Actress Mariska Hargitay, 44, the star of TV drama 'Law & Order', is said to be suffering from pneumothorax i. e. a partial lung collapse, the cause remains unknown. For those who don't know, pneumothorax is the result of a 'build-up of air in the space between the lung and the chest wall.' Often caused by a chest injury e. g. a puncture wound or broken rib, it also occurs without injury. Oxygen and being under observation by a doctor is part of the treatment, though serious cases require surgery.

However, Hargitay will appear in the remaining episodes of NBC's 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'.

Hargitay's portrayal of a detective in 'Law & Order', won her a Golden Globe award nomination for Best Actress In A Television Drama, however, it ultimately went to Anna Paquin for HBO's 'True Blood'. Hargitay, along with Sean Penn and James Franco of 'Milk' fame, including other nominated actors, did not make it for the Golden Globes Sunday night.