How is juvenile arthritis diagnosed?
Children may require considerable evaluation if the diagnosis of juvenile arthritis is being considered. The signs and symptoms of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) vary from child to child. There is no single test that makes the diagnosis of JRA. Therefore, your doctor may go though many steps to find out if your child really does have JRA. The main steps involved in diagnosis are: • taking the child’s health history • physical examination • laboratory tests • X-ray examinations • tests of joint fluid and other tissues In order to make a diagnosis of JRA, the arthritis must have been constantly present for six or more consecutive weeks. Medical history To make a correct diagnosis, the doctor will ask questions about your child’s recent symptoms, medications she is taking, and any previous medical problems. The doctor may also want to know if other members of the family have had any other form of arthritis, since some forms may be inherited. Physical examination During the physical e
