Understanding Communication Challenges After Brain Injury: Is It Aphasia?
Brain injury - auditory comprehension (communication difficulties) and visual comprehension levels? Hello Doctor: Since the car accident two months ago, I have been experiencing strange phenomena. Over the past two months, I have noticed that when I answer phone calls, I often ha...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: Brain injuries can have many sequelae, and the symptoms will vary depending on the location of the injury. Most patients clinically show continuous improvement and can benefit from rehabilitation therapy. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may also be consulted to aid in brain reco...[Read More] Understanding Communication Challenges After Brain Injury: Is It Aphasia?
Understanding Recovery from Brainstem Injury: A Case Study
Brainstem injury My boyfriend, who is 26 years old and working across the strait, was involved in a car accident where he was rear-ended. He suffered from intracranial hemorrhage and brainstem injury, along with multiple fractures. He underwent minimally invasive craniotomy surge...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: Will your boyfriend return to Taiwan for medical treatment? A detailed explanation and assessment can be provided after an evaluation at the outpatient clinic. Changhua Hospital is concerned about you.[Read More] Understanding Recovery from Brainstem Injury: A Case Study
Managing Post-Surgery Neurological Scarring After Brain Tumor Removal
Neurogenic scar tissue after brain tumor surgery? Hello Dr. Chang, I had a brain tumor removed in mid-last year, and I have been experiencing persistent symptoms such as tinnitus, diplopia, facial numbness, and trigeminal nerve issues as postoperative sequelae. I would like to kn...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The term "scarring in the central nervous system" refers to the formation of scar tissue following nerve damage. It appears similar to nerve injury, and currently, there are no particularly effective treatment options available.[Read More] Managing Post-Surgery Neurological Scarring After Brain Tumor Removal
Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms After Cervical Spine Injury
Questions After Cervical Spine Surgery Due to Car Accident Hello Doctor: Due to a car accident last November, I experienced compression of the cervical spine from the helmet, resulting in a herniated disc at C3-C7 and spinal cord edema. I underwent a discectomy and fusion surgery...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Nerve conduction studies can help clarify your concerns.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms After Cervical Spine Injury
Understanding Delayed Brain Hemorrhage After Car Accidents: A Patient's Guide
Concussion or delayed intracranial hemorrhage from a car accident? Hello Dr. Zhao! My mother was involved in a car accident six years ago, where her left posterior brain impacted the left side window. The force was significant, but the airbags did not deploy. At that time, we app...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: Generally, delayed intracerebral hemorrhage is most likely to occur within one week of an acute bleed, while chronic bleeding may occur within three months. The likelihood of occurrence is significantly lower after six years. However, if there has been a history of trauma,...[Read More] Understanding Delayed Brain Hemorrhage After Car Accidents: A Patient's Guide
Post-Spinal Surgery Pain: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
Postoperative pain after spinal surgery I have rheumatoid arthritis and after undergoing L4-L5 spinal surgery last July, I still experience soreness, numbness, pain, stiffness, tightness, and weakness from my right hip to my calf, and I still need a walker. Is this a phenomenon o...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Your condition of neural adhesion is just one possible cause. There may be other reasons as well. I recommend that you bring your pre-operative and post-operative X-rays and MRI for an in-person consultation. If it is not convenient for you to come to Changhua Hospital, pl...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery Pain: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
Post-Surgery Concerns: AVM Patients and Birth Control Risks
Postoperative care for arteriovenous malformation (AVM) surgery? Hello Dr. Lai, I discovered an arteriovenous malformation two years ago and recovered well after surgery. I took a contraceptive pill the day before yesterday; the last time I took one was over 20 years ago when I f...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Oral contraceptives can increase blood viscosity, which poses a potential risk for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular occlusion. Regarding patients with arteriovenous malformations, there are sporadic case reports in the literature, but they do not constitute a significant...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: AVM Patients and Birth Control Risks
Post-Discectomy Pain: Understanding Recovery and Future Risks
Postoperative care for herniated disc surgery? I apologize, I had spinal disc surgery three months ago, where only part of the disc was removed and nothing was implanted. Sometimes I still experience pain in my buttocks, and when sitting, if my back is not straight and my head is...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Your condition may indicate that the nerves have not fully healed. It is also possible that scar tissue is adhering to the nerves, or it could be a sign of recurrence. Of course, there may be other reasons as well. I recommend that you bring your pre-operative and pos...[Read More] Post-Discectomy Pain: Understanding Recovery and Future Risks
Pain in the Pinky Finger Joint When Exposed to Cold Water: Causes Explained
The tip of the little finger hurts when exposed to cold water? Since the beginning of winter, I have suddenly experienced pain on the inner side of the distal joint of my right little finger when washing with cold water, but there is no pain when washing with warm water. Could yo...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
This is not a neurosurgical issue; it is recommended to consult an orthopedic outpatient clinic for examination.[Read More] Pain in the Pinky Finger Joint When Exposed to Cold Water: Causes Explained
Managing AVM Complications: Insights on Treatment Options and Transfers
Arteriovenous malformation of the brain with associated intracerebral hemorrhage? Dear Doctor: My family member, in their forties, was diagnosed with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) two years ago. After angiography, surgery was deemed too risky due to the deep location of the...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Currently, there does not seem to be a better treatment option available, but since each individual's condition varies, it is still recommended to have a detailed consultation in an outpatient setting.[Read More] Managing AVM Complications: Insights on Treatment Options and Transfers
Which Specialist to Consult for Persistent Ear and Facial Numbness?
