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| {{main menu}}<center><div class="colour-button">[[Special:UserLogin&returnto=Introduction+Page|Read more]]</div> | |
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| The document 'Logic of Medical Language - Masticationpedia' delves into the complexities and potential ambiguities inherent in medical terminology. It argues that these ambiguities can lead to misinterpretations and diagnostic errors. The document utilizes a clinical case study to underscore the necessity of a formal logic approach in interpreting medical language, emphasizing the critical role of context and the intentions behind the use of specific terms. Below are several pivotal excerpts and summaries from the text:
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| The document opens with a discussion on the dual nature of medical language, which combines technical jargon and everyday language, leading to possible ambiguities. Through various examples, it illustrates how different interpretations of the same term can lead to disparate diagnoses. It presents a hypothetical scenario involving 'Mary Poppins', a patient with a complex medical history involving multiple specialties over a decade. This case exemplifies the challenges of linguistic ambiguity in diagnostics, highlighting how the term "orofacial pain" could be differently understood by different specialists. The concept of "encrypted machine language" is introduced to describe the complex communication between the brain and medical professionals, likened to cryptographic processes in computers. This metaphor aims to explain how misinterpretations of these 'encrypted' messages can lead to incorrect diagnoses. The document further explores the nuances of medical terms, discussing how meanings can significantly vary with the context and intent of the individual using them. This section emphasizes the importance of precise interpretation to avoid errors in diagnosis. The conclusion advocates for a shift in focus from symptomatic analysis to a deeper understanding of the 'encrypted machine language' of the body. This approach aims to enhance the diagnostic process by incorporating broader perspectives and reducing misinterpretations. These sections collectively highlight the need for improved clarity in medical communication and suggest methods to enhance diagnostic accuracy through better understanding of language and semantics in medical settings."
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| | autore3 = Flavio Frisardi | | | autore3 = Flavio Frisardi |
| }} | | }} |
| ==Medical language is an extended natural language==
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| Language plays a crucial role in medicine but often leads to errors and misunderstandings due to its inherently ambiguous and context-dependent nature. The term "orofacial pain," for instance, can vary in meaning based on whether it is interpreted using classical or formal logic.
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| Advancements in medical and dental technologies such as electromyographs, CBCT, and digital oral scanners underscore the need for more precise medical language.
| | == Abstract == |
| | [[File:Atm1 sclerodermia.jpg|left|300px]] |
| | "The document 'Logic of Medical Language - Masticationpedia' examines the complexities of medical language and its potential for ambiguity, which can lead to misinterpretation and diagnostic errors. By analyzing a clinical case, it stresses the necessity of formal logic in medical terminology to ensure accurate interpretations. The document outlines various examples of how different medical professionals might understand the same condition differently, leading to varied diagnoses. |
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| Medical discourse occurs in natural languages like English or Italian and formal languages such as mathematics. Natural languages develop organically and are full of semantic ambiguities, unlike formal languages which are constructed with strict syntactic and semantic rules.
| | Key topics covered include the inherent ambiguity in medical language, a detailed clinical case of a patient named Mary Poppins, the concept of 'encrypted machine language' used in brain and medical communications, and the nuanced meanings of medical terms depending on context and user intent. The document concludes with a call for a paradigm shift in medical diagnostics from symptom-based to a more comprehensive understanding of diseases using 'encrypted machine language.'" |
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| To prevent the discussion from becoming overly theoretical, an illustrative clinical case will be examined using different logical frameworks.
| | ==Medical language is an extended natural language== |
| ===Clinical case and logic of medical language=== | | This section discusses the semantic challenges in medical language, particularly when traditional natural language intersects with technical medical terminology. It highlights the differences between natural and formal languages, noting that while natural languages evolve organically, formal languages like mathematics are designed with clear rules. The text underlines the ambiguity in terms such as "orofacial pain," which can be interpreted differently depending on the medical specialty involved. This ambiguity is problematic because it can lead to misdiagnosis or conflicting treatments. |
| The patient, Mary Poppins (a pseudonym), has been under multidisciplinary medical care for over a decade, treated by dentists, general practitioners, neurologists, and dermatologists. Her medical journey is detailed as follows:
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| <blockquote>
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| At 40, Mrs. Poppins first observed abnormal pigmentation spots on her right cheek. A decade later, during dermatology hospitalization, a biopsy diagnosed her with localized facial scleroderma, or morphea, for which she was prescribed corticosteroids. At 44, she started experiencing involuntary contractions in her right masseter and temporal muscles, increasing over time. Initially less noticeable, her facial asymmetry became pronounced, characterized by right cheek retraction and masseter hypertrophy. This complex presentation led to diverse diagnoses, showcasing the challenges of medical language in capturing her condition comprehensively.
