Medical Diagnoses in The Good Doctor: A Comprehensive Review of Medical Conditions in Season 6
- Jan 6
- 10 min read
Season 6 of The Good Doctor begins with immediate catastrophe, plunging the team into the aftermath of an active shooter event. The season explores the long-term consequences of physical trauma, the ethical boundaries of xenotransplantation, and the silent progression of neurological decline in a mentor figure. From high-tech spinal surgeries to field amputations, the medical complexity remains intense.
Below is a comprehensive review of the specific medical diagnoses and treatments featured throughout Season 6.
Content ⁉️
Episode 1
Traumatic Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) and Liver Laceration
Following an active shooter event, Dr. Audrey Lim presented with life-threatening injuries, including a grade 4 liver laceration and active bleeding. Treatment: Dr. Murphy opted for a conservative angio-embolization to preserve the liver. However, declining cardiac output revealed a traumatic Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) caused by a deep stab wound. Progression: With the bypass machine occupied, the team performed a high-risk percutaneous closure. Dr. Murphy identified a second, oblong VSD and successfully closed both. Despite the cardiac repair, Dr. Lim awoke to discover she was paralyzed.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Cardiac Tamponade: Fluid buildup compressing the heart.
Pulmonary Hilum Lacerations: Tears at the root of the lung.
Full Thickness Tracheal Laceration: Complete tear of the windpipe causing subcutaneous emphysema.
Perforated Bowel: Fatal hole in the intestine requiring repair.
Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA): Rhythm without mechanical pulse.
Episode 2
Large Anterior Laryngeal Mass
Jeremiah. A reclusive patient presented with a choking sensation. Examination revealed a massive tumor involving the larynx. Treatment: The team utilized laryngoscopy and needle aspiration before surgically excising the mass. They successfully managed a dangerous bleed from the superior laryngeal artery.
End-Stage Heart Failure (Xenotransplant)
Unnamed (Dr. Hall's Husband). A standard heart transplant was aborted due to donor organ damage. The patient deteriorated on ECMO. Treatment: Dr. Murphy proposed a xenotransplant (pig heart). As the team prepared, a compatible human heart became available, allowing for a standard transplant.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Paralysis: Loss of motor function requiring physical therapy.
Hoarding Disorder: Psychological difficulty discarding possessions.
Tricuspid Insufficiency: Leaky heart valve causing backflow.
Episode 3
Hydrocephalus
Cady Stinson, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, presented with paranoia. Dr. Park noticed headaches when lying down and a shuffling gait. Diagnosis: CT scans revealed ventricular enlargement (hydrocephalus). The fluid buildup was the root cause of her psychiatric symptoms. Treatment: A shunt was surgically inserted to drain excess fluid, resolving her neurological deficits.
Grade 2 Oligodendroglioma
Julianne presented with time distortion. MRI revealed a grade 2 oligodendroglioma in the parietal lobe. Diagnosis: Visions of the "afterlife" during cardiac arrest were identified as color agnosia and optic ataxia, signaling a second hidden tumor in the occipital lobe. Outcome: A second surgery was attempted, but the patient suffered V-tach and passed away. Autopsy confirmed a high-grade occipital tumor.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Radial Artery Laceration: Traumatic tear in the forearm artery.
Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar causing falls.
Multifocal Tumor: Multiple distinct tumors in one organ.
Cord Ischemia: Restricted blood flow to the spinal cord.
Episode 4
Traumatic Foot Amputation
Andy. A propeller accident resulted in a total amputation of the left lower extremity. Andy arrived in hypovolemic shock. Treatment: Dr. Park performed a replant surgery. Despite a thrombosis reaching the popliteal artery, the surgery was successful.
Brachial Artery Pseudoaneurysm
Reenactor. A patient presented with a brachial artery pseudoaneurysm from shrapnel. Complication: An undetonated firework exploded during surgery, shredding the artery and causing nerve avulsion. Treatment: Dr. Murphy utilized a parachute technique for vascular anastomosis and nerve repair to save the arm.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Pilonidal Cyst: Abnormal pocket near the tailbone.
Subclavian Artery Trauma: Injury compromising upper extremity blood flow.
Popliteal Artery Thrombosis: Clot behind the knee threatening the limb.
Episode 5
Hemochromatosis and Acute Liver Failure
Skyler suffered fainting spells due to a dangerously low heart rate. Diagnosis: Genetic testing revealed hemochromatosis (iron buildup) had damaged her heart and liver. Hypotension triggered shock liver. Treatment: A lobe of her biological father’s liver was transplanted to save her.
Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
Chris presented with weight loss and back pain. Imaging showed a mass compressing the bile duct. Diagnosis: During a planned Whipple procedure, metastasis was found on the abdominal wall, confirming terminal Stage 3 pancreatic cancer.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Kyphosis: Spinal curvature causing tension.
Bradycardia: Dangerously low heart rate.
Cerumen Impaction: Earwax buildup causing discomfort.
Opioid Use Disorder: Chronic dependence on pain medication.
Episode 6
Anomalous Origin of the Coronary Artery
Brooks Mosey. A cyclist collapsed in extreme heat. Diagnosis: A coronary angiography revealed the coronary artery originated from the pulmonary artery, causing structural cardiac ischemia. Treatment: During a hospital blackout, the team performed an off-pump modification of the trap door technique, using a heated lighter for cauterization.
Thoracoabdominal Tumor
Edna Hamilton. An elderly patient presented with heat-induced V-tach. Diagnosis: A chest CT revealed a massive tumor spanning from the lung to the abdomen. Treatment: Surgical removal required a nephrectomy, resulting in permanent dialysis.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Heat Stroke: Dangerously high core temperature requiring cooling.
Unstable Angina: Worsening chest pain indicating poor blood flow.
Dementia: Cognitive condition leading to wandering.
Episode 7
High-Risk Preterm Sextuplets
Infants A-F. Sextuplets were born at 29 weeks, requiring complex interventions. Diagnoses and Treatments:
Baby C: Diagnosed with TAPVR via "snowman sign" on X-ray; surgically repaired.
Baby D: Tracheoesophageal Fistula treated via thoracoscopic surgery.
Baby E: Developed heart failure; Dr. Lim diagnosed a Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), repaired with a Piccolo Occluder.
Baby F: Diagnosed with a hidden Diaphragmatic Hernia crowding the lungs; surgically repaired.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Monochorionic-Diamniotic Twins: Identical twins sharing a placenta.
Nevus Simplex: Birthmark noted upon delivery.
Asherman’s Syndrome: Uterine scarring affecting future fertility.
Episode 8
Retained Surgical Item (Gossypiboma)
Naveen Mukherjee presented with pain attributed to IVF injections. Diagnosis: Surgery revealed a retained surgical towel from a prior appendectomy, causing severe infection and adhesions. Treatment: Due to irreversible necrosis, a hysterectomy and en bloc resection were performed.
Splenic Rupture with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)
Toni Rhodes suffered a splenic hemorrhage after a fall. Diagnosis: The repair failed due to Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) triggered by trauma. Toxicology revealed Rohypnol, indicating sexual assault. Treatment: A transvaginal splenectomy was recommended to minimize bleeding risk.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Forehead Growths: Cutaneous lesions treated with cosmetic excision.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: Muscle movement suggesting potential recovery.
Episode 9
Bulimia Nervosa with Esophageal Rupture
Teddy presented with a hernia and torsades de pointes arrhythmia. Diagnosis: Enamel erosion and knuckle abrasions confirmed bulimia nervosa. Progression: Purging led to a ruptured esophagus, requiring gastric transposition.
Chronic Bacterial Rhinosinusitis and Intracranial Abscess
Lily. A perpetual sinus infection breached the skull base. Diagnosis: Massive brain abscess causing herniation. Treatment: Emergency hemicraniectomy and debridement of the infected skull base.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Compressive Syrinx: Fluid-filled cyst in the spinal cord.
Strangulated Inguinal Hernia: Blood flow cutoff to herniated intestine.
Brain Herniation: Brain tissue pushing through skull openings.
Episode 10
Uterine Artery Rupture
Lea Dilallo was diagnosed with a thinning uterine wall due to Asherman’s syndrome. Progression: Despite reinforcement surgery, she suffered a ruptured uterine artery. Treatment: Emergency surgery stopped the bleeding, saving both mother and baby.
Recurrent Desmoid Tumors (Gardner’s Syndrome)
Drew Dewitt suffered from Gardner’s syndrome and wound dehiscence following liver surgery. Treatment: A simultaneous small bowel transplant and abdominal wall transplant provided a healthy closure site.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
TPN-Associated Liver Failure: Organ failure from long-term IV nutrition.
Ventral Hernia: Protrusion through the abdominal wall.
Placental Abruption: Separation of placenta causing hemorrhage.
