Diagnosis A staph infection is diagnosed by finding the bacteria in pus, tissue samples or body fluids, including blood and urine. For infections affecting the skin, your healthcare professional will examine any sores or areas of concern. Symptoms such as fever can help guide treatment decisions. Imaging tests may be used to detect complications caused by a staph infection. These …

Diagnosis Stuttering is diagnosed by a healthcare professional trained to evaluate speech and language in both children and adults. This specialist is called a speech-language pathologist. During the assessment, the pathologist listens to the person speak in different situations and observes patterns that may indicate stuttering. For children, parents often play an important role in the diagnostic process. The healthcare …

Diagnosis During the physical exam, a healthcare professional checks the affected limb for swelling and areas of tenderness. The location and intensity of pain help indicate both the type and severity of the injury. Imaging tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes. X-rays help exclude fractures or other bone injuries as the source of …

Diagnosis To diagnose spinal stenosis, your healthcare professional may begin by asking about your symptoms and reviewing your medical history. A physical examination is often performed to assess movement, nerve function and areas of pain. Imaging tests are usually needed to confirm the diagnosis and identify the cause of nerve compression. Imaging tests may include the following: • X-raysAn X-ray …

Diagnosis To diagnose a spinal cord tumor, a healthcare professional usually begins by asking about your symptoms and medical history. A physical examination is done to understand how well your nerves are functioning. Imaging tests and, in some cases, a biopsy are used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of tumor. A physical exam may include checking your …

Diagnosis Spinal arteriovenous malformations can be challenging to diagnose because their symptoms often resemble those of other spinal disorders. These may include spinal dural arteriovenous fistula, spinal stenosis, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord tumors. Because of this overlap, detailed evaluation and advanced imaging are usually required. Your healthcare professional may recommend tests to rule out other possible causes of your …

Diagnosis Tests done before birth, called prenatal screening, can help check for spina bifida and other conditions. These tests are not perfect. Some people may have positive screening results but deliver babies without spina bifida. Even with negative results, there is still a small chance the condition may be present. Talking with a healthcare professional helps clarify the benefits, limits, …

Diagnosis Spider bites are often mistaken for other skin problems that cause redness, pain, or swelling. Many sores thought to be spider bites are actually caused by other insects such as ants, fleas, mites, mosquitoes, or biting flies. Skin infections, burns, and certain skin conditions can also look similar to spider bites. A doctor usually diagnoses a spider bite based …

Diagnosis You may begin by seeing your primary care provider. In some cases, you may also be referred to a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, who is trained to diagnose and treat specific phobias. To diagnose a specific phobia, your healthcare or mental health professional may talk with you in detail to understand your experiences and …

Diagnosis Diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder typically begins with a physical exam and any tests recommended by your healthcare provider. These steps help identify whether a medical condition may be causing your symptoms. You may also be referred to a mental health professional for a more detailed evaluation. During a psychological assessment, you may be asked about your symptoms, fears, …