Can a neurologist detect lupus?

Can a neurologist detect lupus?

Different medical specialists (e.g. rheumatologist, neurologist, psychiatrist) and neuropsychologists can find out if your nervous system problems are related to lupus. You may need to have tests, including: Lab tests, like blood tests. Brain scans, like a CT or MRI of your head.

Is lupus considered a disability?

For Social Security’s purposes, lupus qualifies as a disability when it meets these conditions: It involves two or more organs or body systems. It includes at least two major signs or symptoms, such as severe fatigue, fever, malaise, and involuntary weight loss.

How are blood tests used to diagnose lupus?

Lupus Blood Tests Several blood tests can be performed to detect specific auto-antibodies and help make the diagnosis of lupus. These blood tests are not conclusive by themselves, but combining the tests with certain physical findings can help to corroborate a diagnosis.

Can a positive ANA test diagnose systemic lupus?

Therefore, a positive ANA test alone is never enough to diagnosis systemic lupus. Rather, a physician will order an ANA test if the patient first exhibits other signs of lupus. This is because by itself, the test has low diagnostic specificity for systemic lupus, but its value increases as a patient meets other clinical criteria.

Can a positive lupus test be a negative?

Test results that suggest lupus can be due to other illnesses or can even be seen in healthy people. A test result may be positive one time and negative another time. Different laboratories may produce different test results.

What does a high blood count in lupus mean?

A complete blood count, or CBC, which measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. An abnormal CBC is common in people with lupus. The CBC may show that you have: 1-3 High white cell count, which means you have an infection or are taking steroids.