photo of a magnifying glass on a laptop keyboard

Don’t Delay Diagnosis: Common Diseases That Can Be Detected Before They Become Critical

Hey there! Ever felt that nagging feeling something might be off, but brushed it aside? You’re not alone. Early signs of many health problems can be subtle, but catching them early can make a world of difference.

This blog is your friendly nudge to take charge of your health. We’ll explore some common conditions, the sneaky symptoms you might miss, and how doctors use amazing tools like MRI scans to get a clear picture. Few statistics in just UK show alarming numbers for some of these common issues:

Arthritis: Over 10 million people in the UK have arthritis, with an estimated 450,000 adults diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and 190,000 adults estimated to have Psoriatic Arthritis. Around a third of the UK population, over 20 million people, live with a musculoskeletal condition[7].

Osteoporosis: 3 million people in the UK have osteoporosis, and 500,000 fragility fractures occur each year. The most common sites for fractures are the hip, wrist, and spinal bones[6][7].
Tendonitis and bursitis: The most commonly reported musculoskeletal diseases were “tendinitis or capsulitis” (15.4% of men, 17.2% of women) and bursitis[8].

We’ve all been there! This is your chance to take control and stay on top of things. Let’s catch things early and keep you healthy!

Stroke

Early Symptoms: Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, severe headache, visual disturbances, walking difficulties, or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side of the body.

Diagnostic Methods: Diagnosis of a stroke can involve several methods including a physical examination, CT scans, MRI scans, and blood tests to help identify the type of stroke and the affected areas.

Arthritis

Early Symptoms: Early signs include joint stiffness, swelling, pain, and decreased range of motion. Symptoms may worsen after periods of inactivity or during rainy weather.

Diagnostic Methods: X-rays and MRI scans are common for assessing joint damage. Blood tests and physical examinations also help diagnose different types of arthritis.

Osteoporosis

Early Symptoms: Often termed a silent disease because early symptoms are rare. It might be noticed when a minor fall or sudden impact causes a bone fracture.

Diagnostic Methods: Bone density tests (DEXA scans) are the standard for measuring bone mineral density. MRI Scans can be used to assess bone density and structural integrity in more detail.

Tendonitis and Bursitis

Early Symptoms: The main symptoms include pain and tenderness around joints — especially shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and hips — that worsens with movement.

Diagnostic Methods: Diagnosis often involves physical exams, ultrasound, and MRI scan to distinguish between tendonitis and bursitis by visualizing the affected soft tissue.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Early Symptoms: Symptoms depend on the severity and location of the injury but may include loss of movement, loss of sensation, uncontrollable reflex activities, and difficulty breathing.

Diagnostic Methods: MRI scans are critical for viewing the extent of the spinal cord injury. Additional diagnostics may include CT scans and X-rays.

Herniated Discs

Early Symptoms:Pain and numbness, most commonly on one side of the body; pain that extends to your arms or legs; pain that worsens at night or with certain movements.

Diagnostic Methods:MRI is the most effective diagnostic tool for viewing detailed images of spinal discs and identifying the extent of the herniation. X-rays and CT scans may also be used.

Carotid Artery Disease

Early Symptoms: This disease may be silent until it’s severe enough to precipitate a stroke. Possible early signs could include a transient ischemic attack (TIA), where symptoms mirror those of a stroke but are temporary.

Diagnostic Methods: Carotid ultrasound is the primary diagnostic method to check for plaques and blood flow obstruction in the carotid arteries. MRI scans can also be used to obtain detailed images of the arteries and surrounding tissues.

Conclusion

Spotting a problem early is key to feeling better faster! That’s why MRIs are such a valuable tool for doctors. There are several companies that help you get Private MRI without GP referral to avoid long waiting times for GP consultations and MRI scans. If you experience any of the symptoms described above, consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and appropriate diagnostic tests. Remember, early diagnosis can lead to better treatment outcomes and prevent severe complications.