Also known as: MS
Bell experiences an MS flare-up causing leg weakness. He sees Dr. Greer who prescribes steroids and recommends using a cane, which Bell initially resists out of vanity before accepting.
Eliza, a memoirist who has written about depression, attempts suicide twice in one day (falling from sixth-floor balcony, then attempting to run into traffic). She has failed all standard treatments including CBT, antidepressants, and ECT. She undergoes experimental deep brain stimulation surgery which successfully relieves her symptoms.
Also known as: Suicide attempt
Eliza has attempted suicide three times in the past six years and makes two attempts during this episode. She expresses persistent desire to end her life and describes her 'reservoir of hope' as empty.
Also known as: Torn blood vessel from medical procedure
Aaron's cardiologist Dr. Pellington tears his left anterior descending artery (LAD) during an unnecessary cardiac catheterization, which leads to stent placement that blocks another artery. This results in an NSTEMI, ventricular arrhythmias, and requires emergency ECMO and coronary artery bypass surgery.
Also known as: Heart attack
Aaron presents with chest pain and is diagnosed with an NSTEMI (non-ST elevation myocardial infarction) caused by the improperly placed stent blocking his coronary arteries. His left ventricular function drops to 15-30%, and he develops life-threatening arrhythmias requiring emergency intervention.
Also known as: V-tach
Aaron develops ventricular tachycardia which quickly progresses to ventricular fibrillation, requiring multiple defibrillation attempts. The refractory arrhythmia is caused by his severely damaged heart from the iatrogenic injury.
Also known as: V-fib
Aaron's ventricular tachycardia deteriorates into ventricular fibrillation with loss of pulse. He is successfully defibrillated but requires ECMO support due to his heart's inability to maintain adequate function.
Also known as: Heart failure from brain injury
Aaron's left ventricular function deteriorates to only 15-20% with systolic blood pressure dropping to the 70s despite maximum vasopressor support. He requires ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) to maintain adequate perfusion for surgery.
Also known as: Hit-and-run injuries
Eliza sustains blunt trauma from falling six floors from her apartment building onto an entry awning. Initial trauma survey shows stable vitals, negative FAST exam, and negative head CT, though the fall was a suicide attempt.
Also known as: Paralysis
Emily was left paralyzed from the waist down due to surgical complications from neurosurgeon Dr. Bosley. She testifies to the medical board about how the negligent surgery destroyed her ability to walk and her engagement. This is part of Bell's crusade to hold Bosley accountable.