Also known as: Focal hand dystonia
A renowned surgeon develops focal dystonia in his hand from repetitive surgical technique, causing tremors and weakness that prevent him from operating. The team initially suspects carpal tunnel but Shaun diagnoses musician's dystonia caused by an aberrant vertebral artery compressing his spinal cord.
The underlying cause of Dr. Chambers' dystonia is discovered to be an aberrant vertebral artery taking an abnormal course and compressing his spinal cord. This life-threatening condition requires high-risk vascular surgery with vertebral-to-vertebral bypass using a radial artery graft.
Also known as: Facial nerve pain
A patient with severe facial pain initially suspected of drug-seeking behavior is eventually diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia caused by vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve. He undergoes microvascular decompression surgery, but when the pain worsens post-operatively, he requires a DREZ lesioning procedure.
Also known as: Carotid plaques
Dr. Chambers has a history of moderate carotid stenosis, which complicates his surgical options and significantly increases the risk of stroke during the planned vertebral artery bypass procedure.
Also known as: Heroin addiction
Oscar has a history of opioid addiction following a workplace injury and is taking high doses of opioids for his facial pain, leading his wife to suspect he is faking symptoms and causing her to temporarily move out.
Also known as: Unplanned pregnancy
Lea discovers she is pregnant with Shaun's child. The episode focuses on their decision-making process about whether to continue the pregnancy, ultimately deciding to have the baby despite their fears and uncertainties.