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Symptomatic: A Medical Mystery Podcast - Podcast

Symptomatic: A Medical Mystery Podcast

How terrifying would it be to fight an unknown enemy? One you don’t recognize and didn’t see coming? What if that enemy was coming from within; a disease that even doctors couldn’t identify? Nearly half of all Americans suffer from some chronic illness and many struggle for an accurate diagnosis.

Every other week on Symptomatic, host Lauren Bright Pacheco unravels the medical mystery of a patient’s baffling symptoms and explores how their lives were turned upside down in search of answers. 

From the first signs of trouble, through a swirl of misdirection and failed treatment attempts, to the final relief at a confirmed diagnosis - these are their stories. This is Symptomatic.

We want to hear from you! Tell us what you think of the show or share your own medical mystery by emailing us at [email protected].

Medicine Society & Culture Science Health & Fitness Documentary
Update frequency
every 8 days
Average duration
30 minutes
Episodes
36
Years Active
2022 - 2025
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A Special Re-Release: Case #17: Every Cure Pt.1 (Dr. David Fajgenbaum)

A Special Re-Release: Case #17: Every Cure Pt.1 (Dr. David Fajgenbaum)

We’re celebrating Dr. David Fajgenbaum and revisiting one of our most impactful stories. David was just named to the TIME100 Health list and has a powerful new TED Talk—milestones that reflect the em…

00:42:26  |   Tue 09 Sep 2025
Case #25: Trent (Pt. 2)

Case #25: Trent (Pt. 2)

Just when Trent starts to believe the worst is behind him, an unexpected twist turns his world upside down. He’s forced to confront new challenges that test his resilience and make decisions that cou…

00:32:22  |   Tue 24 Dec 2024
Case #25: Trent (Pt. 1)

Case #25: Trent (Pt. 1)

Trent was a vibrant and successful insurance assessor when his life took an unexpected turn. While working under a car, he sensed something was off. It wasn’t until later that day -- when his legs st…

00:28:31  |   Tue 17 Dec 2024
House Calls - Case #16 Lauren

House Calls - Case #16 Lauren

In this next installment of Symptomatic: House Calls, we check in on Lauren from Case #16.

Lauren began noticing severe pain that could not be explained away by her professional dancing career. The m…

00:16:13  |   Tue 10 Dec 2024
Case #24: Sumaira

Case #24: Sumaira

When Sumaira was 24, what seemed like a routine wisdom teeth extraction quickly set off a series of unexpected health issues. Soon after, her vision in her right eye began to fade—a small nuisance sh…

00:43:51  |   Tue 03 Dec 2024
Case #23: Mik

Case #23: Mik

Mik’s health challenges began at an early age, with unusual symptoms like recurring staph infections from small cuts—signs that both doctors and her family brushed aside. Later, she experienced rapid…

00:40:11  |   Tue 26 Nov 2024
House Calls - Case #13 Alisha

House Calls - Case #13 Alisha

In this next installment of Symptomatic: House Calls, we catch up with Alisha from Case #13.

Spoiler Alert: If you haven’t listened to this episode yet, you might want to do so first HERE.

Alisha was…

00:16:04  |   Tue 19 Nov 2024
Case #22: Mila

Case #22: Mila

In her mid-20s and thriving in a fast-paced communications job, Mila began experiencing symptoms reminiscent of those her mom had managed with diabetes for years. However, as time went on, it became …

00:39:59  |   Tue 12 Nov 2024
Case #21: Scott

Case #21: Scott

In peak health, Scott's life took a drastic turn when a rare disease nearly claimed it all. Initially misdiagnosed and dismissed, his symptoms escalated into a near-fatal episode, revealing the true …

00:38:46  |   Tue 05 Nov 2024
House Calls - Case #02 Athena

House Calls - Case #02 Athena

In this bonus episode, we introduce Symptomatic: House Calls. Throughout Season 3, we will reconnect with past guests to get updates on how they’ve been managing their conditions and how their lives …

00:18:18  |   Tue 29 Oct 2024
Case #20: Kelly

Case #20: Kelly

In her early 30s, Kelly was suddenly plagued by a series of inexplicable health issues, from severe heartburn to rapid weight gain, leaving doctors utterly baffled. Misdiagnosed and even subjected to…

00:36:46  |   Tue 22 Oct 2024
Case #19: Jose

Case #19: Jose

At 18, Jose faced a whirlwind of hospital visits, severe abdominal pain, and debilitating fatigue. Having already given up his dream of becoming a professional boxer and now risking his education, Jo…

00:37:34  |   Tue 15 Oct 2024
This Year on Symptomatic (2024)

This Year on Symptomatic (2024)

Uncertainty. Isolation. Breakthrough. Symptomatic returns with new episodes starting October 15th!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:04:48  |   Tue 08 Oct 2024
A Reassessment of Prostate Cancer Treatment (Live from the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting)

A Reassessment of Prostate Cancer Treatment (Live from the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting)

About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Join Lauren Bright Pacheco at the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago, as she investigates the advancements in prostate …

00:41:41  |   Tue 06 Aug 2024
Case #18: Every Cure Pt.2 (Gary)

Case #18: Every Cure Pt.2 (Gary)

Gary Gravina, a skilled carpenter and Marine, was rushed to the ER in 2016 due to severe flu-like symptoms which morphed into a brutal battle with a mysterious disease. Discover how Gary's dire condi…

00:39:20  |   Tue 30 Jul 2024
Case #17: Every Cure Pt.1 (Dr. David Fajgenbaum)

Case #17: Every Cure Pt.1 (Dr. David Fajgenbaum)

Dr. David Fajgenbaum, once a college quarterback and competitive weightlifter, turned medical researcher, was the picture of health until he became critically ill at the age of 25. After all availabl…

00:40:48  |   Tue 23 Jul 2024
The Teamwork Behind Breast Cancer Treatment (Live from the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting)

The Teamwork Behind Breast Cancer Treatment (Live from the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting)

Did you know 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime? Join Lauren Bright Pacheco for a special episode from the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago, where she dives into the best collab…

00:50:12  |   Tue 16 Jul 2024
Case #16: Lauren

Case #16: Lauren

Lauren is a professionally trained dancer whose biggest strength has always been finding expression and connection through movement. However, as she pursued her college career, she felt her body slow…

00:39:39  |   Tue 12 Dec 2023
Case #15: Eliza

Case #15: Eliza

For decades, Eliza dismissed her GI flare-ups and irritated skin. But after the birth of her first child, her concerns escalated, fearing she might faint while caring for her baby. She turned to her …

00:34:33  |   Tue 05 Dec 2023
Case #14: Maria

Case #14: Maria

Maria is a neurological specialist who became a patient herself when she noticed problems with her mobility. She started to experience cramps in her hands that soon prevented her from driving or tyin…

00:32:34  |   Tue 28 Nov 2023
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