If you are experiencing numbness behind the ear, which specialist should you consult? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing numbness behind my ear for several days. I feel numbness on my ear and the nearby scalp when I wear glasses or a mask. I usually wash my hair by leaning fo...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected that the issue may be related to the cervical spine, facial or oral occlusion, ear, or neuromuscular fascia. A doctor needs to evaluate and differentiate these conditions in person. You may want to first consult with a neurologist or a neurosurgeon. Best wi...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Persistent Ear and Facial Numbness?
Which Specialist Should You See for Ear and Facial Numbness?
If you are experiencing numbness behind the ear, which specialist should you consult? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing numbness behind my ear for several days. I feel numbness on my ear and the surrounding scalp when I put on glasses or a mask. I usually wash my hair by lea...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected that the issue may be related to the cervical spine, facial or oral occlusion, ear, or neuromuscular fascia. A doctor needs to conduct a personal examination to differentiate these conditions. You may want to first consult with a neurologist or a neurosurge...[Read More] Which Specialist Should You See for Ear and Facial Numbness?
Head Injury from Bumping: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Head trauma - impact injury Doctor, I have a question. This afternoon (February 28), while I was organizing my home, I squatted down to look for something. When I stood up, I forgot there was something above me and instinctively stood up, resulting in a significant impact on the ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You experienced an incident on February 28, and today is March 1, which means it has been nearly 24 hours. If your symptoms persist, especially if you have severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, seizures, or weakness in your limbs, you should see a doctor as soon as possible....[Read More] Head Injury from Bumping: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Should You Remove Spinal Fixation After Six Months of Healing?
Intervertebral disc fixation The intervertebral disc has been removed, and an artificial disc and internal fixation have been placed. It has been in place for six months and has not fully healed. Should the internal fixation be removed?
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The information you provided is too brief. It is recommended to bring the original pre- and post-operative MRI and X-rays. After the consultation, a reassessment should be conducted to determine why healing has not yet occurred. Is it necessary to remove the original in...[Read More] Should You Remove Spinal Fixation After Six Months of Healing?
Should Skull Reconstruction Be Done for Comatose Patients After Severe Head Injury?
In cases of severe head trauma from a car accident where the patient has been in a coma for several months, is it necessary to first repair the skull? My mother is in her 50s and was involved in a serious car accident in mid-October, resulting in severe head trauma and coma, alon...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: For general traumatic brain injuries, early assessment and reduction of swelling are important. If possible, skull fractures can be repaired early, which can be beneficial for brain recovery. You may want to consult with a neurosurgeon for evaluation at Changhua Hospital, ...[Read More] Should Skull Reconstruction Be Done for Comatose Patients After Severe Head Injury?
Best Pillows for Herniated Discs: Finding Comfort and Support
What type of pillow is recommended for a herniated disc? Hello Director Lai, I have been dealing with cervical disc herniation for 18 years. Back then, I experienced constant pain while awake, but after a year of rehabilitation, the pain disappeared. I have been very mindful of m...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: According to evidence-based medicine, when selecting a pillow, the key points are for back sleeping or side sleeping: 1. The area between the head, neck, and shoulders should have proper support (there should be no gaps, and the neck should not be suspended). 2. The cervic...[Read More] Best Pillows for Herniated Discs: Finding Comfort and Support
Understanding Your Brain CT Results: What They Mean for Your Health
Head issues Hello, the findings from the CT scan of the brain without contrast indicate the following: - There is no evidence of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), subdural hematoma (SDH), epidural hematoma (EDH), or subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). - The skull is intact. - There are...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
The above is a patient privacy report, and it is not appropriate to respond here. You may inquire with the doctor during the outpatient visit.[Read More] Understanding Your Brain CT Results: What They Mean for Your Health
Understanding Spinal Fusion Surgery: Risks and Benefits for Seniors
Evaluation of Spinal Fusion Surgery Hello, doctor. My mother is 71 years old and has chronic diseases. Currently, she experiences difficulty walking for extended periods, accompanied by lower back pain and numbness in both legs. She has undergone X-rays and an MRI, and the doctor...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Spinal disorders that compress nerves can cause symptoms such as aching, cramping, numbness, weakness, and limping. While these conditions are not life-threatening, they can significantly impact quality of life and dignity. In severe cases, they may lead to impaired mobili...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Fusion Surgery: Risks and Benefits for Seniors
Head Injury Concerns: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Bump
Head trauma Hello doctor, yesterday when I was closing the rear car door, I accidentally hit my dad's head without noticing. He was conscious at the time but felt a lot of pain and has a small bruise on the top of his head. Today, he has no other discomfort. Is there a possi...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The likelihood of intracranial hemorrhage is low; however, if there is persistent headache and dizziness, immediate medical attention should be sought.[Read More] Head Injury Concerns: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Bump
Could It Be Subarachnoid Hemorrhage? Understanding Severe Headaches
Is it a subarachnoid hemorrhage? I started experiencing high blood pressure and severe headaches after eating pork the day before yesterday. The pain is worse than before, as if there is a stone pressing on my head. Sometimes I feel a bit better and manage to sleep, but I still w...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Neurology.[Read More] Could It Be Subarachnoid Hemorrhage? Understanding Severe Headaches