Also known as: Shingles
A 44-year-old school bus driver presents with right-sided chest pain initially suspected to be cardiac, but is diagnosed with shingles. The condition is initially misdiagnosed as simple shingles when an intern fails to properly examine the tympanic membrane, missing a vesicle that indicates progression to Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
Also known as: Disseminated herpetic infection
Mr. Talis's shingles progresses to Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a disseminated herpetic infection with vesicles on the tympanic membrane. This complication is missed during initial evaluation, causing the patient to have a seizure in the subway, creating a major conflict about intern oversight and diagnostic errors.
Also known as: Stomach cancer
A patient with stomach cancer is being offered precision targeted therapy testing. The episode uses this case to illustrate the rollout of the new oncology treatment protocol, though the patient is not the central focus.
An inmate intentionally swallowed a fork to get a few days out of Rikers Island, viewing recovery from surgery as a vacation. This case highlights the psychological desperation and self-harm among incarcerated patients.
Also known as: Broken leg
Dr. Bloom continues recovery from her fractured tibia, refusing pain medications and struggling with physical therapy. Her pain management and coping mechanisms are featured throughout the episode as she tries various distraction techniques.