MrBallen’s Medical Mysteries: Episode 84 | The Sick Snowbird/A Spoonful of Sugar

Release Date: May 13, 2025
Host: Mr. Ballin
Produced by Wondery | Ballen Studios

Overview

In Episode 84 of MrBallen’s Medical Mysteries, titled “The Sick Snowbird/A Spoonful of Sugar”, host Mr. Ballin delves into two perplexing medical cases involving women whose severe symptoms baffled their doctors until unexpected causes were uncovered. These true stories highlight the complexities of medical diagnosis and the importance of considering all possible factors, including lifestyle choices and underlying conditions.

Story 1: The Sick Snowbird

Abigail Norris – A seemingly healthy 70-year-old woman faced mysterious and debilitating symptoms that led her to multiple hospitalizations.

Timeline & Key Events:

• March 2022: Abigail Norris arrives back in Newark, New Jersey, after a nine-week stay in Southern California. She had been enjoying mild weather, which alleviated her chronic osteoarthritis and lower back pain.

• Three Months Later: Abigail experiences a severe vomiting episode (Timestamp [02:12]). This is her third such incident in a few months, each time leading to emergency room visits without a clear diagnosis. The pain subsides on its own each time, leaving doctors puzzled.

• Hospitalization: Following her latest episode, Abigail is admitted to the hospital where Dr. Howard Pinter conducts a thorough examination. Despite administering pain medication and antibiotics, her symptoms persist. Blood tests reveal a high white blood cell count and increasing levels of acid in her bloodstream, suggesting tissue ischemia. However, CT scans are compromised due to a previously implanted nerve stimulator, preventing a clear diagnosis.

• Emergency Surgery: Dr. Pinter schedules emergency surgery to explore potential circulatory blockages. The surgery reveals no issues with her organs or blood vessels, deepening the mystery.

• Three Days Later: Abigail begins eating normally, and her symptoms vanish without explanation (Timestamp [15:47]). Dr. Pinter considers the possibilities of abdominal migraines or abdominal epilepsy but lacks evidence.

• Breakthrough: Abigail consults her neurologist, Dr. Randall Bergin, who asks if she consumes marijuana. Abigail admits to regularly eating marijuana-infused gummies acquired during her California stay. Dr. Bergin diagnoses her with Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), a condition caused by prolonged use of high-dose cannabis, leading to cycles of severe nausea and vomiting (Timestamp [02:12]).

  Dr. Bergin (00:XX): “Abigail was suffering from something called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. It’s caused by prolonged use of high-dose cannabis and is characterized by nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.”

• Resolution: Upon discontinuing the use of marijuana gummies, Abigail’s symptoms cease. Although her chronic pain returns, she no longer endures the life-threatening vomiting spells, marking a significant improvement in her quality of life.

Notable Insights:

• Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS): A rare but serious condition induced by chronic cannabis use. Symptoms include cyclic vomiting, abdominal pain, and nausea. The exact cause is unknown, but genetic factors may play a role.

• Importance of Comprehensive Patient History: Abigail’s case underscores the necessity for doctors to consider all aspects of a patient’s lifestyle and medication use, including over-the-counter and recreational substances.

Story 2: A Spoonful of Sugar

Kelly Romano – A 52-year-old real estate agent experiences sudden and severe hypoglycemic episodes that mimic intoxication, leading to professional and personal challenges.

Timeline & Key Events:

• Spring 2011: Kelly Romano’s typical day takes a distressing turn when she appears intoxicated at work despite having abstained from alcohol. Her colleague, Brooke Scott, recognizes the signs and takes Kelly home.

• First Episode: While running errands with her husband, Peter, Kelly exhibits confusion, memory lapses, and disorientation. Her inability to remember simple details and navigate familiar routes alarms Peter, leading to her collapse at home (Timestamp [17:23]).

  Paramedic (23:04): “She should always keep some fast-acting carbohydrates like juice or candy on hand for whenever she felt lightheaded or woozy.”

• Medical Examination: Initial assessments suggest hypoglycemia—a condition characterized by abnormally low blood sugar levels—which can cause confusion and dizziness. Kelly is advised to keep emergency carbohydrates nearby to manage future episodes.

• Worsening Condition: Over the next year, Kelly’s hypoglycemic episodes become more frequent, forcing her and Peter to continuously manage her condition discreetly to avoid professional embarrassment.

