Understanding Shoulder and Neck Sounds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Shoulder and neck sound concerns? Recently, I've been experiencing occasional cracking sounds at the junction of my shoulder and cervical spine. Sometimes, even when I move my shoulder or take a deep breath, I hear noises, but it doesn't happen when I only move my neck....
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, it is suspected that the joint connecting the shoulder to the cervical spine is producing abnormal sounds. This may be due to being underweight, lack of exercise, and insufficient flexibility. The noise during movement could be attributed to a lack of synovial fluid, simil...[Read More] Understanding Shoulder and Neck Sounds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Elevated ESR Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Causes of elevated ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) Hello Dr. Zhao: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and am currently undergoing stable treatment with medication in the rheumatology department. All my symptoms and indices have been well controlled, except for my ESR...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: ESR refers to the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which is a method for measuring inflammatory proteins. However, lower back pain caused by vertebral fractures or slippage, as well as muscle and tendon inflammation due to sports injuries, typically do not result in an elev...[Read More] Understanding Elevated ESR Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Post-Operative Recovery Timeline for Trigeminal Neuralgia Surgery
Postoperative Recovery Period for Trigeminal Neuralgia Decompression Surgery Hello, doctor. I underwent craniotomy for severe trigeminal neuralgia and it has been about one month since the surgery. I still experience occasional dizziness and unsteadiness while standing, but I hav...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, if the surgical wound is clean and the stitches are removed, one can gradually return to daily activities. More stable healing typically occurs around three months. However, the details of postoperative recovery can vary individually. You should consult...[Read More] Post-Operative Recovery Timeline for Trigeminal Neuralgia Surgery
Is It Safe to Fly Years After Skull Surgery? Understanding the Risks
Is there still a high risk of flying years after cranial surgery? Hello, doctor. I was in a serious car accident four years ago, during which I sustained a brain injury and had a portion of my skull about the size of a fist removed. Later, a titanium plate was used to replace the...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
There is basically no risk anymore, but it is still advisable to consult with the surgeon who originally performed your operation.[Read More] Is It Safe to Fly Years After Skull Surgery? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Foot Pain: When to See a Neurosurgeon or Other Specialist
Foot pain issues? Hello, Doctor. This morning when I woke up, I experienced a sharp pain in the area of the inferior extensor retinaculum, especially within the first hour after getting up. Currently, the pain occurs occasionally. I would like to know if I should see a neurosurge...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to initially consult with a neurosurgeon, orthopedic surgeon, or rehabilitation specialist. Best wishes to you. By Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgery Department, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain: When to See a Neurosurgeon or Other Specialist
Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and When to Consider Surgery
Herniated disc I have already seen a rehabilitation specialist. I am 20 years old and have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis at a specific lumbar vertebra, which is compressing the nerve, leading to sciatica. Currently, I am undergoing stretching exercises and electrical therap...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If you have already made efforts in rehabilitation and your symptoms have not improved, it is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. Bring your MRI scans for evaluation to see if other treatments can be considered, such as lumbar nerve block or minimally invasive spine sur...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and When to Consider Surgery
Understanding Minimally Invasive Surgery for Disc Herniation: Key Insights and FAQs
Hello Director Lai: I would like to ask you for educational information regarding my herniated disc? Hello Director Lai, thank you for taking the time to respond. Considering economic factors and my limited understanding of medical terminology, I am reaching out to you online for...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: A. I see that you are seriously researching this topic, but you might be overwhelmed by the vast amount of information available online, leading to confusion. Many young internet users face similar challenges, getting misled by technical jargon and certain medical advertis...[Read More] Understanding Minimally Invasive Surgery for Disc Herniation: Key Insights and FAQs
Post-Surgery Care: Impact of Heavy Lifting After Meningioma Surgery
Postoperative care Hello, Director. I would like to ask what impact lifting heavy objects after meningioma surgery might have on the brain?
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Basically, it won't be a problem, but it depends on how heavy the item is. For example, if you are going to lift weights, then it could be an issue.[Read More] Post-Surgery Care: Impact of Heavy Lifting After Meningioma Surgery
Understanding Post-Coma Care Options After Brain Hemorrhage
Subsequent Issues Following Coma Due to Cerebral Hemorrhage Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my mother, who is 83 years old. A month ago, she suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke in the right hemisphere of her brain that nearly crossed the midline. She underwent an em...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without detailed medical history, it is difficult to provide an answer. However, if the condition is severe enough that the physician determines there is no possibility of recovery, and the family agrees not to pursue aggressive treatment, then performing a drainage procedure may...[Read More] Understanding Post-Coma Care Options After Brain Hemorrhage
Can Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Go Unidentified on Scans?
Subarachnoid hemorrhage with no identifiable bleeding source? Is it possible that a relative diagnosed with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to sudden severe headache might still not have a detectable bleeding source after undergoing relevant imaging studies?
