House episode 1 Recap and FAQ
Episode Summary
House's team grapples with a challenging case: a 29-year-old teacher who loses the ability to speak and suffers from neurological decline. Initially suspected of having a brain tumor, her condition stumps the team. House's unorthodox methods, including breaking into her home and halting all treatment to observe disease progression, lead to a surprising diagnosis: neurocysticercosis, a tapeworm in her brain. Despite ethical dilemmas and House's contentious relationship with hospital administration, the patient is successfully treated, highlighting House's exceptional diagnostic skills and unconventional approach.
Full Episode S00E01 Recap
Frequently Asked Questions
What condition does the 29-year-old female patient initially present with?
She is unable to speak properly and babbles like a baby, showing progressive deterioration of mental status.
What is Dr. House's initial reaction to the patient's suspected brain tumor?
He finds it boring and uninteresting.
Why does House face criticism from hospital administration?
He is criticized for not wearing a doctor's coat, not fulfilling clinical duties, and having a negative attitude.
What complication occurs during the patient's MRI?
The patient, Rebecca, has a seizure and requires an emergency tracheotomy.
How does House investigate the environmental factors of Sydney's condition?
He smells the classroom floor and inquires about pets in the classroom.
What approach does House take to understand the disease's progression?
He decides to stop all treatment to observe how fast the disease is killing the patient.
Why do House and Cameron break into the patient's house?
They are looking for environmental factors that might explain her symptoms.
What is the final diagnosis for the patient?
House diagnoses her with neurocysticercosis, a condition where a tapeworm is present in the brain.
How does House convince the patient to accept treatment?
He shares his personal experience with pain and disability and emphasizes the urgency and seriousness of her condition.
What treatment is administered to the patient?
She is treated with Albendazole, a medication to eliminate the tapeworm.
What does House reveal about his hiring practices?
He admits to hiring Cameron for her looks but also because she chose to work hard despite her natural beauty.
What does the patient's recovery signify about House's approach?
It highlights his unconventional yet effective diagnostic skills, despite his personal flaws and unorthodox methods.
How does the patient, Rebecca, feel about House after her treatment?
She is grateful for the cure but acknowledges that House remains unchanged as a person.
What ethical dilemma is discussed regarding patient treatment?
The team considers whether to respect the patient's wish to die or to override her decision based on a potential cure.
What insight does House provide about his view on life and death?
He expresses that there is no dignity in dying, and our bodies inevitably break down, regardless of our desires or efforts.
