After smoking tobacco for quite some time, the gang (Robin, Lily, Ted, Marshall, and Barney) starts to have health issues. Lily's voice becomes hoarse, Ted is easily fatigued due to the reduced flow of oxygen in his blood stream, and Arthur Hobbs, in an extreme situation, has a heart attack.
The doctor explains to Stephen Hawking that Motor Neuron Disease is affecting his ability to use any muscle activity, such as speaking, walking, breathing, and swallowing. The signals that tell the muscles to move are disrupted, and the result is gradual muscle decay.
Charlie and Ray are at a restaurant for breakfast, and Ray irritates Charlie with his repetitive behavior. Ray states that he needs his toothpicks even though he will be eating pancakes. He also demonstrates his savant memory by matching the waitress' name to her phone number in the phone book.
Dr. Sayer believes that the new drug that Leonard Lowe is taking is harming him. He feels that the medicine is causing his catatonia. Leonard's impaired motor skills illustrate catatonia.