Diagnosis Identifying child abuse or neglect can be challenging and requires a thorough evaluation of the situation, including physical and behavioral observations. Factors that may be considered in determining child abuse include: Physical examination to assess injuries or signs of abuse or neglect Lab tests, X-rays, or other diagnostic tests Review of the child’s medical and developmental history Observation of …
Chilblains
Diagnosis To diagnose chilblains, your health care provider will examine the affected skin and discuss your symptoms and any recent exposure to cold. Mention if you are unsure about being in below-freezing temperatures, as frostbite may be a concern. To rule out other conditions, blood tests may be needed. Your health care provider might also take a small sample of …
Costochondritis
Diagnosis To diagnose costochondritis, a healthcare professional performs a physical examination focused on your chest and rib area. During the exam, your provider will: Press along the breastbone to check for tenderness or swelling. Move your rib cage or arms in specific ways to see if these motions reproduce the pain. Because the pain of costochondritis can resemble that of …
Chest Pain
Diagnosis Chest pain does not always mean a heart attack, but because it can be life-threatening, emergency medical professionals first test for heart-related and serious lung conditions, such as a collapsed lung or a blood clot in the lung. Immediate Tests To quickly determine the cause of chest pain, the following tests are often done first: Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): …
Chemo Brain
Diagnosis There are no specific tests to diagnose chemo brain. People with cancer who experience symptoms of chemo brain often perform within typical ranges on memory or cognitive tests. A healthcare professional makes a diagnosis based on your symptoms and medical history. To rule out other possible causes of your symptoms, your healthcare professional may recommend: Blood tests to check …
Drug Addiction (Substance Use Disorder)
Diagnosis Diagnosing drug addiction (substance use disorder) involves a detailed evaluation and usually includes assessment by a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed drug counselor. Lab Tests: Blood, urine, or other laboratory tests may be done to detect recent drug use, but these are not diagnostic for addiction. They are mainly used for treatment monitoring and recovery tracking. DSM-5 Criteria: Diagnosis is …
Hip Dysplasia
Diagnosis Diagnosis of hip dysplasia often begins during infancy. During routine well-baby visits, healthcare professionals check for hip dysplasia by gently moving the baby’s legs into different positions to see how well the hip joint fits together. If there are signs that the hip is not stable or properly aligned, a hip ultrasound may be performed to look for evidence …
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
Diagnosis To diagnose Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a healthcare professional will review your medical history and perform a physical examination to look for common symptoms such as muscle weakness, loss of sensation, or foot deformities. The following tests can help determine the cause and extent of nerve damage: Nerve conduction studies: Measure the strength and speed of electrical signals through the nerves. …
Cystic Fibrosis
Diagnosis To diagnose cystic fibrosis (CF), healthcare professionals perform a physical examination, review symptoms, and conduct specific tests to assess lung, digestive, and genetic health. Newborn Screening and Diagnosis Every state in the U.S. routinely screens newborns for cystic fibrosis. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin as soon as possible. Tests include: Newborn screening: A few drops of blood are …
Cervicitis
Diagnosis To diagnose cervicitis, your doctor will likely begin with a physical examination and additional lab tests to identify the underlying cause. The diagnostic process may include: Pelvic exam: During this exam, your doctor checks your pelvic organs for areas of swelling or tenderness. A speculum may be inserted into the vagina to examine the cervix and vaginal walls. Specimen …









