List of unsolved problems in medicine


This article discusses notable unsolved problems in medicine. A classic example is the unknown mechanism by which general anesthesia functions.

Evidence-based medicine

has become the central paradigm in medical practice and research. However, debate continues around EBM and about how results obtained from large samples of patients can be applied to the individual.

Specific conditions

There are numerous :Category:Ailments of unknown cause|diseases for which causes are not known. There are others for which the etiology is fully or partially understood, but for which effective treatments are not yet available. It is safe to say that no disease is completely understood.
Idiopathic is a descriptive term used in medicine to denote diseases with an unknown cause or mechanism of apparent origin. Examples of idiopathic diseases include: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, Idiopathic intracranial hypertension, and Idiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis.

Gates Foundation Grand Challenges

On 26 January 2003, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation made available $200 million for a medical research initiative on "Grand Challenges in Global Health". The initial list were: