Also known as: Brain attack
Harvey experiences multiple strokes throughout the episode, initially presenting with a blown pupil and ischemia on CT scan. He suffers recurrent mini-strokes causing progressive neurological deficits including difficulty naming objects and right-sided weakness, eventually lapsing into a coma.
Also known as: Bone infection
The underlying cause of Harvey's strokes is revealed to be fulminating osteomyelitis of the jaw from an old fracture that never healed properly. Infected tissue breaks off and blocks blood flow to the brain, causing recurrent strokes. The infection was hidden from imaging by the metal plate in his jaw.
Also known as: Teeth grinding
Harvey's initial presenting complaint that brought him to the clinic. He had been grinding his teeth for approximately six months and had sought treatment from various alternative medicine practitioners before coming to the hospital.
Also known as: Difficulty naming objects
A neurological symptom where Harvey struggles to recall nouns and common object names during his medical history. This is a manifestation of his ongoing stroke activity affecting language centers.
An elderly patient presents with vaginal pain and tearing due to excessive sexual activity with her husband who is using erectile dysfunction medication. House prescribes vaginal estrogen suppositories for lubrication.
Also known as: Floppy heart valve
Initially suspected as the cause of Harvey's strokes due to potential clot formation on the faulty valve. Found on echocardiogram but ultimately ruled out as the primary cause of his condition.