Diagnosis A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak can occur either in the spine or the skull. Diagnosis depends on where the leak is located and involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests. Spinal CSF leak Your healthcare professional will begin by reviewing your medical history and performing a physical examination. Tests used to diagnose a spinal CSF …

Diagnosis Symptoms of cerebral palsy often become more noticeable over time. Diagnosis may not occur until a few months or even a year after birth, and if symptoms are mild, it can take longer. If cerebral palsy is suspected, a healthcare professional will carefully evaluate your child’s symptoms, review their medical history, perform a physical examination, and monitor growth and …

Diagnosis Swimmer’s itch, also called cercarial dermatitis, is usually diagnosed based on your recent exposure to freshwater or saltwater and the characteristic rash. Your healthcare professional will typically: Ask about recent swimming or wading in lakes, ponds, or oceans. Examine the affected skin for small red bumps or blisters that may be itchy and appear within hours of water exposure. …

Diagnosis To diagnose cataracts, your eye care specialist will perform a comprehensive eye examination. This helps determine the presence, location, and extent of the cataract, as well as rule out other potential eye conditions. The diagnosis process may include the following steps: Visual acuity test – This test measures how well you can read a series of letters on a …

Diagnosis To diagnose a central nervous system (CNS) vascular malformation, a healthcare professional reviews your medical and family history for stroke, epilepsy, or related conditions. A physical examination may also be performed. During this exam, your healthcare provider may listen to the blood flow in your arteries with a stethoscope. Some vascular malformations create a whooshing sound known as a …

Diagnosis Your healthcare professional can often diagnose cellulitis simply by examining your skin. In some cases, blood tests or other diagnostic tests may be recommended to help rule out other possible conditions that cause similar symptoms. Treatment Treatment for cellulitis typically involves prescription antibiotics taken by mouth. The medication is usually prescribed for 5 to 10 days, and it’s important …

Diagnosis A diagnosis of cellulite involves a visual examination of the skin to assess the degree of dimpling and understand what may have caused it. This helps determine which treatment may improve the look of your skin. Some treatment methods focus on reducing fat but don’t remove dimpling, while others target cellulite directly without addressing excess fat. Treatment A variety …

Diagnosis To diagnose median arcuate ligament syndrome, also called MALS, a healthcare professional performs a physical exam and asks detailed questions about your symptoms. While listening to your abdomen with a stethoscope, the healthcare professional may hear a whooshing sound known as a bruit. This sound can occur when a blood vessel is narrowed or compressed. Because many conditions can …

Diagnosis Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is most often detected during a routine prenatal ultrasound. This imaging test uses sound waves to produce pictures of the uterus and developing baby. In some cases, CDH is diagnosed after birth or later in childhood if symptoms are mild or absent. Healthcare professionals use ultrasound and other tests during pregnancy to monitor the growth …

Diagnosis of Cavities (Tooth Decay) To diagnose tooth decay or dental cavities, your dentist will evaluate your symptoms, examine your mouth, and may perform imaging tests to determine the extent of damage. During a dental checkup, your dentist may: Ask about pain or sensitivity in your teeth. Inspect your teeth and gums for visible signs of decay. Use dental instruments …