Nerve Pain Diagnosis
Nerve pain in the body can either be chronic or acute. It can also be mild, moderate or severe. There are no tests available that will give a doctor a definitive nerve pain diagnosis. When doctors are diagnosing nerve pain they often use a variety of tests to make a diagnosis.
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Physical Exam
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When a patient complains of pain and a doctor confirms that the patient's pain is nerve-related, she will first perform a physical exam. During this exam she will look for obvious signs of trauma and will test things such as the patient's reflexes and balance. The doctor will also thoroughly discuss the patient's symptoms with him.
Blood and Urine
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After a physical exam in complete, the patient may be asked to provide some blood and urine samples. These samples are not used to diagnose nerve pain. They are used to either diagnose the underlying condition that could be causing the nerve pain or to rule out certain medical conditions.
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CT Scan
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According to Radiology Info, a CT scan, also referred to as a CAT scan, is a diagnostic imaging test that can be used to diagnose the cause of nerve pain. This imaging technique can provide cross-sectional images, and multiple images of the inside of the patient's body. Radiology Info states that this type of imaging can be helpful in diagnosing nerve pain that may be caused by cancers, musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular disease, trauma or infectious disease.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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According to Radiology Info, magnetic resonance imaging, also referred to as an MRI, can be used to diagnose the cause of nerve pain. This imaging technique uses radio frequency pulses, a strong magnetic field, and a computer to create very detailed images of soft tissues, internal body structures, organs and bones. Magnetic resonance imaging can be helpful when trying to diagnose nerve pain that may be caused by diseases of the internal organs, tumors, trauma or spinal-related problems.
Electromyogram
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An electromyogram is a diagnostic test that is often used when doctors are trying to make a nerve pain diagnosis. This diagnostic test records the electrical activity going on in the patient's muscles. This test can also be used to determine how much nerve damage is present. According to Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Center, an electromyogram can be beneficial in diagnosing nerve pain that may be caused by muscular dystrophy, spinal disc herniation, muscle inflammation, myasthenia gravis, pinched nerves, amytrophic lateral sclerosis or pinched nerves.
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