Diagnosis Progressive supranuclear palsy can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms often resemble those of Parkinson’s disease. Your healthcare professional may suspect progressive supranuclear palsy rather than Parkinson’s if you: Do not have tremors. Experience frequent unexplained falls. Have little, temporary, or no response to Parkinson’s medicines. Have difficulty moving your eyes, particularly downward. Imaging tests may help confirm …
Diagnosis To diagnose proctitis, your healthcare professional may use several tests and procedures: Blood tests to check for blood loss or infection. Stool test to detect bacterial infections or other causes. Flexible sigmoidoscopy. A slender, flexible, lighted tube called a sigmoidoscope is inserted into the rectum to examine the lower colon. Small tissue samples may be collected for biopsy. Colonoscopy. …
Diagnosis To diagnose a primary immunodeficiency disorder, a healthcare professional asks about a history of frequent or severe illnesses and whether any close relatives have an inherited immune system disorder. A physical examination is also performed to look for signs of immune system problems. Several tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis. Blood testsBlood tests can show whether levels …
Diagnosis Your healthcare professional reviews your personal and family medical history and performs a physical examination. Several tests and procedures may be used to diagnose primary biliary cholangitis. Blood tests are commonly ordered and include: Liver testsThese tests measure levels of specific proteins and enzymes that can signal liver disease and injury to the bile ducts. Antibody tests for autoimmune …
Diagnosis To diagnose preterm labor, your healthcare professional reviews your medical history, risk factors for preterm birth, and current symptoms. If you have regular uterine contractions and your cervix begins to soften, thin, and open before 37 weeks of pregnancy, you may be in preterm labor. Several tests and procedures are used to confirm the diagnosis and assess risk: Pelvic …
Diagnosis Doctors usually diagnose prescription drug abuse by reviewing a person’s medical history and discussing medication use, symptoms, and lifestyle habits. Honest answers to questions about how prescription drugs are taken, how often they are used, and why they are used are an important part of the diagnostic process. In some cases, physical signs and behavioral changes may also suggest …
Diagnosis Presbyopia is diagnosed during a routine eye examination that includes a refraction assessment and an overall eye health evaluation. A refraction assessment helps determine whether you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia. During this part of the exam, your eye doctor uses different instruments and asks you to look through multiple lenses to test both distance and close-up vision. …
Diagnosis There are no specific physical findings or laboratory tests that can definitively diagnose premenstrual syndrome. A healthcare provider may link certain symptoms to PMS when they occur as part of a consistent and predictable premenstrual pattern. To help identify this pattern, you may be asked to track your signs and symptoms on a calendar or in a diary for …
Diagnosis Most women with primary ovarian insufficiency show few symptoms, but your healthcare provider may suspect the condition if you have irregular menstrual cycles or difficulty conceiving. Diagnosis usually begins with a physical examination, including a pelvic exam, and a discussion of your medical history, menstrual cycle, exposure to toxins such as chemotherapy or radiation, and any previous ovarian surgery. …
Diagnosis To diagnose premature ejaculation, a healthcare provider asks questions about sexual activity and overall health history. A physical examination may also be performed. When premature ejaculation occurs along with difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, blood tests may be ordered to check hormone levels. In some situations, a referral may be made to a urologist or a mental health …