Diagnosis Diagnosis of Dressler syndrome begins with a physical examination by a healthcare professional. During the exam, the doctor listens to your heart using a stethoscope. A distinct sound called a pericardial rub may be heard if the pericardium is inflamed or fluid has collected around the heart. Tests to Diagnose Dressler Syndrome Several tests help confirm the presence of …
Down Syndrome
Diagnosis The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that all pregnant individuals, regardless of age, be offered screening and diagnostic tests for Down syndrome. Screening tests indicate the likelihood that the baby has Down syndrome but cannot confirm it. Diagnostic tests can confirm whether the baby has Down syndrome. Your healthcare provider will discuss the available tests, including …
Double-Outlet Right Ventricle
Diagnosis A congenital heart defect may be diagnosed during pregnancy or after birth. Signs of certain heart defects can be detected on a routine fetal ultrasound. After a baby is born, healthcare professionals may suspect a congenital heart defect if the baby shows: Growth delays Color changes in the lips, tongue, or nails A doctor may also hear a heart …
Dizziness
Diagnosis Diagnosis for dizziness or vertigo involves several steps your healthcare professional takes to identify the underlying cause. Imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan may be ordered immediately if there’s a concern about a stroke, especially in older adults or those who’ve had a head injury. Your healthcare professional will ask about your symptoms and medications, followed …
Diverticulitis
Diagnosis A number of conditions can cause pain and other symptoms related to diverticulitis. Your health care professional will perform an exam and order specific tests to determine the cause of your symptoms. During the physical exam, your health care provider will gently press different areas of your abdomen to identify where pain or tenderness occurs. A pelvic exam may …
Dissociative Disorders
Diagnosis Diagnosis of dissociative disorders involves discussing your symptoms and ruling out any medical conditions that might cause similar signs. It often includes a referral to a mental health professional for an accurate assessment. Diagnosis may include: Physical exam: A health care professional will examine you, review your symptoms, and evaluate your medical history. Tests may be done to rule …
Dislocated Shoulder
Diagnosis A healthcare provider examines the affected shoulder for tenderness, swelling, or deformity and checks for any nerve or blood vessel injury. An X-ray of the shoulder joint is typically performed to confirm the dislocation and identify possible fractures or other structural damage. Additional imaging tests may include: Electromyography (EMG) to assess nerve function MRI to evaluate soft tissue damage …
Diphtheria
Diagnosis Doctors may suspect diphtheria in a person, particularly a child, who has a sore throat with a thick gray membrane covering the tonsils and throat. The diagnosis is confirmed when the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae is found in a laboratory culture taken from the throat membrane. In some cases, a tissue sample from an infected wound is tested in the …
Dysphagia
Diagnosis To diagnose dysphagia, a healthcare professional will begin by discussing your symptoms, medical history, and the nature of your swallowing difficulties. A physical examination is followed by a series of diagnostic tests to identify the underlying cause of the problem. Common diagnostic tests include: Barium X-ray: You drink a liquid called barium, which coats the lining of the esophagus, …
Traveler’s Diarrhea
Diagnosis Diagnosing traveler’s diarrhea usually starts with a detailed medical and travel history. A physical exam may be performed to check for signs of dehydration. If symptoms are severe or persistent, a stool sample may be analyzed to identify the microorganism causing the infection. Treatment Traveler’s diarrhea often improves without treatment, but staying hydrated is essential. Safe liquids include bottled …









