House season 3 episode 13 Recap and FAQ
Episode Summary
Stevie, a 16-year-old boy, faces a medical crisis with mysterious symptoms. Initially suspected of drug use, it's revealed he's Romany (Gypsy) and mistrusts conventional medicine. Dr. House's team struggles to diagnose him, suspecting Wegener's disease. Cultural clashes arise as Stevie's parents refuse experimental treatments. The mystery deepens until a swallowed toothpick is discovered as the cause, having traveled through his body. House loses a wheelchair bet over a parking space and learns about his own choices. Stevie chooses family over a job offer, emphasizing the value of tradition and loyalty.
Full Episode S03E13 Recap
Frequently Asked Questions
What medical condition does Stevie suffer from in the episode?
Stevie experiences respiratory arrest and a series of confusing symptoms, later found to be caused by a swallowed toothpick.
Who is Dr. J. Whitner and what is her significance in the episode?
Dr. J. Whitner is a researcher in a wheelchair who has a parking space dispute with Dr. House.
What is the cultural background of Stevie, and how does it affect the episode?
Stevie is Romany (Gypsy), which brings cultural clashes and misunderstandings with the medical team.
Why do Stevie's parents initially refuse certain treatments?
Stevie's parents refuse experimental treatments due to a distrust of experimentation, stemming from historical mistreatment of Romany people.
What is the final diagnosis for Stevie's medical condition?
Stevie's condition is caused by a toothpick he swallowed, which moved through various organs in his body.
How does House end up in a wheelchair in the episode?
House bets that he can use a wheelchair for a week to gain a closer parking space.
What is the issue between House and Dr. Cuddy in this episode?
The issue is over a parking space bet, where House believes he earned the space but Dr. Cuddy disagrees.
What role does Leah play in Stevie's story?
Leah is Stevie's friend who is deeply concerned about his health and tries to advocate for him.
Why is Stevie hesitant to accept a job offer from House?
Stevie chooses his family and their lifestyle over the job opportunity, valuing their closeness.
How is the toothpick in Stevie's body discovered?
The toothpick is discovered during a colonoscopy, explaining his mysterious symptoms.
What does House learn from his wheelchair experience?
House learns about the challenges of being in a wheelchair and confronts his own biases and approaches.
How does Stevie's cultural background impact his treatment?
Stevie's Romany background leads to mistrust and reluctance to accept certain treatments from the medical team.
What is the relationship between Stevie and his parents?
Stevie has a close relationship with his parents, valuing their traditions and lifestyle over external opportunities.
Why does the toothpick not show up on medical scans?
The toothpick, made of wood, absorbs water and matches the density of surrounding tissues, making it invisible on scans.
What is the lesson House imparts to Stevie about change and opportunities?
House encourages Stevie to embrace change and pursue his own path, but Stevie ultimately chooses family loyalty.
