TvDx
Private Practice

Private PracticeABC

Season 2, Episode 6

6 medical diagnoses portrayed

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Heart defectsHormonal abnormalitiesFacial abnormalitiesNeed for multiple surgeriesLifetime medical treatment requirements

A prenatal ultrasound reveals DiGeorge syndrome in Laura's unborn baby girl, a genetic disorder causing cardiac, hormonal, and facial abnormalities. This diagnosis becomes central to the episode as Laura must decide whether to continue the pregnancy while dealing with her husband's betrayal.

Private Practice — S02E06Patient: Laura Larson's unborn baby (Daisy)

Also known as: Early-onset Alzheimer's

Loss of lucidityMemory lossNeed for round-the-clock care

Frances has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and hasn't been lucid in over a year, causing severe strain on her husband Henry who is caring for her at home. The diagnosis is later questioned when Sam discovers she may have normal pressure hydrocephalus instead.

Also known as: NPH

Symptoms mimicking Alzheimer's diseaseCognitive impairment

Sam discovers Frances's CT scan shows marked dilation of the ventricles, suggesting normal pressure hydrocephalus rather than Alzheimer's. A spinal tap is performed to drain excess fluid, temporarily restoring Frances's lucidity so she can convince Henry to place her in a nursing home.

Hypertensionsupporting

Also known as: High blood pressure

Weight lossAnemiaIrregular pulse

Henry, Frances's caregiver husband, shows dangerously high blood pressure along with weight loss and anemia due to the stress of caring for his wife with advanced dementia.

Also known as: Head laceration

Frances falls and hits her head while Henry is helping her out of the bathtub, requiring emergency room evaluation. The incident demonstrates the dangerous nature of Henry caring for her at home.

Also known as: Water breaking early

Amy's water breaks unexpectedly during an emotionally charged confrontation with Laura (her husband's other wife), leading to labor and delivery at the practice.

Private Practice — S02E06Patient: Amy Larson