CLINICAL SEMIOLOGY: DECIPHERING THE DICHOTOMY OF SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Keywords:
clinical semiology, signs, symptoms, diagnosis, clinical reasoning, patient assessment, medical epistemology, differential diagnosisAbstract
Clinical semiology constitutes a foundational domain in medical science, concerned with the systematic interpretation of signs and symptoms as primary indicators of disease. The distinction between these two constructs—objective signs and subjective symptoms—forms a critical epistemological and diagnostic dichotomy. This article examines the theoretical underpinnings and practical implications of this distinction, emphasizing its relevance in clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis, and patient-centered care. By integrating perspectives from medical philosophy, diagnostics, and clinical practice, the discussion highlights how accurate semiological interpretation enhances diagnostic precision and therapeutic outcomes. The analysis also addresses challenges arising from overlapping manifestations and the increasing role of technology in reshaping semiological assessment
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