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| </blockquote>
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| The clinical narrative simplifies to: Mrs. Poppins communicates her long-standing psychophysical discomfort using natural language, which led to extensive testing including anamnesis, stratigraphy, and CT scans of the temporomandibular joint (Figures 1, 2, and 3). These investigations culminated in a diagnosis of "Temporomandibular Disorders" (TMD).<ref>{{cita libro
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| | autore = Tanaka E
| |
| | autore2 = Detamore MS
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| | autore3 = Mercuri LG
| |
| | titolo = Degenerative disorders of the temporomandibular joint: etiology, diagnosis, and treatment
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| | url = https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18362309
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| | opera = J Dent Res
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| | anno = 2008
| |
| | ISBN =
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| | DOI = 10.1177/154405910808700406
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| | PMID = 18362309
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| }}</ref><ref>{{cita libro
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| | autore = Roberts WE
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| | autore2 = Stocum DL
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| | titolo = Part II: Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)-Regeneration, Degeneration, and Adaptation
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| | url = https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29943316
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| | opera = Curr Osteoporos Rep
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| | anno = 2018
| |
| | DOI = 10.1007/s11914-018-0462-8
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| | PMID = 29943316
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| }}</ref><ref>{{cita libro
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| | autore = Lingzhi L
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| | autore2 = Huimin S
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| | autore3 = Han X
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| | autore4 = Lizhen W
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| | titolo = MRI assessment and histopathologic evaluation of subchondral bone remodeling in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis: a retrospective study
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| | url = https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30122441
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| | opera = Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol
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| | anno = 2018
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| | DOI = 10.1016/j.oooo.2018.05.047
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| | PMID = 30122441
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| }}</ref>. Conversely, the neurologist identified a neuromotor organic pathology, termed "Neuropathic Orofacial Pain" (nOP), and downplayed the TMD aspects. To remain neutral, we consider her condition as a dual diagnosis of "TMDs/nOP".{{q2|But who will be right?}}
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| This case underscores the pivotal role of medical language and its potential pitfalls in clinical diagnostics.
| | The clinical case presented, concerning a patient named Mary Poppins, illustrates the complexities of diagnosing conditions like temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and neuropathic orofacial pain (nOP). The narrative shows how various specialists might interpret the same symptoms differently, leading to multiple diagnoses. The case emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and the need for precise language to reduce diagnostic errors.<ref>{{cita libro |
| | | autore = Tanaka E |
| | | autore2 = Detamore MS |
| | | autore3 = Mercuri LG |
| | | titolo = Degenerative disorders of the temporomandibular joint: etiology, diagnosis, and treatment |
| | | url = https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18362309 |
| | | opera = J Dent Res |
| | | anno = 2008 |
| | | ISBN = |
| | | DOI = 10.1177/154405910808700406 |
| | | oaf = |
| | | PMID = 18362309 |
| | }}</ref><ref>{{cita libro |
| | | autore = Roberts WE |
| | | autore2 = Stocum DL |
| | | titolo = Part II: Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)-Regeneration, Degeneration, and Adaptation |
| | | url = https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29943316 |
| | | volume = |
| | | opera = Curr Osteoporos Rep |
| | | anno = 2018 |
| | | ISBN = |
| | | DOI = 10.1007/s11914-018-0462-8 |
| | | oaf = |
| | | PMID = 29943316 |
| | }}</ref><ref>{{cita libro |
| | | autore = Lingzhi L |
| | | autore2 = Huimin S |
| | | autore3 = Han X |
| | | autore4 = Lizhen W |
| | | titolo = MRI assessment and histopathologic evaluation of subchondral bone remodeling in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis: a retrospective study |
| | | url = https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30122441 |
| | | volume = |
| | | opera = Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol |
| | | anno = 2018 |
| | | ISBN = |
| | | DOI = 10.1016/j.oooo.2018.05.047 |
| | | oaf = |
| | | PMID = 30122441 |
| | }}</ref> |
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| Unlike formal languages such as those used in mathematics and computer programming, which are governed by strict rules of syntax and semantics, medical language is an evolved extension of natural language, enriched with specialized terminology. Terms like "neuropathic pain," "Temporomandibular Disorders," and "allodynia" illustrate this blend, where everyday language meets technical specificity without a unique syntactic or semantic framework. Consider the term "disease," central to medical practice yet vaguely defined, illustrating the inherent ambiguity and the essential need for context in medical communications.
