sjúkrasögu

Sjúkrasaga, a term originating from Old Norse, translates roughly to "history of illness" or "disease history." In a medical context, it refers to the patient's account of their health over time. This includes details about past illnesses, injuries, surgeries, allergies, and any chronic conditions they may have. It also encompasses their family's medical history, as genetic predispositions can play a significant role in certain diseases.

A sjúkrasaga is a crucial component of a medical examination. It provides physicians with a comprehensive understanding of a patient's health background, which aids in diagnosing current ailments and developing appropriate treatment plans. The information gathered is often subjective, relying on the patient's memory and interpretation of their experiences. Therefore, healthcare professionals are trained to ask specific, clarifying questions to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Key elements typically included in a sjúkrasaga are: current symptoms and their duration, past medical diagnoses, hospitalizations, medications currently being taken, vaccinations, and lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and substance use. A thorough sjúkrasaga helps establish a baseline for the patient's health and can reveal patterns or risk factors that might otherwise be overlooked. It is a dynamic record, updated throughout a patient's life as new health events occur.