Also known as: Herniated disc
Recurrent patient with chronic back pain presents with new foot drop. Initially suspected to have cauda equina syndrome requiring emergent decompression surgery, but symptoms resolved after accidental manipulation during MRI gurney incident.
Also known as: Head trauma
Young boxer presents after knockout in fifth round with facial trauma and loss of consciousness. Develops visual field deficits concerning for diffuse axonal injury from repetitive head trauma. Central to episode's theme about the dangers of boxing and relationship with his father.
Also known as: Blood collection in nose
Boxer requires drainage of septal hematoma to prevent pressure necrosis. Procedure performed while patient becomes unstable.
Also known as: Fractured cheekbone
Depressed fracture of cheekbone from boxing match requiring surgical repair with six-week recovery.
Also known as: Collapsed lung
Patient develops pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement. Complication occurs when medical student assisting tears intercostal artery, causing significant bleeding requiring emergency surgery. Central to teaching storyline about appropriate supervision.
Also known as: Seizure
Homeless veteran presents with witnessed seizure and altered mental status. No prior seizure history reported. Requires admission for EEG and anticonvulsant therapy.
Also known as: Narrowing of spinal canal
Boxer's father has severe spinal stenosis limiting his ability to work, on 18-month surgical waiting list. Motivates son's dangerous boxing career to pay for private surgery.
Also known as: Shock from blood loss
Patient develops shock from combination of dehydration and internal bleeding during treatment, requiring aggressive fluid resuscitation.