| | ==Clinical approach== |
| | This section uses images to illustrate the clinical manifestations in the patient Mary Poppins, who suffers from orofacial pain and has undergone various medical evaluations that demonstrate the physical changes associated with her condition. |
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| The question arises whether the term "disease" should refer to individual symptoms experienced by the patient or to a systemic condition affecting the organism as a whole. This ambiguity invites a broader interpretation of health and disease as dynamic states, influenced by an array of biological and pathological interactions within the body over time.{{q2|Is it possible that a patient not considered ill at a specific time might be in a pre-disease state from a systemic perspective?|}} | | The analysis of 'meaning' in medical terminology is complex and multifaceted. This section discusses different interpretations of medical terms, such as "orofacial pain," which can vary significantly between a dentist and a neurologist. It introduces the concepts of 'extension' and 'intension' in the context of medical terminology, exploring how these aspects can influence the diagnosis and understanding of medical conditions.<ref>{{cita libro |
| | | autore = Porporatti AL |
| | | autore2 = Bonjardim LR |
| | | autore3 = Stuginski-Barbosa J |
| | | autore4 = Bonfante EA |
| | | autore5 = Costa YM |
| | | autore6 = Rodrigues Conti PC |
| | | titolo = Pain from Dental Implant Placement, Inflammatory Pulpitis Pain, and Neuropathic Pain Present Different Somatosensory Profiles |
| | | url = https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28118417 |
| | | opera = J Oral Facial Pain Headache |
| | | anno = 2017 |
| | | ISBN = |
| | | DOI = 10.11607/ofph.1680 |
| | | oaf = |
| | | PMID = 28118417 |
| | }}</ref> |
|
| |
|
| <blockquote>
| | ==Ambiguity and Vagueness== |
| "The notion of a 'language without semantics' highlights a critical oversight in medical terminology, where words are used without a universally agreed-upon meaning, potentially leading to miscommunication and diagnostic errors."<ref>{{cita libro
| | Here, the focus is on the ambiguity and vagueness inherent in medical language, which can complicate the interpretation and application of clinical practice guidelines. The section explains how different meanings of a term like "orofacial pain" can lead to varied diagnostic outcomes and treatment plans.<ref>{{cita libro |
| |autore=Sadegh-Zadeh Kazem | | | autore = Jääskeläinen SK |
| |titolo=Handbook of Analytic Philosophy of Medicine | | | titolo = Differential Diagnosis of Chronic Neuropathic Orofacial Pain: Role of Clinical Neurophysiology |
| |url=https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-94-007-2260-6 | | | url = https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31688325 |
| |anno=2012 | | | volume = |
| |editore=Springer | | | opera = J Clin Neurophysiol |
| |città=Dordrecht | | | anno = 2019 |
| |ISBN=978-94-007-2259-0 | | | ISBN = |
| |DOI=10.1007/978-94-007-2260-6 | | | DOI = 10.1097/WNP.0000000000000583 |
| | | oaf = |
| | | PMID = 31688325 |
| }}</ref> | | }}</ref> |
| </blockquote>
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|
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| In essence, the challenge lies in distinguishing between an individual's symptoms and a holistic view of the disease affecting the entire system, requiring a nuanced approach that integrates various anatomical and functional aspects for a comprehensive assessment.
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| <center></center>
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| ==Understanding of Medical Terminology==
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| '''Definition and Variability:''' The term "meaning," as defined by the Cambridge Dictionary, refers to "what something expresses or represents,"<ref>[https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/meaning Cambridge Dictionary online]</ref> highlighting the broad and often subjective nature of understanding terminology. Theoretical discussions in the field often remain unresolved due to their complexity and the varied interpretations they invite.<ref>{{cita libro
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| | autore = Blouw P
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| | autore2 = Eliasmith C
| |
| | titolo = Using Neural Networks to Generate Inferential Roles for Natural Language
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| | url = https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29387031
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| | opera = Front Psychol
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| | anno = 2018
| |
| | DOI = 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02335
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| | PMID = 29387031
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| }}</ref><ref>{{cita libro
| |
| | autore = Green K
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| | titolo = Dummett: Philosophy of Language
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| | anno = 2001
| |
| | ISBN = 978-0-745-66672-3
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| }}</ref>
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|
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| '''Contextual Meaning:''' Terms like "orofacial pain" can have different meanings based on the context—a neurologist, a dentist, or the patient might each understand it differently, influenced by their professional and personal experiences. This variability emphasizes the role of context in defining terminology.
