The Textbook Says "Go," the Human Says "No." A Case Study of Medical Decision-Making Under Uncertainty

This case study examines medical decision-making under uncertainty through the perspectives of medicine, statistics, economics, and human judgment. It first assesses the patient’s situation with an objective approach. Then, drawing on my experience surviving a ruptured brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) at age 13, I explore how biases, authority, and organizational pressures may influence medical decisions. Ultimately, this study demonstrates that data and clinical protocols can help recognize risk, but human assessment and empathy are also essential to ensure each patient receives timely, appropriate, and compassionate care.