CT Scan for Headaches: To Contrast or Not? Expert Insights
Headache, contrast agent, computed tomography? Hello, Doctor. I went to see a neurologist due to headaches, and they arranged for a CT scan without contrast. I visited two different hospitals; one said I needed contrast (a smaller local hospital), while the other (Chang Gung Memo...
Dr. Peng Shiwei Reply:
Hello, it is not possible to determine if there are vascular issues without the use of contrast agents. However, whether or not to use a contrast agent to assess for vascular problems may still depend on your headache symptoms. If the doctor believes that your headaches are likel...[Read More] CT Scan for Headaches: To Contrast or Not? Expert Insights
Understanding Finger Weakness: Possible Causes and Concerns
Finger issues Hello Doctor, I experienced a sensation of strain in my right arm after it was compressed the night before. When I wake up, my arm and forearm are bent at a 90-degree angle, and trying to raise it parallel to my shoulder causes soreness. However, after an argument i...
Dr. Peng Shiwei Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, there is a higher likelihood of post-traumatic sequelae. However, if your symptoms do not improve with rest, it is advisable to visit a neurology clinic for further evaluation by a physician.[Read More] Understanding Finger Weakness: Possible Causes and Concerns
Managing Peripheral Neuropathy: Medications and Symptoms Explained
Systemic neuropathy Hello Dr. Jiang: I would like to ask, if this is a peripheral nerve issue, what medications should be used for management? After receiving the vaccine last year, the burning sensation in my palms disappeared after about a month, while the burning in my soles l...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: You mentioned, "Is taking medications like Lyrica and Topamax, as well as Rivotril, helpful?" Based on clinical experience, the recommendation for neurological disorders is to "start low and go slow." You can begin with a low dose and try one medication...[Read More] Managing Peripheral Neuropathy: Medications and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Unilateral Tinnitus: Possible Neurological Causes and Insights
Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about some unusual phenomena related to tinnitus? Hello Dr. Jiang, I have been experiencing unilateral tinnitus with a buzzing sound in my left ear for about two weeks. I have already undergone hearing and tympanometry tests at other large hosp...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello HJK: You mentioned that "when chewing food or yawning, the tinnitus becomes louder..." This could potentially be related to issues with the nerves or muscles around the ear. One possible cause is related to the Eustachian tube, as yawning and chewing help to equal...[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Tinnitus: Possible Neurological Causes and Insights
Understanding Persistent Numbness in Hands and Feet: Possible Causes and Solutions
Numbness in the hands and feet? Hello Doctor, since September 25th, I have been experiencing numbness in my fingers upon waking up. Initially, I thought it would resolve on its own, but by September 26th, the numbness extended to my toes and the soles of my feet. As of now, Octob...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Dear Ms. Apple, You mentioned that "blood tests, nerve conduction studies, and spinal tap examinations all reported normal results, and the cerebrospinal fluid analysis was also normal, with only a noted slowing of nerve conduction." You pointed out abnormal sensory ne...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Numbness in Hands and Feet: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Persistent Headaches: Symptoms and Possible Causes
About headaches? Hello Doctor: Ten days ago, at around 8 PM, I suddenly felt a strange sensation in my head, possibly similar to increased intracranial pressure, followed by a brief tingling sensation and then a persistent, severe throbbing headache. After taking pain medication ...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello Mr. Zhang, You mentioned that at 8 o'clock, you suddenly felt something unusual in your head, possibly similar to increased intracranial pressure, followed by a brief tingling sensation and then a persistent, severe throbbing headache. You also noted that you experien...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Headaches: Symptoms and Possible Causes
Understanding Head Trauma: Long-Term Effects and Concerns
Head trauma Hello, doctor. Two years ago, I was struck on the head by a metal pipe while at work. At the time, I was unsure if there was any issue, so I went to an orthopedic doctor for an X-ray. The doctor said there was no fracture in the skull. After two months, I saw a neurol...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Dear Mr. Xiao: You mentioned: 1. I have always had concerns about whether a person can still function normally if there is a fracture or a slight crack in the skull. It has been two years since then; if there was a fracture at that time, could the person still be conscious? A...[Read More] Understanding Head Trauma: Long-Term Effects and Concerns
