: the distinguishing of a disease or condition from others presenting with similar signs and symptoms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebMore often, though, differential diagnosis is a long, sometimes discouraging, process that involves interrogating multiple explanations for each symptom.WIRED, 2 Sep. 2022 But with no diagnostic criteria—except the minor’s statement—there is no differential diagnosis. Elliot Kaufman, WSJ, 23 Aug. 2022 Physicians and historians of medicine have long bickered over a differential diagnosis of Tiny Tim’s unspecified illness, with guesses ranging from cerebral palsy to rickets to renal tubal acidosis. Natalie Shure, The New Republic, 20 Dec. 2021 Multiple sclerosis is often diagnosed by ruling out other conditions; physicians are then able to form a differential diagnosis of what is causing the symptoms. Jack Guy, CNN, 11 Aug. 2021 Medically speaking, even in a pandemic, ball pain demands attention because of the vast differential diagnosis that includes threats to life or limb. Robert Lurvey, Wired, 8 Apr. 2020 The differential diagnosis varies from worrisome possibilities such as a UTI, to diabetes or even a spinal cord injury or infection. Daniel R. Taylor, Philly.com, 1 June 2018 See More
Word History
First Known Use
1829, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
differential diagnosis
noun
: the distinguishing of a disease or condition from others presenting similar symptoms