Paige Smith's perforated eardrum after lightning strike
Paige has a perforated eardrum and hearing loss after the same backyard lightning strike.
In Plain English
The lightning damages Paige's eardrum and hearing.
What Happened in the Episode
Kwan reports Paige's perforated eardrum and hearing loss but notes she is otherwise stable.
Clinical Concept
Blast or pressure effects can perforate the eardrum and cause hearing changes.
What ER Teams Would Evaluate
The episode supports labs, EKG, ear finding, hearing loss, and stability assessment.
Treatment and Management Overview
No specific treatment is documented.
What TV Gets Right
The case recognizes that lightning can injure more than skin.
What TV Compresses
It omits otoscopic detail, audiology, water precautions, infection prevention, and ENT follow-up.
Sources and Further Reading
- iDRief catalog page
- Grey's Anatomy Universe Wiki - Thunderstruck
- Thunderstruck transcript
- Grey's Anatomy Universe Wiki - ThunderstruckEPISODE
Supports: Supports Paige's lightning strike, perforated eardrum, hearing loss, labs, EKG, and stability.
- Thunderstruck transcriptEPISODE
Supports: Supports Paige's lightning injury scene context.
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia - Ruptured EardrumTIER 1
Supports: Supports perforated eardrum context.
- iDRief catalog pageIDRIEF
Supports: Provides the local episode record for Grey's Anatomy S19E6.