Understanding Temporal Mandibular Joint Issues: Symptoms and Relief Tips
Temporomandibular joint issues? Hello, doctor. Recently, whenever I yawn or open my mouth wide, I feel a pulsing sensation near my left temple. It’s not painful, just a bit tight, and it takes a while to subside. Sometimes, I also hear a popping sound in my ear. I would like to k...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: You mentioned that "whenever you yawn or open your mouth wide, you feel a pulsing sensation near the left temple." This symptom may indicate instability of the temporalis muscle. Sometimes, nerve inflammation can exacerbate these symptoms, and metabolic disorders...[Read More] Understanding Temporal Mandibular Joint Issues: Symptoms and Relief Tips
Understanding Muscle Fasciculations: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Fasciculation Hello Doctor, since my diagnosis over a week ago, I have been experiencing visible muscle twitching throughout my body. I consulted a neurologist and underwent an electromyography (EMG), and the doctor informed me that everything was normal and no fasciculations wer...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello Mr. Hong, You mentioned that "for two consecutive days, I experienced jumping in the back of my thighs for two hours before sleep, and after getting up, it continued for a while until noon. I also feel a bit of tightness in my arches, and my arms occasionally feel sor...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Fasciculations: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Systemic Neuropathy: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Systemic neuropathy Hello Doctor, I received the AZ vaccine on August 9th last year and experienced redness, swelling, heat, and pain in my knee. Then on September 8th, I had a burning sensation in my palms and soles, followed by numbness and electric sensations in my hands. This...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: You mentioned symptoms of "burning in the feet, sometimes extending to the thighs, or sensations that fluctuate between warmth and coolness." These symptoms may indicate peripheral nerve issues. Common characteristics of peripheral nerve symptoms include: 1. Pain...[Read More] Understanding Systemic Neuropathy: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Is My Recent Muscle Spasm a Sign of Epilepsy Relapse?
Previously, it was epilepsy caused by encephalitis? Hello, I had encephalitis in 2017 that led to epilepsy, and I was hospitalized and treated with medication until around 2020. I have been regularly following up with my doctor and have had no seizures, gradually tapering off the...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello Duoduo: Whether the above symptoms indicate a recurrence of epilepsy depends on whether they are similar to the previous epileptic symptoms. It is recommended to visit a neurologist for an EEG, which can provide a better assessment.[Read More] Is My Recent Muscle Spasm a Sign of Epilepsy Relapse?
Unusual Sensation in Left Pinky: Understanding Neurological Issues
My left pinky finger feels strange? While taking a shower, I suddenly noticed that my left pinky finger felt strange and uncoordinated, without any numbness or pain. When I extended my fingers, my right hand could easily touch my left pinky, but the left pinky couldn't smoot...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello: The symptoms mentioned may indicate a neurological or cervical nerve dysfunction. It is recommended to consult a neurologist for an evaluation to determine the underlying cause.[Read More] Unusual Sensation in Left Pinky: Understanding Neurological Issues
Understanding Brain Vibrations and Sensations of Electric Currents
Vibrations in the brain, feeling like microcurrents? Hello, doctor. I am 20 years old and, unfortunately, due to a history of consuming a lot of rich foods, I have developed hereditary hypertension. My blood pressure at home is around 130/75, but it surprisingly rises to 150/90 a...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you regularly measure your blood pressure, twice a day. Does this sensation of "blood rushing to your head, creating a feeling of pressure as if something is pressing down on your head" only occur when you are using your phone? Does it happ...[Read More] Understanding Brain Vibrations and Sensations of Electric Currents
Left Hand Finger Coordination Issues While Typing: Possible Causes
