
Differential diagnosis
Differential diagnosis is a systematic method used by healthcare professionals to identify a specific illness or condition among various possibilities. When a patient presents symptoms, doctors consider and evaluate several potential causes by comparing them based on evidence, patient history, and test results. This approach ensures that they don't overlook serious conditions that may share similar symptoms. The goal is to narrow down the list of possible diagnoses to find the most accurate one, enabling appropriate and effective treatment for the patient.