Danger [Neurosurgery Wiki]

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===== Danger =====

**Danger** refers to the possibility of harm, injury, or adverse outcome. It denotes a condition or situation in which there is a **credible threat** to physical, psychological, or systemic integrity.

In scientific, clinical, and risk analysis contexts, "danger" is distinguished from "risk" and "hazard":

==== Key Concepts ====
  * **Hazard**: a potential source of harm (e.g. radiation, pathogen).
  * **Danger**: the immediate potential for harm due to the presence or proximity of a hazard.
  * **Risk**: the probability and severity of harm occurring from that danger.

==== Examples in Clinical Context ====
  * **"The patient is in danger of respiratory failure."**
  * **"Delayed evacuation of an epidural hematoma poses immediate danger to life."**
  * **"The drug was withdrawn due to the danger of fatal arrhythmias."**

==== Characteristics of Danger ====
  * Often **time-sensitive**: danger implies **imminent or escalating threat**.
  * Can be **context-dependent**: what is dangerous in one situation may be tolerated in another.
  * Requires **judgment and action**: identification of danger often prompts urgent intervention.

==== Distinction from Related Terms ====
^ Term   ^ Definition                                                       ^
| Hazard | A potential source of harm, but not necessarily active.          |
| Danger | An active or imminent threat that may cause immediate harm.     |
| Risk   | A measure that combines likelihood and impact of an adverse event. |

==== Summary ====
**Danger** is not merely theoretical—it implies a **real and pressing threat** requiring awareness and potentially immediate response. In clinical settings, recognizing danger can mean the difference between proactive care and avoidable harm.