Diagnosis Many times, a healthcare professional diagnoses clubfoot soon after birth just by looking at the shape and position of the newborn’s foot. Sometimes X-rays are taken to understand how severe the clubfoot is, but usually, they are not needed. Often, clubfoot can be seen before birth during a routine ultrasound exam around the 20th week of pregnancy. While the …

Diagnosis Diagnosing depression involves a careful evaluation by a doctor or mental health professional to understand the symptoms, rule out physical health issues, and identify the most suitable treatment plan. The diagnosis process may include: Physical exam – The doctor may check your overall health and ask questions about your medical history. Sometimes, depression can be linked to underlying medical …

Prenatal ultrasound can diagnose most clefts of the lip because these clefts cause physical changes in the fetus’s face. Isolated cleft palate (with no cleft lip present) is harder to detect this way. Only 7% of these appear on a prenatal ultrasound. If an ultrasound doesn’t detect a cleft before birth, a physical exam of the mouth, nose and palate can …

Diagnosis Claudication is often overlooked because many people mistake the pain for a normal part of aging or limit their activity to avoid discomfort. Diagnosis typically involves a review of symptoms, physical examination, and tests to assess blood flow and detect peripheral artery disease. Tests Tests commonly used to diagnose claudication include: Pulse measurement in the hands or feet to …

Diagnosis People with early-stage cirrhosis often have no symptoms. The condition is sometimes first detected during a routine blood test or an exam done for another reason. To confirm a diagnosis, healthcare professionals use a combination of laboratory and imaging tests. Lab testsBlood tests check for signs of liver malfunction, such as increased bilirubin levels and elevated liver enzymes. Tests …

Diagnosis Currently, there is no way to definitively diagnose chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) during life. Experts have established clinical guidelines for a related condition called traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES). This syndrome describes a group of symptoms that tend to occur together and are linked to CTE. Healthcare professionals may suspect CTE if a person meets the criteria for TES and …

Diagnosis To diagnose chronic sinusitis, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. The exam may include gently pressing on your nose and face to check for tenderness and using a lighted tool to look inside your nose. Additional tests that help confirm chronic sinusitis or rule out other causes include: • Nasal endoscopy – …

Diagnosis To determine the cause of chronic pelvic pain, your healthcare team will ask detailed questions about your symptoms, medical history, and family health conditions. You may also be asked to keep a journal of your pain and other symptoms to help describe how the pain affects your daily life. Common tests and exams include: • Pelvic exam – This …

Diagnosis Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms often resemble those of other lung conditions. Many people are not diagnosed until the disease has already progressed. To diagnose COPD, your healthcare professional reviews your symptoms, medical and family history, and exposure to lung irritants such as cigarette smoke. A physical exam is performed, including …

Diagnosis of Hashimoto’s Disease Hashimoto’s disease can cause hypothyroidism, but other conditions may produce similar symptoms. Diagnosis involves a thorough physical exam, review of medical history, and assessment of symptoms. Testing Thyroid Function To determine if hypothyroidism is the cause, your healthcare provider may order blood tests: TSH test: Measures thyroid-stimulating hormone. High levels indicate the thyroid is underactive. T-4 …