DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Differential diagnosis refers to the process of determining the specific medical condition or disease that best explains a patient's symptoms and signs. It involves considering a range of possible diagnoses and then systematically evaluating and comparing them in order to reach the most accurate conclusion.
In medical practice, doctors often encounter patients whose symptoms are not clearly indicative of a particular condition. The purpose of differential diagnosis is to distinguish between these potential diagnoses by considering various patient-related factors, such as medical history, physical examination findings, laboratory results, and imaging studies. The goal is to first compile a list of possible diagnoses called the differential diagnoses, and then progressively narrow down the list through a logical and evidence-based approach.
Differential diagnosis requires careful consideration of the different diseases or conditions that can present with similar symptoms, as well as an understanding of the relative likelihood of each possibility considering various factors. This process often involves thinking critically, relying on clinical experience, and utilizing diagnostic aids such as diagnostic algorithms and guidelines.
Performing an accurate differential diagnosis is crucial for providing appropriate and effective treatment to patients. It allows healthcare professionals to choose the most suitable diagnostic tests, initiate timely interventions, and avoid unnecessary treatments or interventions that may be associated with adverse effects.
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The determination as to which of two or more diseases with similar symptoms it is that the patient is suffering from.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
- sifferential diagnosis
- xifferential diagnosis
- cifferential diagnosis
- fifferential diagnosis
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- eifferential diagnosis
- dufferential diagnosis
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- d8fferential diagnosis
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- dirferential diagnosis
- difderential diagnosis
Etymology of DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
The word "differential diagnosis" has its roots in Latin and Greek. Here is a breakdown of its etymology:
1. "Differential" comes from the Latin word "differentia" (meaning "distinction" or "difference") which is derived from the verb "differre" (meaning "to differ" or "to carry apart"). In medical context, "differential" refers to distinguishing or identifying different possible causes or conditions.
2. "Diagnosis" originates from the Greek word "diagnōsis" (meaning "a discerning"), which is derived from the verb "diagnōsthai" (meaning "to discern" or "to distinguish"). It refers to identifying or determining the nature or cause of a disease or disorder.
Therefore, when combined, "differential diagnosis" refers to the process of distinguishing and identifying various possible causes or conditions that could explain a patient's symptoms or signs.
Similar spelling words for DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
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