Your healthcare provider may diagnose a scorpion sting with a “tap test.” In this test, your provider will tap the place where you were stung to see if the pain gets worse. This reaction is an indicator of a scorpion sting.
Sclerosing Mesenteritis
Your healthcare provider will take radiological images of your mesentery to look for the characteristic signs of sclerosing mesenteritis. They may see the first signs on an abdominal ultrasound, which is quick and easy to do. When they suspect SM, they’ll proceed to a more sensitive imaging test, such as a CT scan (computed tomography scan) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). They’ll look for a …
Scleroderma
A healthcare provider will diagnose scleroderma with a physical exam and some tests. You might need to visit a rheumatologist, a healthcare provider who specializes in treating autoimmune disorders. They’ll examine your body and ask you about your symptoms. Tell your provider which symptoms you’re experiencing, when you first noticed them and if anything seems to make them worse. You’ll also need a …
Sciatica
A healthcare provider can diagnose sciatica using a combination of methods. They’ll review your medical history and ask about your symptoms. They’ll also do a physical examination. That exam will include: Walking. Sciatica often causes visible changes in how you walk. Your provider will watch for those changes as part of diagnosing sciatica. Straight leg raise test. This involves having you lie …
Spinal Cord Injury
A healthcare provider can usually diagnose a spinal cord injury using multiple methods, including: A physical exam. Your provider does this to look for clues or evidence of the injury’s extent. A neurological exam. Your provider will do this to test specific abilities of your nervous system. This involves seeing if you can move your limbs by testing your strength and checking …
Schwannomatosis
A healthcare provider will diagnose schwannomatosis after a physical exam and testing. During the exam, your provider will learn more about your symptoms and your family medical history. Because symptoms of schwannomatosis look similar to other conditions and the source of pain may be difficult to find, a schwannomatosis diagnosis may not happen immediately. Fortunately, healthcare providers use updated diagnostic criteria to …
Schwannoma
You may have a schwannoma for several years before getting diagnosed, as they grow slowly and often cause no symptoms at first. If you’re experiencing symptoms, your healthcare provider will likely order imaging tests. They may also find a schwannoma accidentally when reviewing imaging test results you had for another medical reason. Imaging tests that can help diagnose a schwannoma …
Schizophrenia
Your (or your loved one’s) healthcare provider can diagnose schizophrenia or its related disorders based on a combination of questions they ask, the symptoms you describe or by observing your actions. They’ll also ask questions to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms. They then compare what they find to the criteria required for a schizophrenia diagnosis. According to …
Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizoaffective disorder is challenging to diagnose, as symptoms closely resemble other mental health conditions. The first step in making a diagnosis is speaking up. If you’re concerned about a friend or loved one who shows symptoms of schizophrenia and a mood disorder, have a conversation with that person. It can be difficult for someone who experiences a mental health condition …
Scarlet Fever
Your healthcare provider will do a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms. They’ll usually do a rapid strep test to check for the group A strep bacteria. This test involves swabbing your throat and testing the sample. The test quickly shows if the bacteria is the cause of your illness. However, it can miss up to 30% of …