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| '''Semantic Roles:''' Understanding terms involves more than just their direct representation; it includes how they interact within their linguistic and practical contexts. This interaction shapes their practical meaning and implications in real-world applications, such as medical diagnosis.
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| '''Philosophy of Meaning:''' The modern philosophical approach to meaning, notably influenced by Gottlob Frege,<ref>[[:wikipedia:Gottlob_Frege|Wikipedia entry]]</ref> distinguishes between 'extension'—the set of all things a term applies to, and 'intension'—the common attributes denoted by the term. For example, "pain" might generically apply to various experiences (broad extension) but has specific characteristics in medical contexts like neuropathic pain or dental pain, each with more narrowly defined intensions.<ref>{{cita libro
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| | autore = Porporatti AL
| |
| | autore2 = Bonjardim LR
| |
| | autore3 = Stuginski-Barbosa J
| |
| | autore4 = Bonfante EA
| |
| | autore5 = Costa YM
| |
| | autore6 = Rodrigues Conti PC
| |
| | titolo = Pain from Dental Implant Placement, Inflammatory Pulpitis Pain, and Neuropathic Pain Present Different Somatosensory Profiles
| |
| | url = https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28118417
| |
| | opera = J Oral Facial Pain Headache
| |
| | anno = 2017
| |
| | DOI = 10.11607/ofph.1680
| |
| | PMID = 28118417
| |
| }}</ref>
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|
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| '''Clinical Implications:''' The understanding of medical terms is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Ambiguities in terminology can lead to misdiagnoses and inappropriate treatments, underscoring the need for precise language in medical settings.<ref>{{cita libro
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| | autore = Jääskeläinen SK
| |
| | titolo = Differential Diagnosis of Chronic Neuropathic Orofacial Pain: Role of Clinical Neurophysiology
| |
| | url = https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31688325
| |
| | opera = J Clin Neurophysiol
| |
| | anno = 2019
| |
| | DOI = 10.1097/WNP.0000000000000583
| |
| | PMID = 31688325
| |
| }}</ref>
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|
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| '''Ambiguity and Vagueness:''' Medical terms often suffer from ambiguity ("polysemy") and vagueness, complicating clinical guidelines and practices. These issues are well-documented in both philosophical and clinical literature, highlighting the challenges they pose to effective medical practice.<ref>{{cita libro
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| | autore = Schick F
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| | titolo = Ambiguity and Logic
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| | anno = 2003
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| | editore = Cambridge University Press
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| | ISBN = 9780521531719
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| }}</ref><ref>{{cita libro
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| | autore = Varzi AC
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| | titolo = Vagueness
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| | url = https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/0470018860.s00143
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| | anno = 2003
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| | editore = Nature Publishing Group
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| | città = London, UK
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| | ISBN = 9780470016190
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| | DOI = 10.1002/0470018860
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| }}</ref><ref>{{cita libro
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| | autore = Codish S
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| | autore2 = Shiffman RN
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| | titolo = A model of ambiguity and vagueness in clinical practice guideline recommendations
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| | url = https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1560665/
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| | opera = AMIA Annu Symp Proc
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| | anno = 2005
| |
| | PMID = 16779019
| |
| }}</ref>
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| ==Encryption==
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| Let's use an example of a common encryption and decryption platform to illustrate the concept of communication within the medical field. This analogy might involve a typical Italian encryption platform, but the underlying principles remain universally applicable:
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| We type a clear message; the platform encodes it into an unreadable format. This encoded format can only be interpreted by someone who possesses the correct decryption key. Similarly, the brain sends complex messages made of wave trains or ion packets in its machine language; these messages could be interpreted as something like "Ephaptic."
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| This process of encryption from the Central Nervous System must then be translated into a verbal language that both the patient and the doctor can understand. However, this translation can sometimes result in a loss of the message's original meaning due to the influences of epistemic vagueness—where the machine's message is clouded by the patient's subjective interpretation and the doctor's contextual biases.
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| For instance, a patient's report of symptoms associated with the temporomandibular joint might be automatically encoded by the doctor's brain into a diagnosis of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD), even if the underlying issue might be different.
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| '''Example of the Encryption Process:'''
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| #Choose an encryption key from a set of options.
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| #Type in the word 'Ephaptic.'
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| #The machine provides an encrypted output depending on the selected key, which could vary significantly across different contexts (patient, dentist, neurologist).
