ILLNESSES THAT DOCTORS MISDIAGNOSE

Mar
24
2009

1) Fever— a recent study of persistent, unexplained fevers in children discovered that doctors who used an assortment of imaging tests, such as X- rays or Catscans, failed to make a diagnosis 66 percent of the time. The finding suggests that doctors should pay more attention to the symptoms, rely on basic laboratory findings and observe the child over time, in order to properly diagnose fevers.

2) Parkinson’s disease— a degeneration of the nerve cells in the brain, the symptoms of this disease may include tremors, rigidity, and a shuffling gait. It can be hard to diagnose because the symptoms in the early stages can appear similar to those of other afflictions, including stroke.

3) Clinical depression— this is a disorder which is caused by a biochemical imbalance in the brain. It involves serious mood disturbances which impair the person’s ability to function.

There are many possible symptoms of clinical depression including persistent sadness, emptiness or anxiety; loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities including sex; fatigue; changes in sleeping patterns; sudden fluctuations in weight; to concentrate or make decisions; forgetfulness; apathy; and thoughts of death or suicide.

The problems in diagnosing clinical depression arise from doctors who are not trained to detect a major depressive disorder. Such doctors are apt to misdiagnose the condition about half of the time. In many cases it is diagnosed as a “low” mood brought about by a stressful situation. Other times it is attributed to physical problems. Among elderly people, the symptoms of clinical depression are often misdiagnosed as the early stages of senility.

4) Multiple sclerosis— a progressive central nervous system disease which is thought to result from the breakdown of the myelin sheaths which protect and insulate nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord.

The most common initial symptom of multiple sclerosis is numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. Other symptoms may include visual disturbances, muscle weaknesses, poor bladder control, balance problems or dizziness, or tremors.

The main problems involved with diagnosing this disease are that the early symptoms can easily be mistaken for other disorders, and the symptoms often disappear after a few weeks and then return months or years later.

5) Hypoglycemia— this is a condition in which the sugar content of the blood is abnormally low. The condition, which is common among diabetics can also be due to an underactive thyroid, improper diet or allergies, or emotional problems.

Two to five hours after each meal, a person with hypoglycemia may experience weakness, trembling, dizziness, sweating, fatigue, hunger, craving for sweets, and anxiety.

Current tests for hypoglycemia are not always conclusive. Some doctors may also be skeptical that such a condition exists at all, causing the illness to go undetected and unchecked.