Also known as: Skull base tumor
A teenage patient presents with a giant skull base chordoma described as the largest Derek Shepherd has ever seen. The tumor has mushroomed into the brain and down the spine, wrapping around the brain stem after a previous surgeon broke the dura. Derek performs an extensive resection requiring facial splitting, opening sinuses, hard palate, tongue, and jaw.
Also known as: GSW
Derek is recovering from being shot during the hospital shooting in the previous episode. He returns to work and quits his position as Chief of Surgery to focus on being a surgeon again.
Also known as: GSW to chest
Alex has a bullet lodged in his chest from the hospital shooting. The bullet is at the surface and could be removed, but he chooses to keep it as a 'war wound' since it's not infected.
Also known as: PTSD
Lexie experienced severe PTSD following the hospital shooting that caused sleep deprivation leading to a breakdown requiring psychiatric commitment. She was treated with antipsychotics and benzodiazepines, slept for 50 hours, and has now been cleared to return to surgery.
Also known as: PTSD
Cristina is experiencing severe PTSD after operating with a gun to her head during the hospital shooting. She struggles with flashbacks, refuses to be alone, and is undergoing psychiatric evaluation to be cleared for surgery.
Also known as: Pregnancy loss
Meredith had a miscarriage at approximately 5 weeks gestation and undergoes a D&C procedure. She has not yet told Derek about the pregnancy loss.
Also known as: PTSD
Dr. Bailey is experiencing significant PTSD after witnessing the shooting, particularly watching a boy die in her arms. She describes being held together with 'tape and glue' and has temporarily left Seattle to stay with her mother.