Also known as: Prion disease
Initially diagnosed as the cause of the patient's amnesia and multiple neurological symptoms. The team planned brain surgery to remove infected tissue from the amygdala, but the disease spread to the brainstem making surgery impossible. This diagnosis was later ruled out in favor of tuberculosis.
Also known as: TB
Initially thought to be the correct diagnosis when the disease appeared to affect multiple organ systems including brain and heart. The team started multi-drug regimen and isolation with UV light. However, this was also ruled out.
The final correct diagnosis. Patient had attempted laser removal of an old surfing tattoo on her ankle, but ink remained in deeper skin layers. Her extreme marathon running modified her immune system and triggered a severe allergic reaction to the residual tattoo ink, causing all her symptoms including amnesia, seizures, and cardiac problems. Treated with full-thickness skin graft.
Also known as: Memory loss
Presenting symptom - patient found jogging disoriented with complete memory loss including her identity. This was a symptom of the underlying allergic reaction rather than a primary psychological condition.
Also known as: Mini blackouts
Patient developed seizures with associated urinary incontinence and foot numbness during the episode, representing progression of her allergic reaction affecting the brain.
Also known as: DI
Developed as a complication from hypothalamic damage, causing breathing problems due to fluid overload in the lungs.
Also known as: Enlarged heart muscle disease
Rapidly progressive cardiac involvement discovered during fluoroscopy-guided pacemaker placement, indicating the disease was attacking multiple organ systems, not just the brain.