Differential diagnosis refers to a process in which a doctor considers and systematically excludes a range of possible conditions in an undiagnosed patient. Often, the symptoms of one condition are similar to the symptoms of one or more other diseases. For example headaches might occur with no underlying causes (e.g. as with primary headaches) or they may occur as a result of illness (e.g. infection) or injury (e.g. head trauma). In the differential diagnosis, the doctor would consider and conduct tests for signs of infection or injury before making the diagnosis of primary headache. This is an important process to ensure correct treatment is instituted.
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