on your medical history, reported symptoms, and a physical and neurological examination. There is no single test that confirms migraine, so careful evaluation of headache patterns and associated symptoms is essential. If your symptoms are unusual, suddenly worsen, or are …

Diagnosis Head lice diagnosis involves carefully looking for lice or their eggs (nits) on the scalp and hair. You or a healthcare professional can use a fine-toothed comb, called a nit comb, to check for lice. The comb should be run from the scalp to the end of the hair strand. It is often easier to detect lice on wet …

Diagnosis Head and neck cancer diagnosis often begins with a thorough physical examination and continues with specific tests depending on the cancer’s location. These cancers can develop in the mouth, throat, sinuses, or salivary glands. Examining the head and neck area helps healthcare professionals identify abnormal sores, lumps, or swelling. The healthcare provider may use a light and mirror to …

Diagnosis To diagnose hepatitis B, a healthcare professional will perform a physical exam and look for signs of liver damage, such as yellowing of the skin (jaundice) and stomach pain. Additionally, various tests can confirm the diagnosis and help determine if the infection is acute or chronic. Blood tests Blood tests are the most common method for diagnosing hepatitis B. …

Diagnosis To diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma, a healthcare professional may perform a physical examination and review your medical history. Various imaging and blood tests can help confirm the diagnosis, and sometimes a biopsy may be necessary. Imaging tests Imaging tests help create detailed pictures of the liver to determine the location, size, and extent of hepatocellular carcinoma. These tests may include: …