Can Patients with Ventriculoperitoneal Shunts Undergo Peritoneal Dialysis?
Can a patient with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt undergo peritoneal dialysis treatment? Hello doctor, my family member had a car accident two years ago and has a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Recently, their kidney function has worsened and they need dialysis treatment. I saw online...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: The ventricular-peritoneal shunt is a drainage system that involves placing a catheter from the ventricles of the brain into the peritoneal cavity, allowing cerebrospinal fluid to drain from the ventricles into the abdominal cavity. Peritoneal dialysis is performed by inse...[Read More] Can Patients with Ventriculoperitoneal Shunts Undergo Peritoneal Dialysis?
Understanding Disc Herniation After Tailbone Injury: Symptoms and Treatment
Herniated disc Hello, doctor. Three weeks ago, I fell down the stairs and sustained a coccygeal fracture. Initially, the pain was not severe, and my mobility began to improve. However, since last week, the area above my coccyx in the lumbar region has become very swollen and pain...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description: "The area around my lower back has become very swollen and painful, and my left leg often experiences sharp pain from my lower back to the sole of my foot... My lower back is sore except when lying down, and my left foot is increasingly numb...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation After Tailbone Injury: Symptoms and Treatment
How Long Should Patients with Intracranial Hemorrhage Be Observed?
Observation period for intracranial hemorrhage? Dear Dr. Lai, I would like to inquire about the observation and management protocols in the hospital. My classmate, a 20-year-old, was involved in a car accident on February 12th around 4 PM. He was conscious upon arrival at the ho...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Intracerebral hemorrhage is most dangerous in the first 8 hours. After that, continuous observation is required for 24-48-72 hours. As time passes, the risk of worsening and expansion of the hemorrhage gradually decreases. It is speculated that your classmate may have had ...[Read More] How Long Should Patients with Intracranial Hemorrhage Be Observed?
Understanding Head Injuries: Symptoms, Medications, and Recovery
Regarding the issue of head trauma? Hello, doctor. I am 21 years old, and I would like to describe my situation: On January 27, 2022, around 2 to 3 PM, I was moving heavy objects into my car when the trunk door did not fully open and hit me. The impact was quite strong, and I imm...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
1. Do the medications prescribed by the doctor have side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness? Are these side effects normal, or should the medication be discontinued? Answer: All medications can have a certain degree of side effects. If you experience discomfort after taking...[Read More] Understanding Head Injuries: Symptoms, Medications, and Recovery
Head Injury from a Mailbox: When to Seek Emergency Care
Head trauma I accidentally bumped my head against the mailbox. I felt a bit dizzy at first, but it got better after a while. Later, I felt somewhat sleepy. Should I go to the emergency room?
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: If you observe no significant issues for 3 days, you may continue to stay at home. However, if you experience persistent symptoms of headache and dizziness that do not improve, you will need to undergo an examination. Changhua Hospital is concerned about your well-being.[Read More] Head Injury from a Mailbox: When to Seek Emergency Care
Post-Surgery Back Pain: Soft vs. Rigid Support for Lumbar Fusion
Lumbar spine traditional surgery 5-1 fusion brace? Dear Doctor, I had a lumbar fusion at the L5-S1 level and underwent surgery 20 days ago. However, my doctor only advised me to wear a soft lumbar brace. I experience daily back pain. Would wearing a rigid brace provide better p...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: Protecting the wound does not require a special hard brace. The pain after lumbar spine surgery may be due to insufficient muscle strength. It is advisable to discuss this with your attending physician. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Post-Surgery Back Pain: Soft vs. Rigid Support for Lumbar Fusion
Should My Mother Get a CT Scan After a Head Injury at 63?
Head injury Doctor, excuse me, I would like to ask a question. My mother is 63 years old, and on the evening of January 30th, while she was wiping the water from the refrigerator, she accidentally bumped her head against the upper refrigerator door with a loud "thud." S...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Chronic bleeding does not occur at the moment of impact; it typically manifests around 2 to 4 weeks later. During this period, it is important to monitor the patient for any severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or neurological deficits. If any of these symptoms arise, s...[Read More] Should My Mother Get a CT Scan After a Head Injury at 63?