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It's possible.[Read More] Can Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Go Unidentified on Scans?
Understanding Head Injuries from Motorcycle and Bicycle Accidents
Injuries caused by car accidents? A collision between a motorcycle and a bicycle resulted in a fall that caused head trauma, leading to initial loss of consciousness and confusion. Bystanders attempted to rouse the individual with no response, and then a second motorcycle struck ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Yes, it is a concussion, it will.[Read More] Understanding Head Injuries from Motorcycle and Bicycle Accidents
Understanding Possible Causes of Lower Back Pain in Young Adults
Possible Causes of Lower Back Pain Hello Doctor: I am 19 years old and have ankylosing spondylitis. Previously, I only experienced pain in my buttocks, and I have been stable on Salazopyrin. However, in the past six months, I have been experiencing pain in the spinal area behind ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: I have reviewed your condition and recommend that you visit a hospital to see a specialist in neurosurgery or orthopedics. You should get an X-ray first to assess whether there is a fracture, which will allow for appropriate treatment. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neuro...[Read More] Understanding Possible Causes of Lower Back Pain in Young Adults
Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery: Key Considerations for Recovery
Cervical spine spinal cord injury, laminectomy decompression surgery, discectomy, mobile artificial intervertebral disc? The mother is 62 years old and has diabetes, but it is uncertain whether she has osteoporosis. She fell off her bike on the road and was urgently taken to the ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: A. The principles of surgical treatment for cervical spinal cord injury are 1. Decompression 2. Reconstruction. You have already undergone posterior decompression (without fixation), but if your symptoms have not improved and follow-up MRI shows significant anterior compre...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery: Key Considerations for Recovery
Post-Surgery Nerve Pain: Understanding Persistent Foot Numbness and Back Pain
Persistent leg numbness and occasional lower back pain after disc rupture surgery? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask on behalf of my husband: He underwent minimally invasive surgery for a herniated disc. Before the surgery, he experienced significant pain and numbness, but afte...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Postoperative pain has improved relatively quickly, but the numbness is indeed more difficult to recover from. If you are not satisfied with the answers from your original physician, and while postoperative pain has improved, you still feel residual symptoms of numbness, w...[Read More] Post-Surgery Nerve Pain: Understanding Persistent Foot Numbness and Back Pain
Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Surgery
Dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) Hello Doctor: My mother underwent a transarterial embolization procedure for tinnitus at the end of August. The procedure was performed near the area below her ear, with access from the groin up to the neck. Immediately after waking up from the ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon to evaluate the spinal cord or sympathetic nerves in the head and neck region for any lesions. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Surgery
Natural Birth After Disc Surgery: Is It Safe for Pregnant Women?
Natural delivery after surgery for herniated disc in pregnant women? Hello, Doctor: I am currently over 7 months pregnant. In early August of this year, I underwent surgery for a herniated disc at the L4-L5 level due to nerve compression, where only the protruding portion was rem...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. You should be able to have a natural delivery (please consult with your obstetrician). 2. An epidural for painless labor should also be possible (please consult with your anesthesiologist). 3. If you continue to experience discomfort in your lower back and legs after de...[Read More] Natural Birth After Disc Surgery: Is It Safe for Pregnant Women?
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 working. At that time, I was unsure if there was any issue, so I went to an orthopedic doctor for an X-ray, and the doctor said there was no fracture in the skull. After two months, I saw a n...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. According to medical principles, head trauma should be monitored for 3 months. If there is no further deterioration, the injury is considered stable. 2. If there is indeed intracranial hemorrhage, it will typically resolve and be absorbed within 1-2 months (similar to h...[Read More] Understanding Head Trauma: Long-Term Effects and Concerns
Post-Spinal Fusion Surgery: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options
Post-spinal fusion surgery I have rheumatoid arthritis and underwent surgery on June 23 for L4-L5 instability (with a Romeo cage and health insurance screws). Due to osteoporosis with a T-score of -2.4, I experienced collapse and pain, which led to a second surgery for adjustment...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Due to the varying complexity of individual medical conditions, it is not possible to provide specific explanations for each person's condition.[Read More] Post-Spinal Fusion Surgery: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Leg Numbness: When to See a Neurosurgeon
Numbness in both feet? I've been experiencing numbness while sitting these past few days, and when lying down, my legs become even more numb, making it difficult to sleep. Should I see a neurosurgeon?
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Sure. Wishing you well.[Read More] Understanding Leg Numbness: When to See a Neurosurgeon
Can Nerve Damage from Car Accidents Be Repaired?
Can nerve damage from a car accident be repaired? Doctor, I would like to ask about my nephew who suffered facial fractures and nerve damage due to a car accident. Currently, he is unable to move his left eye and has weakness in his eyelid, making it impossible for him to open it...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is not possible to determine the duration and severity of the injury, and therefore, individual conditions cannot be explained.[Read More] Can Nerve Damage from Car Accidents Be Repaired?