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Differential diagnosis - Definition and Overview |
| Related Words: Accurate, Algorithmic, Aroma, Attribute, Badge, Brand, Cachet, Cardinal, Cast, Character, Characteristic, Classificatory, Cogwheel, Configuration, Critical, Cut, Decimal |
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Differential diagnosis is the process by which a doctor arrives at diagnosis in complicated medical problems. It is more systematic than the old-fashioned method of diagnosis by gestalt (impression).
After performing a medical interview (history) and a physical examination, the doctor collates the abnormal findings and (for each of them) makes a list of the most likely causes. In the general setting, these lists are each about 3-4 items long.
When this process has been completed, medical imaging or blood tests may help to eliminate possible causes, until the most likely cause becomes the arrived diagnosis.
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