Also known as: Breast cancer
Claire returns to St. Bonaventure for treatment of a breast lump that initially tested negative in Guatemala but is confirmed as Stage 1A breast cancer. She undergoes lumpectomy with re-excision for positive margins and sentinel lymph node biopsy, ultimately achieving clean margins with negative lymph nodes.
Also known as: GBM, terminal brain cancer
In the episode's final scene, Glassman reveals to Shaun that his previous brain cancer has recurred and progressed to terminal glioblastoma, a devastating diagnosis that will likely drive major storylines going forward.
Also known as: Heroin addiction
Hannah, a teenage homeless patient previously treated for Chiari Zero malformation, is living with Glassman while he attempts to help her detox from opioid addiction by prescribing controlled doses. She initially resists formal treatment but ultimately agrees to enter rehab after Shaun's intervention about unconditional support.
Also known as: Chiari malformation
Hannah's underlying brain malformation caused persistent severe pain that led to her initial opioid use. She underwent successful surgical correction prior to the episode's main timeline.
Also known as: Struck by lightning
Construction worker struck by lightning while working on a roof, resulting in second-degree burns, temporary leg paralysis (keraunoparalysis), and characteristic Lichtenberg figure skin patterns. The injury leads to hospitalization where a brain tumor is incidentally discovered.
Also known as: Brain tumor
Incidentally discovered frontal lobe mass in the lightning strike patient that causes a prolonged seizure. Treated with aggressive awake craniotomy with motor mapping to preserve guitar-playing ability while achieving maximal resection to prevent progression to glioblastoma.
Also known as: Seizure
Clint experiences a prolonged seizure lasting over four minutes requiring multiple doses of lorazepam and levetiracetam, which leads to discovery of his brain tumor.
Also known as: Lightning-induced paralysis
Temporary loss of sensation and motor function in the legs following lightning strike, expected to resolve within hours.
Also known as: Superficial partial thickness burn
Linear flash burns and punctate burns at entry/exit points from lightning strike requiring debridement of necrotic tissue.