Episode 11
Multi-Impalement and Vascular Trauma
Lalo. A wood chipper accident resulted in impalement by 20 objects. Diagnosis: A spike damaged the carotid and subclavian arteries. Treatment: Instead of amputation, the team performed a high-risk carotid to subclavian bypass to save the arm.
Retained Bullet Fragment and Sepsis
Vince. A bullet fragment migrated into the adductor magnus, causing thrombosis and sepsis. Treatment: Sharp dissection was performed clandestinely to remove the fragment and restore flow.
Sacral and Lumbar Fractures (Canine Patient)
Buddy (Dog). A dog presented with neurogenic incontinence due to spinal fractures. Treatment: Surgeons adapted human neurosurgical techniques, using pedicle screws and rods to stabilize the spine.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Pneumothorax: Collapsed lung.
Concussion: Traumatic brain injury with temporary impairment.
Episode 12
Invasive Hydatidiform Mole
Kelli. A suspected cyst was identified as an invasive hydatidiform mole (tumor from mutated egg). Complication: The tumor caused uterine perforation and massive bleeding. Treatment: A STAT laparotomy was performed to isolate the vessel and remove the tumor.
Advanced Heart Failure (Uni-Heart)
Bob had extensive right ventricular scarring. Treatment: When a patch plasty failed, the team created a "uni-heart", bypassing the right ventricle and diverting blood directly to the lungs (similar to Ebstein’s Anomaly repair).
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Tricuspid Regurgitation: Leaky valve causing backflow.
Uterine Perforation: Breach of uterine wall causing shock.
Episode 13
Naegleria fowleri (Brain-Eating Amoeba)
Ricky Pavlovic presented with fever and neck pain after a nasal rinse with tap water. Diagnosis: Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis caused by Naegleria fowleri. Treatment: Intracerebral antibiotics, hemicraniectomy for edema, and an anterior temporal lobectomy to stop seizures.
End-Stage Cystic Fibrosis and Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion
Brecka.Terminal cystic fibrosis patient required a transplant, but donor lungs had pneumonia. Treatment: Dr. Lim used Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion (EVLP) to heal the lungs outside the body with antibiotics before transplantation.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Cerebral Edema: Brain swelling increasing intracranial pressure.
Hemochromatosis: Iron buildup masked by blood donation.
Episode 14
Moyamoya Disease
Nathan. A child exhibited stroke signs after a head bump. Diagnosis: Imaging revealed Moyamoya disease, characterized by abnormal "puff of smoke" vessels. Treatment: Double-barrel vascular bypass and encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis to restore flow and reduce bleed risk.
Constrictive Pericarditis ("Coconut Heart")
Evelyn Allen had a calcified pericardium from prior radiation. Treatment: A waffle procedure was used to score the hardened pericardium, allowing the heart to expand without full removal.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Primary CNS Vasculitis: Autoimmune inflammation ruled out.
Cirrhosis: Late-stage liver scarring.
Episode 15
Neurocysticercosis
Roland Barnes. A patient attacked by a tiger suffered seizures during recovery. Diagnosis: Behavioral changes and EEG spikes led to neurocysticercosis (tapeworm larvae cysts in the brain). Treatment: Stereotactic navigation and hydrodissection extracted the cyst.
Chorioamnionitis
Sonja Baylor. Following PPROM, Sonja developed chorioamnionitis (uterine infection). Outcome: Due to the risk of multi-organ failure, the pregnancy was terminated to save the mother.
Gastric Stromal Tumor
Joe. Suspected inoperable leiomyosarcoma was actually a gastric stromal tumor. Treatment: Surgical removal of the primary tumor and metastasis.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Hemopneumothorax: Blood and air in the pleural cavity.
Cardiac Contusion: Bruising of the heart muscle.
Episode 16
Arterial Occlusion vs. Traumatic Vasospasm
Bob Patton. An accident victim had a radial artery bleed with no capillary refill. Diagnosis: Dr. Murphy diagnosed irreversible arterial occlusion. Treatment: An emergency field amputation was performed. Pathology later confirmed the artery was blocked, validating the decision against vasospasm treatment.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Ischemia: Lack of blood flow causing necrosis.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Pre-existing median nerve pressure.
Episode 17
Hypothalamic Hamartoma
Yara presented with fractures and "tics" diagnosed as Tourette's. Diagnosis: MRI revealed gelastic seizures caused by a hypothalamic hamartoma. Treatment: Surgical resection of the tumor stopped the seizures.
L-transposition of the Great Arteries (L-TGA)
Carter. A patient with dizziness had inverted ventricles ("backward heart"). Treatment: A double switch reconstruction redirected blood flow. A postoperative clot required a second emergency revision.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Acute Compartment Syndrome: Pressure impeding blood flow.
