Also known as: Spinal cord damage
Hunter suffered complete paralysis from the chest down 10 years ago in a motorcycle accident with fractures to seven vertebrae. He now presents with severe neck pain and herniated disc, but imaging reveals his spinal cord has begun functioning again after years.
Also known as: Spinal tumor
A large spinal tumor wrapped around Hunter's spinal cord and fused with the dura, with extension adhering to the brainstem. Removing it could allow him to walk again but carries a 30% risk of death. He undergoes the high-risk surgery successfully.
Also known as: Slipped disk
Initial imaging showed anterolisthesis and herniated disc causing Hunter's severe neck pain, but further workup revealed the more significant spinal tumor.
During surgery to remove the spinal tumor, Hunter develops neurogenic shock with dropping blood pressure and loss of motor evoked potentials when the brainstem is compressed, requiring emergent intervention.
Also known as: Infected cosmetic implant
Emma presents with infection of a facial cheek implant that spreads despite initial surgical removal and replacement. The infection seeds to multiple cosmetic implants throughout her body, and she refuses definitive surgery. She ultimately dies from septic embolism and cardiac arrest despite antibiotic treatment.
Emma throws a septic embolism during surgery, leading to cardiac arrest and death despite resuscitation attempts including open chest cardiac massage.
Also known as: Enlarged testicular veins
A male patient presents with low sperm count due to varicocele raising testicular temperature. Surgery is discussed but the patient declines due to concerns about risks of impotence.
Also known as: Manic depression
Claire's estranged mother reveals she has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and is now on mood stabilizers, explaining her past erratic behavior including stealing Claire's savings.