Diagnosis There is no single test to confirm persistent post-concussive symptoms. Healthcare professionals typically start with a thorough medical history and may use the following assessments: • Neurological exam to test memory, thinking, senses, strength, coordination, and reflexes• Neurological testing to further evaluate concentration, memory, language, thinking, and planning skills• Imaging such as CT or MRI scans to check for …
Peritonitis
Diagnosis To diagnose peritonitis, a healthcare professional reviews your medical history and performs a physical exam. In some cases, symptoms alone, especially in people on peritoneal dialysis, may be enough to make a diagnosis. Additional tests that may be recommended include: • Blood tests to check for increased white blood cells, which indicate infection or inflammation. Blood cultures may be …
Peripheral Neuropathy
Diagnosis To diagnose a peripheral nerve tumor, a healthcare professional reviews your medical history and asks about symptoms. A general physical and neurological exam is performed to assess nerve function. Diagnostic tests may include: • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses magnets and radio waves to create a detailed 3D view of nerves and surrounding tissue.• Computerized tomography (CT), where …
Peripheral Nerve Tumors
Diagnosis To diagnose a peripheral nerve tumor, a healthcare professional reviews your medical history and asks about symptoms. A general physical and neurological exam is performed to assess nerve function. Diagnostic tests may include: • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses magnets and radio waves to create a detailed 3D view of nerves and surrounding tissue.• Computerized tomography (CT), where …
Peripheral Nerve Injuries
Diagnosis To diagnose peripheral nerve injuries, a healthcare professional reviews your medical history, asking about accidents, surgeries, and current symptoms. A physical and neurological exam is conducted to assess nerve function. Diagnostic tests may include: • Electromyography (EMG), which uses a thin-needle electrode inserted into the muscle to record electrical activity at rest and during movement. Reduced activity can suggest …
Perimenopause
Diagnosis Perimenopause is a gradual transition, and there is no single test or symptom that confirms its onset. Healthcare professionals evaluate several factors, including age, menstrual history, and the presence of symptoms or bodily changes. Hormone tests may sometimes be ordered to check levels, but except for thyroid testing—which can affect hormone balance—these tests are generally not helpful because hormone …
Pemphigus
Diagnosis Diagnosis of pemphigus begins with a healthcare professional reviewing your medical history and symptoms, followed by a physical examination of the affected area. Additional tests may include: • Biopsy. A small sample of blister tissue is taken and examined in a lab to confirm pemphigus.• Blood tests. These tests detect specific antibodies in the blood that are associated with …
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Diagnosis Diagnosis of pelvic organ prolapse starts with a medical history and a pelvic exam. This helps your healthcare professional determine the type of prolapse you may have. Additional tests may include: • Pelvic floor strength tests. During a pelvic exam, the provider evaluates the strength of the pelvic floor and sphincter muscles, which support the vaginal walls, uterus, rectum, …
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Diagnosis There is no single test that can definitively diagnose pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Healthcare providers use a combination of information from: • Medical history. Your provider may ask about your sexual activity, history of sexually transmitted infections, and birth control methods.• Signs and symptoms. Share all symptoms you are experiencing, even if they seem mild.• Pelvic exam. The provider …
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Diagnosis There is no single test that can definitively diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Diagnosis typically begins with a discussion of symptoms, medical history, medications, menstrual cycles, and weight changes. A physical exam may include checking for signs of excess hair growth, acne, or insulin resistance. Additional diagnostic tools may include:• Pelvic exam: Evaluates reproductive organs for growths, masses, or …