Left hand finger coordination issues while using the keyboard? In the past two months, I have experienced a slight resistance sensation in my left hand fingers, particularly the index and middle fingers, when using the keyboard. While typing, my left hand unconsciously bends the ...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello: The symptoms mentioned are indicative of neurological dysfunction, and there could be various potential lesions. It is recommended to visit a neurology outpatient clinic for examination.[Read More] Left Hand Finger Coordination Issues While Typing: Possible Causes
Managing Medication for Diabetic Neuropathy: Key Considerations
Regarding the issue of discontinuing medication for neuropathy? Hello Dr. Tsai, I would like to ask about my father who has diabetes. About a month ago, he experienced discomfort with symptoms such as pain and cramps in his limbs, as well as headaches, and he visited a neurologis...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello Ms. Lin: If there is no pain, the anticonvulsant medication can be discontinued, and Methycobal, which is a high-dose vitamin B12, can be continued.[Read More] Managing Medication for Diabetic Neuropathy: Key Considerations
Understanding the Buzzing Sound in Your Head When Hungry
When you are hungry, you may hear a rumbling sound in the back of your head? Hello, doctor. This issue has been bothering me for a long time. Although it doesn't significantly affect my daily life, I've noticed that this phenomenon doesn't seem to happen to everyon...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Dear Ms. Dong, You mentioned that "when I am hungry, I hear a buzzing sound in the back of my head." It is unlikely that this sound is caused by the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. It would be more appropriate to consider issues related to the nasal cavity, oral cavity, E...[Read More] Understanding the Buzzing Sound in Your Head When Hungry
Understanding Paresthesia and Skin Bumps in the Right Leg: Causes and Concerns
Sometimes there are goosebumps on the right foot? Why does my right foot sometimes have goosebumps and a tingling sensation? I have also experienced occasional sharp pain in my right chest; could this indicate a nerve issue or a sign of a potential stroke? Previously, I never exp...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Dear Ms. Hui, You mentioned that "after the activity, there was a persistent soreness in the entire right arm until the next day," which may warrant consideration of cervical nerve or peripheral nerve compression issues. Peripheral neuropathy caused by nerve compressio...[Read More] Understanding Paresthesia and Skin Bumps in the Right Leg: Causes and Concerns
Is Breath-Holding During Exercise Risky for Cervical Artery Dissection?
Questions about vertebral artery dissection? Holding your breath for 5 to 10 seconds and then breathing again, or practicing diaphragmatic breathing to extend the inhalation and exhalation times, without engaging in other physical activities, may carry some risks. There have been...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, Sir: You mentioned concerns about "vertebral artery dissection... using diaphragmatic breathing to prolong inhalation and exhalation." The clinical symptoms you are worried about regarding vertebral artery dissection may include severe pain near the back of the n...[Read More] Is Breath-Holding During Exercise Risky for Cervical Artery Dissection?
Understanding Recovery from Hemorrhagic Stroke: What to Expect
Minor stroke with cerebral hemorrhage? Hello, doctor. My father was diagnosed with a hemorrhagic stroke due to hypertension on October 9th of this year. The blood clot is 25cc, and the doctor mentioned waiting for the clot to be reabsorbed, which should take about three months. C...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsiao, You mentioned that "currently, the left side is numb, vision is blurred, I can take care of myself, and my speech is normal. I would like to ask if the symptoms will gradually improve after the blood clot is absorbed?" The possible site of bleeding is i...[Read More] Understanding Recovery from Hemorrhagic Stroke: What to Expect
Understanding Thumb Weakness: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Bilateral soft tissue swelling of the thumbs? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing a feeling of weakness in the joints of my left thumb at the two phalangeal joints, which occurred intermittently for about a month. The sensation became more pronounced when I pressed on the join...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Dear Ms. CH, You mentioned that "the joints of both thumbs near the palm feel weak and soft (not at the joints), lasting for about a week. The weakness is particularly noticeable when the fingers are pointed towards the palm." Your symptoms may suggest the possibility ...[Read More] Understanding Thumb Weakness: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help