Diagnosis To diagnose REM sleep behavior disorder, your doctor reviews your medical history and symptoms to understand how they relate to your sleep patterns. Evaluation typically involves a combination of clinical interviews, physical examinations and specialized sleep testing to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis. A physical and neurological exam is an important first step. Your doctor checks …

Diagnosis Diagnosis of recurrent breast cancer begins when a doctor suspects a return of cancer based on a physical exam, mammogram findings or new symptoms. To confirm the diagnosis, imaging tests may be recommended. These tests vary depending on individual needs and may include MRI, CT scan, X-ray, bone scan or PET scan. Not everyone requires every imaging test, and …

Diagnosis Diagnosis of a rectovaginal fistula often begins with a discussion of symptoms and a physical exam. During the exam, a healthcare provider checks the vagina, anus and perineum using a gloved hand to look for signs of a fistula, infection, tumor or abscess. A small tool may be inserted through the fistula opening to help locate the tunnel. If …

Diagnosis Sometimes rectal prolapse can be difficult to distinguish from hemorrhoids. To confirm rectal prolapse and rule out other conditions affecting the rectal area, several tests may be recommended. A digital rectal exam is often the first step. During this exam, a healthcare professional inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to check the strength of the anal …

Diagnosis Your healthcare professional begins by asking about your symptoms and medical history and performing a physical exam. Because other conditions can cause similar symptoms, additional tests may be done to rule out related medical problems. A key diagnostic test is nailfold capillaroscopy, which helps distinguish between primary and secondary Raynaud’s by examining the skin at the base of a …

Diagnosis Diagnosing tachycardia involves a thorough physical examination, a detailed medical history and specific tests to confirm a fast heartbeat and identify its cause. During the evaluation, a healthcare professional asks about symptoms, lifestyle habits and any related medical issues. Several tests may be used to pinpoint the source of the rapid heart rate. An electrocardiogram is often the first …

Diagnosis Diagnosis for radiation enteritis often begins with a discussion of your medical history and a physical exam. Your health care provider may use different tests to examine the intestines and identify inflammation or damage caused by radiation therapy. To view the inside of your small intestine, an endoscopy may be done using a long flexible tube with a camera …

Diagnosis At the time a potentially rabid animal bites you, there is no immediate way to confirm whether the rabies virus has entered your body. Bite marks may not always be visible, and early symptoms rarely appear right away. Your doctor may order several tests to look for evidence of the virus, but these tests often need to be repeated …

Diagnosis To diagnose pyoderma gangrenosum, a healthcare professional reviews your symptoms, medical history and performs a physical exam. There is no single test that can confirm the condition. Because other health issues can cause similar symptoms, testing is used to rule out those possibilities. These may include blood tests, a chest X-ray, a colon exam or a skin biopsy. A …

Diagnosis To diagnose pyloric stenosis, a healthcare professional asks about symptoms and performs a physical exam. In some babies, an olive-shaped lump may be felt in the upper belly. This lump represents the enlarged pyloric muscle and is more likely to be detected in later stages of the condition. Wavelike stomach contractions may also be seen during the exam, especially …