Also known as: Early-onset Alzheimer's
Adele is enrolled in Derek's Alzheimer's clinical trial. Meredith tampers with the trial to ensure Adele receives the actual drug instead of placebo, which becomes the central ethical crisis of the episode and results in Meredith's suspension and potential invalidation of the entire trial.
Also known as: Head laceration
Sarah is an unaccompanied minor and sole survivor of a commercial plane crash. She presents with a GCS of 6 and a large hematoma on the left temporal lobe, requiring emergency surgery. Her case represents hope amid the mass casualty tragedy.
Also known as: Kidney injury from bus accident
Sarah also presents with multiple contusions to the mid torso and a rigid abdomen, indicating significant abdominal trauma from the plane crash requiring emergency intervention.
Also known as: Cold exposure
Expected complication for plane crash survivors who spent extended time in the water. The trauma team prepares warm blankets, heated lamps, and heated IV fluids in anticipation of hypothermic victims, though ultimately only one survivor arrives.
Also known as: Unplanned pregnancy
Cristina discovers she is approximately six weeks pregnant while donating blood during the mass casualty event. This unplanned pregnancy creates major conflict with Owen, as she is determined to terminate the pregnancy while he wants to keep it, ultimately leading to their separation.