Also known as: Brain attack
George had a stroke last year that left him with balance problems and requiring a wheelchair. This is part of his declining health that has made him dependent on his wife for care.
Also known as: Parkinson's
Devon diagnoses George with early-stage Parkinson's disease after observing irregular arm swing, bradykinesia, and rigidity. This progressive neurological condition is the primary reason George requires extensive caregiving and drives the decision to place him in a skilled nursing facility.
Also known as: Brain bleed
George's CT scan reveals a small subdural hematoma. The doctors determine it is too small to warrant surgery and likely not the cause of his symptoms, but it provides justification for hospital admission to buy time for care planning.
Also known as: Broken heart syndrome
Celeste develops stress cardiomyopathy from the extreme physical and emotional burden of caring for her declining husband. She faints in the hospital and doctors discover her heart is literally failing from the stress. This diagnosis drives the decision to place George in a nursing facility.
Also known as: Hole in the diaphragm
A 19-year-old college student suffers a ruptured diaphragm after being thrown through a glass table during frat house wrestling. His abdominal organs herniate into his chest cavity, requiring emergency surgery by Bell and Austin who must work together to free strangulated bowel and repair the defect.
Also known as: Broken rib
A young skateboarder presents to the ER with abdominal pain after falling. Conrad diagnoses a fractured rib on X-ray, which is treated conservatively with pain management. This case is used to demonstrate Conrad showing Gigi around the hospital.