Diagnosis Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children is diagnosed based on a child’s symptoms and by ruling out other conditions that cause similar signs and inflammation. There is no single test for MIS-C, so healthcare professionals use a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory testing. Providers start by checking for an active COVID-19 infection. This is done by testing samples taken …
Cough Headaches
Diagnosis Your doctor may recommend brain-imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans to rule out other possible causes for your headaches. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed cross-sectional images of the structures within your head. This helps determine whether any abnormalities are causing your cough headache. Computerized tomography (CT) scans combine …
Corticobasal Degeneration (Corticobasal Syndrome)
Diagnosis A diagnosis of corticobasal degeneration (CBD) — also known as corticobasal syndrome — is based on your symptoms, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. However, because CBD shares symptoms with several other neurological disorders, your healthcare provider must carefully rule out other possible causes. Other conditions with similar symptoms include: Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) Alzheimer’s disease Pick’s disease (a type …
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Diagnosis If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone infected with the virus, contact your healthcare provider. Inform them about any close contact with confirmed cases. In the United States, at-home COVID-19 tests approved or authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are available. You can visit the FDA website to check the list …
Small Vessel Disease
Diagnosis To diagnose small vessel disease, a health care provider typically begins with a physical exam and a discussion about your medical and family history, especially any history of heart disease. Your provider may listen to your heart with a stethoscope to check for signs of cardiovascular issues. Several tests used for diagnosing other types of heart disease may also …
Coronary Artery Disease
Diagnosis To diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD), your healthcare provider will examine you, review your medical history, and ask about any symptoms such as chest pain (angina) or shortness of breath. If CAD is suspected, several tests may be recommended to assess your heart’s function and blood flow. Tests Used to Diagnose Coronary Artery Disease Blood testsThese check for cholesterol, …
Functional Neurologic Disorder/Conversion Disorder
Diagnosis Functional neurologic disorder (FND), also known as functional neurological symptom disorder or conversion disorder, has no standard diagnostic test. Instead, healthcare providers diagnose it by identifying specific patterns of signs and symptoms while ruling out other neurological or medical conditions that could explain your symptoms. The key to diagnosis is recognizing what is present—the particular way symptoms appear—rather than …
Contact Dermatitis
Diagnosis Your health care provider may diagnose contact dermatitis by discussing your signs and symptoms, asking questions about your possible exposure to irritants or allergens, and performing a skin exam to assess the rash. A patch test may be recommended to identify the cause of your rash. During this test, small amounts of possible allergens are placed on sticky patches, …
Constipation in Children
Diagnosis Your child’s doctor will: Gather a complete medical history, including questions about past illnesses, diet, and physical activity patterns. Conduct a physical exam, which may involve placing a gloved finger into your child’s anus to check for abnormalities or the presence of impacted stool. Stool found in the rectum may be tested for blood. More-extensive testing is usually needed …
Constipation
Diagnosis During your appointment, your healthcare professional will perform a general physical exam and several specific checks to understand the cause of constipation. They may: Gently press on your abdomen to check for pain, tenderness, or irregular lumps Examine the tissue around the anus and surrounding skin Use a gloved finger to assess the condition of the rectum and anal …