Heart Block: Electrical abnormality slowing heart rate.
Episode 18
Tetralogy of Fallot
Harper Louise Decrane. A "long COVID" patient presented with "tet spells." Diagnosis: Rare adult presentation of Tetralogy of Fallot. Treatment: Full surgical repair of the four heart defects.
Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Renal Artery Stenosis
Daphne Garcia. "Kissing tonsils" caused severe apnea and right heart failure. Progression: Pulmonary pressure caused renal artery stenosis. Treatment: A renal artery bypass anchored to the aorta restored kidney function.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Long COVID: Persistent symptoms after infection.
Recurrent Glioma: Investigated in Dr. Glassman due to surgical errors.
Episode 19
Turner Syndrome and Coarctation of the Aorta
Eden. An infant presented in heart failure with Turner syndrome. Diagnosis: Critical coarctation of the aorta. Treatment: Resection of the narrowed segment. Post-operative lymph fluid buildup was managed with a chest tube.
Traumatic Hemipelvectomy
Brady Sullivan. An oil rig worker was nearly cut in half, separating his pelvis from his spine. Treatment: A complex reattachment involved a lung lobectomy and Dacron conduits to bypass arterial injuries, utilizing internal vacuum suction to manage blood flow.
Radiation Necrosis
Dr. Aaron Glassman. A brain lesion resembled recurrent glioblastoma. Diagnosis: CSF analysis confirmed radiation necrosis (scar tissue), not cancer. However, executive function deficits persisted.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Sepsis: Systemic reaction to infection.
Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib): Disordered electrical activity.
Episode 20
Brain Damage from Mini-Stroke
Dr. Aaron Glassman exhibited memory lapses and executive dysfunction. Diagnosis: Permanent brain damage caused by a mini-stroke, exacerbated by prior radiation. Outcome: He could no longer safely perform surgery.
Multiple Cerebral Aneurysms
Ricky. A baseball player had a dilated pupil. Diagnosis: Three cerebral aneurysms. Treatment: During a rupture, Dr. Glassman induced cardiac arrest with adenosine to stop blood flow and clip the aneurysms.
Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis with Duodenal Tumor
Eddie Richter. A patient with tree-like warts had a duodenal tumor. Treatment: An emergency Whipple procedure excised the tumor, but the patient died from a clot due to his underlying condition.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Stroke caused by bleeding around the brain.
Anisocoria: Unequal pupil sizes indicating distress.
Episode 21
Malignant Hemangiopericytoma
Kurt. A patient showed a drastic personality shift from difficult to kind. Diagnosis: A malignant hemangiopericytoma compressing frontal lobes. Treatment: A bicoronal subfrontal craniotomy removed the tumor.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Pilocytic Astrocytoma: Tumor compressing the brain stem.
Frontal AVM: Abnormal blood vessel tangle.
Episode 22
Internal Decapitation
Mr. Ermey. A collision caused internal decapitation (severed ligaments between skull and spine). Treatment: Occipitocervical fusion using plates, screws, and cables.
Aortic Dissection
Kenny. Crash victim developed pulse disparity. Diagnosis: Aortic dissection that ruptured despite graft attempts.
Fractured Pancreas and Hypertensive Crisis
Dr. Danny Perez suffered a fractured pancreas in the crash. Complication: Pain triggered a hypertensive crisis. Fentanyl was administered despite his recovery status to prevent a stroke.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Hemopericardium: Blood leaking into the pericardial sac.
Stalled Labor: Lea required vacuum-assisted delivery.
🔖 Key Takeaways
🗝️ Trauma Management: The season bookended with mass casualty events, highlighting interventions for internal decapitation, traumatic amputations, and complex impalements.
🗝️ Surgical Innovation: High-risk procedures included xenotransplantation, Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion, and the creation of a "uni-heart."
🗝️ Neurological Decline: Dr. Glassman’s arc explored the nuances of radiation necrosis versus stroke-induced brain damage and the impact on executive function.
🗝️ Rare Genetic Conditions: Cases involving Turner Syndrome, Moyamoya Disease, and Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis showcased the team's diagnostic range.
🗝️ Obstetrics: High-risk pregnancies and congenital fetal anomalies (TAPVR, CHAOS) were a central focus, culminating in the birth of Dr. Murphy's son.
Keywords: Medical Diagnoses The Good Doctor Season 6
Medical Diagnoses The Good Doctor Season 6
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