Thrombocytopenia (pronounced “THROM-bo-sigh-toe-PEE-ne-ah”) occurs when your bone marrow doesn’t make enough platelets. Platelets are blood cells that form blood clots to help stop bleeding. If you have thrombocytopenia, you may bleed a lot, and the bleeding may be hard to stop. Thrombocytopenia often affects people with certain medical conditions, like autoimmune disease or who take certain medications. Healthcare providers typically treat thrombocytopenia by treating the underlying …
Neurofibroma
Healthcare providers typically use a physical examination to diagnose neurofibromas. They might also use the following imaging tests: Computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Healthcare providers use these tests to find very small tumors. They may also use them to find out where a tumor is located and to identify any nearby tissues or organs that could be affected …
Vocal Cord Paralysis
To diagnose vocal cord paralysis, your healthcare professional asks about your symptoms and lifestyle. Your care professional also listens to your voice and asks how long you’ve had voice changes. You also may need the following tests: Laryngoscopy. Your healthcare professional looks at your vocal cords using a mirror or a thin, flexible tube known as a laryngoscope or endoscope, or …
Yolk Sac Tumor
Diagnosis Diagnosing a yolk sac tumor involves a combination of physical exams, imaging tests, and laboratory studies. Since these tumors are rare and aggressive, early and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Healthcare professionals typically begin with a physical examination and review of symptoms such as abdominal swelling, pain, or the presence of a lump in the testicles or …
Yolk Sac Tumor
A yolk sac tumor — also called an endodermal sinus tumor — is a cancer that forms in cells that eventually become eggs or sperm. A type of germ cell tumor, yolk sac tumors usually start in either your ovaries or testicles. But in rare cases, these masses form in places other than your reproductive organs. Although they’re rare overall, yolk sac tumors are the most …
Autoimmune Encephalitis
Diagnosis Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the brain, causing inflammation and neurological symptoms. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial, as AE can be misdiagnosed as other neurological or psychiatric conditions. Evaluation: A healthcare professional reviews your symptoms, medical history, and conducts a physical and neurological exam. Diagnostic Criteria: Specialists use AE criteria, looking …
Autoimmune Encephalitis
Diagnosis Autoimmune encephalitis diagnosis involves a review of your symptoms, a physical exam and several tests. It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis because autoimmune encephalitis, also known as AE, can be mistaken for other diseases. Experts have created autoimmune encephalitis criteria to help healthcare professionals diagnose people with AE. Healthcare professionals look for patterns of symptoms that signal AE. …
Autoimmune Epilepsy
Diagnosis Autoimmune epilepsy is a type of epilepsy caused by the immune system attacking brain cells. Diagnosis begins with a physical exam and a detailed review of symptoms. Lab tests: Detect antibodies in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is collected via a lumbar puncture, where a needle removes fluid from the lower back for testing. Some people with …
Autoimmune Epilepsy
Autoimmune epilepsy is a type of epilepsy where seizures are caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking brain cells. It can occur with conditions that affect the immune system, especially autoimmune encephalitis. Autoimmune epilepsy also is known as autoimmune associated epilepsy and acute symptomatic seizures secondary to autoimmune encephalitis. The immune system protects the body from viruses, bacteria and other …
Turner Syndrome
Healthcare providers may diagnose Turner syndrome at any stage of a child’s development after birth. Sometimes, they can detect the condition before birth with the following tests: Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT): This is a screening blood test for the pregnant parent. It checks for signs that show an increased chance of a chromosomal issue with the fetus. Not every pregnant …