Study highlights need for accurate MRI testing
A recent study conducted with help from a New York radiologist has demonstrated that breast MRIs are susceptible to major error when they are performed while the patient is in the wrong position. The researchers say that MRIs should be done while the patient is in the supine position, also known as lying face-up, so that they can have the best opportunity for successful surgical results.
Dehydration hard to diagnose in the elderly
During the summer months, older New York City residents may be at risk for becoming dehydrated. The effects of dehydration can range from minor dizziness to heat stroke. Elderly people have a propensity to become dehydrated due to the medications they take, forgetfulness about eating or drinking and weaker thirst sensations. At the same time, it can be challenging for doctors to diagnose elderly people with dehydration.
Urine tests may misdiagnose dehydration in elderly individuals
For many New York residents, dehydration can cause a number of symptoms that can range from dizziness to an increased risk for heat stroke. For elderly patients, however, dehydration can become more likely due to reduced thirst sensations, lack of hunger and medications. While there are signs and tests, such as urine tests, to determine if a person is dehydrated, they may not be as accurate in older individuals.
Study finds problems with teledermatology
New York residents who are unable to travel to the doctor sometimes use telemedicine to diagnose and treat medical conditions remotely. One area of telemedicine that is becoming popular is teledermatology. Several teledermatology websites allow patients to send photographs to be used for diagnosis and treatment of various conditions.
Failure to Diagnose a Stroke and Medical Malpractice
The third leading cause of death in the United States is stroke, killing more than 140,000 people each year. Approximately 795,000 people suffer a stroke each year. Of these, roughly 600,000 are first attacks, while about 185,000 are recurrent attacks.
Cancers with few symptoms can be difficult to diagnose
New York City residents may have access to some of the best medical professionals in the world, but even the best doctors can sometimes make mistakes. Some serious diseases, including some specific types of cancer, can be difficult to diagnose because they have few or no symptoms in the early stages when they are the most treatable.
Artificial intelligence could predict heart failure
Researchers are using artificial intelligence to better predict heart failure. The process has the potential to identify at-risk patients in New York and across the country up to nine months earlier than doctors.
Prostate cancer and diagnostic challenges
A large number of men in New York will develop prostate cancer as they get older. Some of those men will not be diagnosed before the cancer has spread.
Reasons to consider a mesothelioma specialist
New York patients who are diagnosed with mesothelioma may want to think about switching to a specialist. Mesothelioma is a complex form of cancer, and in some cases, a person might benefit from working with a doctor who has experience treating the disease.
Doctors more likely to misdiagnose difficult patients
New York residents might be surprised to learn that patients who are deemed “difficult” by doctors are at increased risk for a misdiagnosis, according to two new studies published in the journal BMJ Quality and Safety. Researchers say the reason is that physicians faced with difficult patients are more likely to be distracted from their clinical work, particularly when dealing with complex medical cases.