Sometimes "silent" kidney stones are diagnosed as
a result of X-rays taken in the course of a general health examination.
More often, it is the sudden pain that signals the stone's presence.
X-ray examination can be used to verify the presence of a stone.
The X-ray exam provides the physician with information about size of the stone, location and possibly, composition. Following diagnosis and treatment, the physician may recommend analyses of the blood and urine to help determine the cause of kidney stones to help guide the proper course of management.
In some cases, the doctor may order additional imaging such as CT scan
or ultrasound in order to assess the degree of blockage and exact location and to help guide treatment recommendations. |
