Also known as: Brain cyst
A young woman presents with dizzy spells and seizures caused by an arachnoid cyst in her temporal lobe. During surgery to drain the cyst (marsupialization), an incidental meningioma is discovered and removed, leading to complications.
Also known as: Brain tumor
A benign brain tumor discovered incidentally during cyst surgery. Lexie removes it without consulting Derek, damaging Broca's area and causing permanent expressive aphasia in the 27-year-old patient. This becomes the central medical and ethical crisis of the episode.
Also known as: Brain bleed
A premature infant with a grade-3 intraventricular hemorrhage requiring emergency ventriculostomy to prevent hydrocephalus and brain damage. The baby also requires heart surgery for a pericardial tumor, creating a complex case.
The premature infant Tommy has a pericardial tumor compressing his heart, causing decompensation. He requires urgent cardiac surgery despite his concurrent brain bleed.
Also known as: Brain death
A patient who suffered a car accident and progressed to brain death over several days after multiple organ failures (heart rupture, lung collapse, kidney failure, sepsis). His husband struggles with the decision to withdraw life support, creating an emotionally charged storyline about end-of-life care.
Also known as: Bladder dysfunction
A patient undergoes bladder replacement surgery using tissue engineering and stem cells. Richard and Catherine perform the surgery to treat severe bladder dysfunction causing incontinence.
Also known as: Broken neck
A motorcycle cop suffers a C-7 fracture requiring Derek to assess the spinal cord and stabilize the spine. The prognosis suggests he may not walk again.
Also known as: Hip socket deformity
The premature infant Tommy is also diagnosed with hip dysplasia, which can be treated with a harness, though this is a minor issue compared to his life-threatening conditions.
Also known as: Early-onset Alzheimer's
Richard's wife Adele continues to suffer from advanced Alzheimer's disease in a care facility. Richard's devotion to her despite her not recognizing him creates an emotional subplot affecting his professional boundaries.