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| '''Biological Encryption:'''
| | This section delves into the analogy between medical language and encrypted machine language, suggesting that just as encrypted messages need to be deciphered, medical symptoms and signs require accurate interpretation to avoid misdiagnosis. It discusses the concept of 'epistemic vagueness,' where the lack of clarity in language can lead to diagnostic errors. |
| Just like digital encryption, biological systems convey information through complex mechanisms. This is well-documented in "Systems Control Theory," where the observability of a system's state from its outputs is analyzed. For example, the "Gate Control" theory of pain proposed by Melzack and Wall suggests that pain perception can be modulated by physical actions such as rubbing the affected area.
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| '''Decryption Process:'''
| | Focusing on the decryption of medical language, this section argues for the necessity of understanding both the literal and contextual meanings of medical terms to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment. It highlights the challenges and complexities involved in interpreting the 'encrypted messages' that symptoms can represent. |
| Decoding the messages encoded in the body's machine language involves not only a thorough understanding of the language but also an awareness of the specific 'key' or context in which the message is interpreted:
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| *If the key or context is set to 'neurologist,' the interpretation of 'Ephaptic' might lead to a different diagnostic outcome compared to the key set to 'dentist.'
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| The section emphasizes the need for precision in decoding the encrypted messages within the medical field to prevent misdiagnosis and ensure proper patient care. The complexity of this task is likened to understanding a sophisticated encryption platform where messages are only as reliable as the accuracy of the decryption key used.
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| ==Final Considerations== | | ==Final Considerations== |
| | The conclusion reiterates the need for a new approach to medical language and diagnostics that focuses less on symptoms and more on the underlying 'encrypted machine language' of diseases. It suggests that a better understanding of this language could lead to improved diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. |
| | [[Category:Articles about logic of language]]<center> <div class="colour-button">.................[[Special:UserLogin&returnto=Introduction+Page|Read the full chapter]]</div> |
| | </center><blockquote> |
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| The logic of language is not exclusively of interest to philosophers and educators; it plays a crucial role in medicine, particularly in diagnostics. Notably, the International Classification of Diseases has expanded significantly, from 6,969 disease codes in its ninth revision (ICD-9) to 12,420 in the tenth revision (ICD-10), reflecting its complexity and the evolving understanding of health and disease.<ref name=":0">{{cite book
| | == [[Strategic dental topics for authors to subscribe an article|<small>Strategic dental topics for authors to subscribe an article in Masticationpedia</small>]] == |
| | autore = Stanley DE
| | Medical Language Complexity, Diagnostic Errors in Medicine, Formal Logic in Medical Terminology, Medical Terminology Ambiguity, Interpretation of Medical Terms, Encrypted Machine Language in Medicine, Clinical Case Study in Medicine, Medical Communication Errors, Semantic Ambiguity in Healthcare, Medical Diagnostics Improvement, Medical Language and Patient Care, Interdisciplinary Medical Diagnostics, Medical Terms and Context, Cryptographic Analogies in Medicine |
| | autore2 = Campos DG
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| | titolo = The Logic of Medical Diagnosis
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| | url = https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23974509/
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| | opera = Perspect Biol Med
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| | anno = 2013
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| | editore = Johns Hopkins University Press
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| | ISSN = 1529-8795
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| | PMID = 23974509
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| | DOI = 10.1353/pbm.2013.0019
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| }}</ref> Diagnostic errors are a significant issue, estimated to cause between 40,000 and 80,000 deaths annually in the US alone.<ref>{{cite book
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| | autore = Leape LL
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| | autore2 = Berwick DM
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| | autore3 = Bates DW
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| | titolo = What Practices Will Most Improve Safety? Evidence-based Medicine Meets Patient Safety
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| | url = https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12132984/
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| | opera = JAMA
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| | anno = 2002
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| | PMID = 12132984
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| | DOI = 10.1001/jama.288.4.501
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| }}</ref>
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| Charles Sanders Peirce's triadic logic—comprising abduction, deduction, and induction—is fundamental for effective diagnostic processes. It aids in moving from general observations to specific, actionable medical conclusions.<ref>[[wpit:Charles_Sanders_Peirce|Charles Sanders Peirce]]</ref>
| | {{Bib}} |
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| Pat Croskerry's concept of "adaptive expertise" is pivotal for advancing medical decision-making, emphasizing the importance of cognitive flexibility and critical thinking in clinical settings.<ref name=":1">{{cite book
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| | autore = Croskerry P
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| | titolo = Adaptive Expertise in Medical Decision Making
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| | url = https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30033794/
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| | opera = Med Teach
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| | anno = 2018
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| | PMID = 30033794
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| | DOI = 10.1080/0142159X.2018.1484898
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| }}</ref> This involves understanding and mitigating potential cognitive biases to enhance diagnostic accuracy.
