What are the symptoms of symptoms?

Answer 1

Variations, and here is why:

This is a difficult and fun question to answer! Let's start with a definition of 'symptom', for the purposes of this discussion, to include both objective signs and subjective symptoms. By that definition, then you could say that there are two types of symptoms: Those that are objective and those that are subjective measures of any alteration in normal bodily function and metabolism, or alteration in senses, sensations or mental functioning and status.

So that could lead to a list of those two types of symptoms of symptoms that could (perhaps) be measured for change, which would include things such as:

Objective: vital signs, labs for body chemistry and other lab or imaging studies and objective measures of the function of the sensory organs or mental status.

Subjective: alteration in sensations or mental status that are subjectively quantified or described by the patient, or interpreted by another without objective criteria.

Therefore, one conclusion would be that the symptoms of symptoms are the presence of either:

1. Any deviation(s) from the norm in the measurable objective signs of any disorder or disease, or
2. Any perceived change(s) in mental status, communications, emotions, sensations, pain or function of the senses, as observed by the patient or by others in their presence.

Finally, what follows then might be that the symptoms of symptoms are variations.