• Specialist Consultation: Dr. Frank Miller, an endocrinologist, reviews Kelly’s blood tests and suspects an underlying issue with insulin production. Despite normal insulin levels immediately after eating, her tests indicate excessive insulin secretion without sugar intake.

• Advanced Diagnostic Testing: Dr. Miller recommends an endoscopic ultrasound to investigate further (Timestamp [23:04]). This procedure reveals a benign tumor called an insulinoma on Kelly's pancreas. An insulinoma autonomously secretes insulin, leading to persistent hypoglycemia.

  Dr. Miller (24:25): “The endoscopic ultrasound showed a blob the size of a pencil eraser on Kelly's pancreas. This blob was a benign tumor called an insulinoma.”

• Surgical Intervention: The insulinoma is successfully removed in 2013, resolving Kelly’s hypoglycemic episodes. She regains control over her blood sugar levels, sheds the weight gained from excessive sugar consumption to combat her symptoms, and restores her professional reputation.

Notable Insights:

• Insulinoma: A rare pancreatic tumor that produces excess insulin, leading to hypoglycemia. Diagnosis often requires specialized imaging techniques like endoscopic ultrasound.

• Impact on Daily Life: Kelly’s story illustrates how a hidden medical condition can significantly affect personal and professional life, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis and effective management.

• Psychological and Social Implications: The fear of being perceived as intoxicated or unreliable adds a layer of psychological stress, highlighting the importance of supportive relationships and timely medical intervention.

Conclusion

In this episode, Mr. Ballin masterfully narrates two intricate medical mysteries, demonstrating how seemingly unrelated symptoms can stem from uncommon or overlooked causes. Abigail Norris’s struggle with Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome and Kelly Romano’s battle with an insulinoma underline the critical role of thorough patient history and advanced diagnostic tools in uncovering the root causes of complex medical conditions.

These stories serve as compelling reminders of the intricacies of the human body and the importance of considering a wide range of factors—medical, psychological, and lifestyle—in the diagnostic process. Mr. Ballin’s engaging storytelling not only captivates listeners but also educates them on rare medical phenomena that can have profound impacts on individuals' lives.

Key Takeaways:

• Rare medical conditions can often masquerade as more common ailments, necessitating a comprehensive and open-minded approach to diagnosis.
• Patients’ lifestyle choices, including recreational substance use, can significantly influence their health and should be transparently communicated to healthcare providers.
• Advanced diagnostic procedures, such as endoscopic ultrasounds and specialized lab tests, are crucial in identifying elusive medical issues.
• Supportive relationships and effective communication between patients and healthcare professionals are vital in managing and overcoming complex health challenges.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Randall Bergin (Timestamp [02:12]):
  “Abigail was suffering from something called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. It's caused by prolonged use of high-dose cannabis and is characterized by nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.”

• Dr. Frank Miller (Timestamp [24:25]):
  “The endoscopic ultrasound showed a blob the size of a pencil eraser on Kelly's pancreas. This blob was a benign tumor called an insulinoma.”

Production Credits

• Written by: Aaron Lan and Allison Taylor
• Editor: Heather Dundas
• Sound Design: Andre Plus
• Senior Managing Producer: Callum Plews
• Coordinating Producer: Sarah Mathis
• Senior Producer: Alex Benedon
• Associate Producers and Researchers: Sarah Vitak and Teja Palaconda
• Fact Checking: Sheila Patterson
• Head of Production: Zach Levitt
• Script Editing: Scott Allen and Evan Allen
• Coordinating Producer: Samantha Collins
• Production Support: Avery Siegel
• Executive Producers: Mr. Ballin and Nick Witters
• Sound Team for Wondry: Marcelino Villapando, Laura, Donna Palovoda, Dave Schilling, Ryan Lohr, Aaron O'Flaherty, and Marshall Louie

Connect with MrBallen’s Medical Mysteries

Follow the series on Amazon Music, the Wondery App, or your preferred podcast platform. New episodes are released every Tuesday, with options for early and ad-free listening through subscriptions.

Disclaimer: The stories presented in this episode are inspired by true events. Pseudonyms are used to protect the privacy of individuals involved, and certain details may be fictionalized for dramatic purposes. The content is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.