Should You Get a CT Scan After a Head Injury? A Guide for Seniors
Head injury Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my mother, who is 63 years old. On the evening of January 30th, she bumped her head against the upper refrigerator door while wiping off the water from the fridge. It made a "thud" sound, and she felt pain for a moment...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: In cases of head trauma, the most rapid changes occur within the first three days. From January 30th to now, it has been a week, and the risk has significantly decreased. However, in elderly individuals over 60, there is a small possibility of chronic subdural hematoma, wh...[Read More] Should You Get a CT Scan After a Head Injury? A Guide for Seniors
Understanding Chronic Subdural Hematoma: Risks and Recovery Insights
Chronic subdural hematoma Hello Doctor: My father underwent a chronic subdural hematoma on January 22, initially receiving an external ventricular drain placement. On January 26, the hospital informed us that there was still a significant amount of cerebrospinal fluid, and consid...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
1. The placement of a drainage tube is recommended to not exceed one week. 2. This requires a comprehensive assessment of neurological function and a CT scan; it cannot be answered online.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Subdural Hematoma: Risks and Recovery Insights
Post-Surgery Insights: Understanding Recovery After Disc Herniation Surgery
Postoperative care after disc herniation removal surgery? Hello, doctor. I am 36 years old and have a herniated disc. I underwent decompression surgery about a month ago (simple decompression). The pre-operative MRI is as follows: https://imgur.com/a/cEEz4Dh. My surgeon informed ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You have many questions after your surgery, but since Dr. Lai did not perform your surgery and I did not personally examine you, I will do my best to respond to you. (A bit of a doctor's curiosity: Who was your surgeon? If you were my patient, I would answer all your ...[Read More] Post-Surgery Insights: Understanding Recovery After Disc Herniation Surgery
Numbness and Tingling in Left Back: Possible Nerve Issues Explained
There is an area on the left side of the back with reduced tactile sensation? Hello Doctor, recently due to changes in my job responsibilities, I often need to lift packages weighing up to 10 kilograms and stand for long periods. After about two weeks of work, I started to feel a...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is speculated that 1. the weight-bearing has caused deep muscle fascia injury and inflammation in the area, and 2. cervical nerve involvement should also be ruled out. It is advisable to rest more, reduce weight-bearing, apply heat to the affected area, and use anti-inf...[Read More] Numbness and Tingling in Left Back: Possible Nerve Issues Explained
Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Disc Surgery
Endoscopic Discectomy Hello, I would like to ask about my condition. I underwent endoscopic discectomy on January 26th, where a portion of the herniated disc at the L5 level was removed due to stenosis. I was able to walk the day after the surgery, but I am experiencing a tinglin...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You underwent endoscopic disc surgery on January 26th, and it has been about a week since then. You can start taking the discharge medications prescribed by your original surgeon. /// Are these symptoms post-operative complications? How long will it take to recover? Which ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Disc Surgery
Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Discectomy
Endoscopic Discectomy Hello, I would like to ask about my condition. I underwent endoscopic discectomy on January 26th, where a portion of the herniated disc at the L5 level was removed due to stenosis and compression. I was able to walk the day after the surgery, but I am experi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You underwent endoscopic discectomy on January 26, and it has been about a week since the procedure. You can start taking the discharge medications prescribed by your original surgeon. /// Are these symptoms a result of the surgery? How long will it take to recover? Which ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Discectomy
Understanding Upper Left Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Upper left back pain? I have been experiencing mild soreness in my upper left back for the past few weeks, especially when lying flat. I rarely feel soreness when sitting, standing, or lying on my side, but it does occur occasionally. I think it might be related to a time when I ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected that 1. an injury from cycling has caused deep muscle fascia damage and inflammation in that area. 2. It is also necessary to rule out cervical nerve involvement affecting the Gao Mang point. You should rest more, avoid heavy lifting, apply heat to the affe...[Read More] Understanding Upper Left Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Disc Surgery
Endoscopic Disc Surgery Hello, I would like to ask about my condition. I underwent endoscopic discectomy on January 26th, where the protruding portion of the intervertebral disc at the L5 level was removed due to stenosis and compression. I was able to walk the day after the surg...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You underwent endoscopic discectomy on January 26, and it has been about a week since the procedure. You can start taking the discharge medications prescribed by your original surgeon. /// Are these symptoms a result of the surgery? How long will it take to recover? Which ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Disc Surgery
Understanding Unexplained Tingling in the Right Pinky Finger
In the past few days, I have been experiencing a strange tingling sensation in my right pinky finger? In the past few days, I have experienced a prickling sensation on the inner side of my right little finger near the joint when I touch it. This sensation occurs only when I touch...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected to be tendonitis or synovitis. It could also be something else. First, try applying some topical anti-inflammatory ointment. Avoid repetitive strain on the right finger. Observe for 1-2 weeks. If there is no improvement, it is recommended to seek medical at...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Tingling in the Right Pinky Finger
Post-Surgery Neck Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Solutions
Cervical spine surgery pain issues? On December 28, 2021, due to degeneration of the C5-C6 and C6-C7 intervertebral discs causing nerve compression, symptoms such as arm numbness, finger numbness, and arm pain prompted cervical spine surgery. After undergoing two surgeries to rep...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected that the inflammation is caused by blood accumulation, but other causes cannot be ruled out. It is recommended that you consult with the surgeon who originally performed your operation as soon as possible. Please also ask him to follow up with imaging studi...[Read More] Post-Surgery Neck Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding the Risks of Multiple Concussions and Cognitive Decline
Multiple concussions Hello Doctor, I have experienced five mild concussions over the past two years, with the most recent one occurring in mid-November. Since my third concussion in March, I have been experiencing ongoing issues with attention, judgment, and memory. A CT scan sho...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Repeated head injuries can potentially cause subtle brain damage and may lead to functional impairments in the brain, which may not be visible on a CT scan. A CT scan provides information to the physician regarding the presence of bleeding, brain tumors, or other condition...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Multiple Concussions and Cognitive Decline
Managing Arteriovenous Malformations: Patient Care and Future Concerns
Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) Dear Dr. Lai, Thank you for your response. I would like to provide some clarification. The patient has been suffering from the condition since their teenage years and has always been cared for by their mother. Currently, the mother drives the pat...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. If it is not possible to copy the recent CT scan disc due to the passage of time and there are no EEG report records, you can provide old discharge summaries or recent outpatient records to Changhua Hospital. You may also request the original treating physician to write...[Read More] Managing Arteriovenous Malformations: Patient Care and Future Concerns
Head Injury and Neck Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Head injury and neck and shoulder soreness? 1. Two weeks ago, I hit my head on the shoe cabinet door when I lifted it, and it hurt so much that I couldn't stand. I didn't apply ice at the time. Although I feel much better now, I suddenly lost my balance while walking th...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. After a head injury, the first three days are the most critical. It is recommended to observe at home for at least three months, especially during the first three weeks. If symptoms such as persistent headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, mental status changes, altered...[Read More] Head Injury and Neck Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?