Final answer:
To investigate a child's medical issue, a CT scan of the brain is useful for neurological conditions, blood tests for general health, and urine tests for metabolic conditions. X-rays are employed for skull trauma or bone issues. Treatment may include medication or surgery, depending on the diagnosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Deciding which investigations to perform on a child with a medical issue involves carefully considering the symptoms and potential diagnoses. Blood tests are generally useful for a broad range of conditions, providing information about the overall health, presence of infections, and organ function. Urine tests help in diagnosing kidney problems, metabolic conditions, and infections. An X-ray of the skull is often used if trauma is suspected or to assess for bone abnormalities. A CT scan of the brain is particularly useful in the evaluation of neurological conditions, such as after a seizure to look for possible causes like bleeding or tumors, as well as strokes or significant brain atrophy.
A neurologist, upon examining a new patient, will take a full medical history and perform a complete physical examination, with specific attention to the nervous system. Depending on the initial findings, different investigations may be warranted. For instance, if a patient is experiencing seizures, an electroencephalography (EEG) might be conducted. In cases of suspected neurological conditions like stroke or tumor, a CT scan could be a critical next step.
If a diagnosis of a neurological condition is made, treatment options may include medications, or in some cases, a referral to a neurosurgeon for the possibility of surgery. For non-neurological conditions, treatments will vary based on the specific diagnosis but could include medication, lifestyle changes, or other forms of therapy.