It can be challenging enough to diagnose a patient’s problem in the real world — just imagine how difficult how much more difficult it would be in a comic book world where magic, psychic powers, aliens, advanced technology, and Grant Morrison all exist. Here are a handful of actual comic book medical cases — are your diagnostic skills up to the task?
Case Study #6: The patient is a six year-old girl with no significant past medical history. She is up to date on all her immunizations and previously had been an active and playful girl. Her parents found her unresponsive and she has not shown any sign of coming out of her coma since. Initial tests show a normal
white cell count and no signs of infection or toxins. Of note, her parents are divorced and have a contentious relationship.
The most likely cause of this patient’s condition is:
A. Diabetic ketoacidosis with coma
B. Head trauma (due to child abuse)
C. Soul stolen by demon
D. Psychic attack
E. Inborn error of metabolism
Click here for the ANSWER
Case Study #7: The patient is a healthy male in his mid-30s who complains of the sudden onset of severe dizziness. He also reports that the dizziness is associated with visual disturbances: a swirling pattern of pastel colors. He denies any previous similar episodes. There is no history of cardiovascular or neurological problems. He exercises regularly, if not excessively, and reports that he has a very high stress job.
This patient has suffered:
A. A partial seizure
B. A psychic attack
C. Acute labyrinthitis
D. Ocular migraine.
E. Teleportation to a distant planet
Click here for the ANSWER
Case Study #8: A 21 year-old female complains of a one-month history of increasing anxiety including episodes of poor memory recall. She complains of a severe generalized headache, pounding in nature, and increasing in intensity. She also complains of the sudden onset of hot flashes. She is unable to provide any family medical history as her mother died when she was an infant and she was raised by her stepfather.
This patient has:
A. Hyperthyroidism.
B. Anxiety disorder with panic attacks
C. Exposure to mutagenic chemicals
D. Early onset menopause.
E. Caught in the tail of a comet.
Click here for the ANSWER
Case Study #9: The patient is a teenage female who complains of several days of fever, chills, fatigue, and congestion. She is generally very active and her past medical history is significant for migraine headaches which started a few months ago, but have since apparently resolved. She reports no recent travel.
This patient’s diagnosis is:
A. Severe allergies
B. Viral upper respiratory infection (i.e. a “cold”)
C. Spiritual possesion
D. Pneumonia
E. Exposure to alien spores
Click here for the ANSWER
If these case studies are new to you, start here for a more in depth look at differential diagnosis in a comic book world, as well as Case Studies #1 and 2
July 20th, 2009 at 12:24 am
Ok, I laughed pretty hard at the last one. You got me.
July 20th, 2009 at 12:47 am
So, is Batman really in his mid-30s? I seem to recall DC saying that he was younger, but that is the age that I kind of assume him to be.
July 20th, 2009 at 10:27 am
Those are great. I never would have gotten the last one.
You could have had one for Wolverine: “Patient complains of mood swings and paranoia with severe violent episodes. Was recently stabbed, shot, infected with an alien larva, and burned beyond recognition. Vital signs are normal.
July 20th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
In #8, it’s a good thing she was already wearing a super hero/villain outfit. Now she doesn’t have to worry about how to change into one…
July 20th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Not fair, doc. You left out a symptom: patient reports “spandex-swimsuit-outfit-like” patterns appearing on her skin whenever she gets naked… I recall she showing that to Human Torch at the beginning of that issue.
August 30th, 2009 at 10:26 am
Case study #9 actually looks more like influenza to me, although I will admit I have no medical training. I thought fevers weren’t a symptom of the common cold.
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