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| Overall, the integration of advanced logical frameworks and a better understanding of cognitive processes can significantly improve the accuracy and effectiveness of medical diagnostics. The challenge lies not only in the application of these concepts but also in the education of healthcare providers to think critically and adaptively in a complex and rapidly changing environment.
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| <center><div class="colour-button">[[Special:UserLogin&returnto=Introduction+Page|Read more]]</div>
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| </center>
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| {{Bib}}
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| {{apm}} | | {{apm}} |
| [[Category:Medical Diagnosis]]
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| [[Category:Healthcare Quality]]
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'Logic of medical language'
Abstract
"The document 'Logic of Medical Language - Masticationpedia' examines the complexities of medical language and its potential for ambiguity, which can lead to misinterpretation and diagnostic errors. By analyzing a clinical case, it stresses the necessity of formal logic in medical terminology to ensure accurate interpretations. The document outlines various examples of how different medical professionals might understand the same condition differently, leading to varied diagnoses.
Key topics covered include the inherent ambiguity in medical language, a detailed clinical case of a patient named Mary Poppins, the concept of 'encrypted machine language' used in brain and medical communications, and the nuanced meanings of medical terms depending on context and user intent. The document concludes with a call for a paradigm shift in medical diagnostics from symptom-based to a more comprehensive understanding of diseases using 'encrypted machine language.'"
Medical language is an extended natural language
This section discusses the semantic challenges in medical language, particularly when traditional natural language intersects with technical medical terminology. It highlights the differences between natural and formal languages, noting that while natural languages evolve organically, formal languages like mathematics are designed with clear rules. The text underlines the ambiguity in terms such as "orofacial pain," which can be interpreted differently depending on the medical specialty involved. This ambiguity is problematic because it can lead to misdiagnosis or conflicting treatments.
The clinical case presented, concerning a patient named Mary Poppins, illustrates the complexities of diagnosing conditions like temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and neuropathic orofacial pain (nOP). The narrative shows how various specialists might interpret the same symptoms differently, leading to multiple diagnoses. The case emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and the need for precise language to reduce diagnostic errors.[1][2][3]
Clinical approach
This section uses images to illustrate the clinical manifestations in the patient Mary Poppins, who suffers from orofacial pain and has undergone various medical evaluations that demonstrate the physical changes associated with her condition.
The analysis of 'meaning' in medical terminology is complex and multifaceted. This section discusses different interpretations of medical terms, such as "orofacial pain," which can vary significantly between a dentist and a neurologist. It introduces the concepts of 'extension' and 'intension' in the context of medical terminology, exploring how these aspects can influence the diagnosis and understanding of medical conditions.[4]
Ambiguity and Vagueness
Here, the focus is on the ambiguity and vagueness inherent in medical language, which can complicate the interpretation and application of clinical practice guidelines. The section explains how different meanings of a term like "orofacial pain" can lead to varied diagnostic outcomes and treatment plans.[5]
This section delves into the analogy between medical language and encrypted machine language, suggesting that just as encrypted messages need to be deciphered, medical symptoms and signs require accurate interpretation to avoid misdiagnosis. It discusses the concept of 'epistemic vagueness,' where the lack of clarity in language can lead to diagnostic errors.
Focusing on the decryption of medical language, this section argues for the necessity of understanding both the literal and contextual meanings of medical terms to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment. It highlights the challenges and complexities involved in interpreting the 'encrypted messages' that symptoms can represent.
Final Considerations
The conclusion reiterates the need for a new approach to medical language and diagnostics that focuses less on symptoms and more on the underlying 'encrypted machine language' of diseases. It suggests that a better understanding of this language could lead to improved diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.
Medical Language Complexity, Diagnostic Errors in Medicine, Formal Logic in Medical Terminology, Medical Terminology Ambiguity, Interpretation of Medical Terms, Encrypted Machine Language in Medicine, Clinical Case Study in Medicine, Medical Communication Errors, Semantic Ambiguity in Healthcare, Medical Diagnostics Improvement, Medical Language and Patient Care, Interdisciplinary Medical Diagnostics, Medical Terms and Context, Cryptographic Analogies in Medicine
Bibliography & references
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