Also known as: Kidney failure
Patient requires continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and urgently needs a kidney transplant. Without transplant within a week, complications will be fatal. Her daughter posts viral video seeking kidney donor.
Patient with Grade 4 malignant spinal cord tumor given 10 months to live. Skydiving causes pathologic spinal fracture. Tumor shrinkage from impact allows option for cordectomy that would extend life 5-10 years but cause quadriplegia. Patient chooses shorter recovery to complete bucket list with daughter.
Vertebral fracture caused by tumor weakening spinal column during skydiving landing. Requires spinal stabilization and fusion surgery.
Also known as: Adrenal tumor
Tumor flooding patient's system with hormones, causing both physical symptoms (episodic BP/HR spikes) and psychiatric manifestations (delusion of being Jesus). Surgical removal resolves delusion and restores patient's true identity before kidney donation.
Also known as: Shared delusion
Patient believes he is Jesus Christ due to underlying pheochromocytoma. Psychiatry deems him competent to donate kidney despite delusion. Delusion resolves after pheo removal.
Also known as: Chiari Zero
Patient with chronic severe headaches and neurological symptoms misdiagnosed as drug-seeking behavior. Dr. Glassman identifies controversial Chiari Zero diagnosis with cervical syrinx and arachnoid adhesions. Surgery successfully addresses underlying pain, though addiction remains separate issue.
Also known as: Heroin addiction
Patient on chronic oxycodone for pain, labeled as drug-seeking. Underlying legitimate pain from Chiari Zero contributed to addiction development. Remains challenge after surgical pain treatment.