Also known as: Fibro-COVID
A long-haul COVID patient who crashes her car due to severe generalized pain from fibromyalgia. The condition drives the episode's plot around informed consent and Dr. Shentu's compliance guidelines, as she requires off-label medication (Xyrem) and emergency pericardiocentesis but is sedated and cannot provide consent.
Also known as: Fluid around the heart
Develops as a complication from Gia's car crash, progressing to impending cardiac tamponade requiring emergency pericardiocentesis. This complication drives the consent debate central to the episode's theme.
Also known as: Cast too tight
Terrell is found unconscious in the street, having laid on his right arm for an extended period causing compartment syndrome requiring emergency fasciotomy. This case reveals his underlying dyslexia and connects to his son's storyline.
Also known as: Rhabdo
Develops as a complication of compartment syndrome, with dead muscle causing kidney threat indicated by dark, low-volume urine output.
Also known as: Dyslexia
Undiagnosed neurological learning disability discovered when Dr. Scott notices Terrell cannot read discharge forms. This revelation provides context for his life struggles and becomes a major emotional arc showing how his life could have been different with proper diagnosis.
Also known as: Manic depression
Dr. Hammer's mother is revealed to have been hospitalized at Chicago Med for bipolar disorder after admitting herself due to depression and concern about self-harm. This diagnosis reframes her lifelong struggles with drugs and alcohol as self-medication, creating a major emotional storyline for Dr. Hammer.
Also known as: Lung infection
Terrell's young son is recovering from pneumonia in the PICU, delaying his chemotherapy for two weeks. This condition connects to Terrell's storyline.
Also known as: Underactive thyroid
Iron lung patient Ellis develops acute hypothyroidism causing bradycardia, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. Successfully treated with levothyroxine.
Also known as: Liver artery clot
Surgical complication during pediatric liver transplant where the hepatic artery develops a clot requiring careful removal with a Fogarty balloon catheter.
Also known as: Long-haul COVID
Gia is described as one of Med's first COVID patients who has returned multiple times with long-haul symptoms, eventually developing fibromyalgia as a complication.