Diagnosis There is no single test that can confirm a diagnosis of primary lateral sclerosis. The condition shares symptoms with other neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Because of this overlap, diagnosis usually involves multiple tests to rule out other causes. A healthcare professional begins by reviewing your medical and family history and performing a detailed neurological …

Diagnosis Your healthcare provider will typically begin by reviewing your medical history and performing a physical exam, including listening to your chest with a stethoscope. To confirm pleurisy and identify its cause, additional tests may be recommended: • Blood tests. These can detect infections or autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, which can present with pleurisy.• Chest X-ray. …

Diagnosis Placental abruption is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical examination, and imaging tests. Your healthcare professional will evaluate for signs such as vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and uterine tenderness or contractions. Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, may be used to check for a separation of the placenta from the uterine wall. However, ultrasound may not always detect a small …

Diagnosis Placenta previa is diagnosed using ultrasound, either during a routine prenatal checkup or after an episode of vaginal bleeding. Most cases are identified during a second-trimester ultrasound. The initial exam may use an abdominal ultrasound device. For more precise imaging, a transvaginal ultrasound may be performed, using a wandlike device inserted into the vagina. Care is taken to avoid …

Diagnosis If you have risk factors for placenta accreta during pregnancy, such as placenta previa or a history of uterine surgery, your healthcare provider will carefully assess how the placenta is implanted. Imaging tests like ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help evaluate the depth of placental implantation in the uterine wall. Treatment When placenta accreta is suspected, your …

Diagnosis Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is diagnosed through imaging tests that reveal the size, number, and location of kidney cysts. These tests also help assess how much healthy kidney tissue remains. Common diagnostic tests include:• MRI scan: Provides detailed images of the kidneys, liver, and pancreas. It helps measure total kidney volume and assess disease progression.• Ultrasound: A transducer sends …

Diagnosis A healthcare professional can often diagnose tinea versicolor simply by examining the affected skin. In many cases, a skin scraping is taken to check for fungus under a microscope. This is a quick and painless in-office procedure. If uncertainty remains, a skin biopsy may be recommended. A biopsy involves removing a small tissue sample for laboratory testing. Treatment Treatment …

Diagnosis In most cases, a healthcare provider can identify pityriasis rosea by examining the rash. Sometimes, additional tests such as a skin scraping or a skin biopsy may be needed. A skin biopsy involves taking a small sample of the affected skin to help distinguish pityriasis rosea from other similar rashes. Treatment Pityriasis rosea usually resolves on its own within …

Diagnosis Pituitary tumors often go unnoticed because their symptoms can be similar to other medical conditions and they grow slowly. Functioning adenomas make hormones, while large tumors are called macroadenomas. Small nonfunctioning microadenomas usually do not cause symptoms and are often found incidentally during imaging exams, such as MRI or CT scans, done for other reasons. To diagnose a pituitary …

Diagnosis A pinworm infection can usually be diagnosed by your healthcare professional through an examination of the anal area and sometimes underwear to look for worms. For small children, you may be instructed to check these areas at night, about 2 to 3 hours after your child goes to sleep. Another common method is the tape test, which can be …