Lane, a professional bull rider, presents with neurological symptoms, bloody sputum, nausea, weakness, and a disappearing liver mass. After extensive testing complicated by his numerous metal implants from previous injuries, the team discovers a Bartonella infection causing a mycotic aneurysm in his aortic wall, requiring a high-risk procedure to intentionally rupture and repair the aneurysm.
Also known as: Infected brain aneurysm
The Bartonella infection causes a mycotic aneurysm in Lane's aortic wall, which requires the team to deliberately increase his blood pressure to rupture it in a controlled setting during open-heart surgery so they can repair it before he bleeds to death.
Also known as: Mini blackouts
Lane experiences seizure-like episodes causing brief periods of unconsciousness that his brain compensates for, making them difficult to detect. The team confirms these through a singing test that reveals rhythm disruptions, ultimately pointing to brain pathology from the infection.
Also known as: Heroin addiction
House relapses on Vicodin following his breakup with Cuddy after being clean for two years. He checks into a hotel and begins using again while trying to manage his emotional pain and leg pain, raising concerns among his colleagues about his judgment and ability to work.
Also known as: Depression
House experiences severe depression following his breakup with Cuddy, characterized by emotional withdrawal, self-isolation in a hotel, return to substance use, and anhedonia (nothing excites him). Wilson expresses concern that House might do something 'even stupider' and that he's looking for something to fill the void.