Understanding Post-Traumatic Head Injuries and Their Long-Term Effects
Post-concussion syndrome Hello Dr. Chang, I had a car accident on April 1st and sustained a 2 cm laceration on my head, which bled profusely. I was taken by ambulance to the emergency room at Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, where I received a tetanus shot, had X-rays taken,...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Basically, your concerns sound mild and theoretically shouldn't lead to any long-term effects. You're overthinking it; just get a good night's sleep and rest, and you'll be fine.[Read More] Understanding Post-Traumatic Head Injuries and Their Long-Term Effects
Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Trigeminal neuralgia? Hello Doctor, since last month, I have been experiencing severe pain in my right molars. I initially thought it was periodontal disease or cavities, so I visited a dental clinic. However, both clinics assessed that my dental condition was excellent and found...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: How is your report from April 14? If there is no improvement in your symptoms, it is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon for evaluation. Best wishes to you. // Neurosurgery Dr. Lai Chao-Kang[Read More] Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Post-Surgery Cognitive Decline: Navigating Life After Brain Tumor Removal
Cognitive and behavioral dysfunction after brain surgery, leading to an inability to perform activities of daily living? Hello Doctor, my father experienced symptoms such as tremors, fainting, and general weakness in January, leading to multiple hospital visits. Initially, an EEG...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
First, I'm not sure how old your father is, but many elderly individuals who have undergone brain surgery may experience symptoms similar to dementia and stroke. Your father's condition is complex, and it is advisable to follow up with a neurologist for treatment.[Read More] Post-Surgery Cognitive Decline: Navigating Life After Brain Tumor Removal
Understanding Headaches and Dizziness After a Head Injury
Dizziness and headache? Hello, Dr. Zhang. I would like to ask you about an incident that happened 10 months ago when I hit my head and had a small amount of bleeding from my scalp. At that time, I only felt pain, so I didn't see a doctor. A few months later, the impact site ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without a physical examination, it is difficult to understand what you mean by "indentation." I recommend consulting a neurosurgery outpatient clinic for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Headaches and Dizziness After a Head Injury
Understanding a New Bump on the Left Back of the Head
There is a protrusion on the left posterior side of the occipital region? There is a lump approximately the size of half a quail egg located on the left side of the back of the head, about one and a half palm widths above the neck and three finger widths to the left from the cent...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without a physical examination, it is not possible to make a determination. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgery outpatient clinic for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding a New Bump on the Left Back of the Head
Should You See a Doctor After a Fall with Head Impact?
Fell while walking, landing on the head first? Last night, I went out with friends and accidentally fell down the stairs. They told me they saw my head hit the ground. I also went to the emergency room yesterday. However, while I was sleeping, I experienced urinary incontinence. ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is recommended to follow up with the neurosurgery outpatient clinic.[Read More] Should You See a Doctor After a Fall with Head Impact?
Understanding Language and Personality Changes in Brain Tumor Patients
Issues related to patients' verbal expression, responses, and changes in personality? Doctor: Hello. I am one of the primary caregivers for the patient. The patient has a tumor in the left temporal lobe measuring 7.69 cm, which was surgically removed and confirmed to be a gl...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The patient's clinical neurological function is closely related to the progression of the brain tumor (size, location, recurrence, etc.). It is recommended to return to the outpatient clinic and have a thorough discussion with your attending physician.[Read More] Understanding Language and Personality Changes in Brain Tumor Patients
Managing Concussion Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
How to manage a concussion? On March 25, I fainted and hit my head, but I regained consciousness within 10 minutes. I fainted again for a while and was awakened by a convenience store employee. Although I continued to feel dizzy and had blurred vision, I did not go to the emergen...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Recommendation for a neurosurgical evaluation.[Read More] Managing Concussion Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Post-Accident Nerve Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery in the Foot
After the car accident, there is cramping and tingling pain in the sole and peripheral nerves of the left foot? Hello Doctor: In February 2021, I was involved in a motorcycle accident that resulted in a fracture of the left femur, which impacted the hip bone and caused a dislocat...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon and arrange for a nerve conduction study. Best wishes. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang.[Read More] Post-Accident Nerve Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery in the Foot
Understanding Pain from Herniated Discs, Bone Spurs, and Weather Changes
Bone spur, slippage, herniated disc? Hello, Dr. Lai. I would like to ask if conditions such as herniated discs, bone spurs, and spondylolisthesis can cause pain during changes in weather, like when it rains or gets cold? Additionally, can lying down or sitting still also lead to ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms described, it seems that your family member may have a lumbar spine issue. Conditions such as bone spurs, spondylolisthesis, or herniated discs within the lumbar spine can potentially compress nerves or lead to structural instability, which may cause ...[Read More] Understanding Pain from Herniated Discs, Bone Spurs, and Weather Changes
Understanding Discomfort After Minimally Invasive Surgery with Coflex
Minimally invasive surgery with the implantation of coflex? It has been a month since my minimally invasive surgery, and I am still wearing a brace. I had two coflex implants placed at L4-5 and L5-S1. There has been improvement in my leg issues, but when I sit for a while, I feel...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: I apologize, but you are not a fellow patient of mine, and I do not understand your situation before and after the surgery. Regarding this kind of postoperative discomfort, I still recommend that you consult with the original surgeon. Wishing you all the best. // Dr. Lai C...[Read More] Understanding Discomfort After Minimally Invasive Surgery with Coflex
Understanding Lower Left Back Pain: When to See a Specialist
Left lower back pain? Hello, doctor. I have lower back pain and went to see an orthopedic specialist. I also had an X-ray done, and the doctor said the cause of the pain is inflammation of the nerves due to prolonged standing or sitting. It cannot be completely cured and can only...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: General lower back pain is often related to lumbar spine issues. If it's your first occurrence, you can try rest, lumbar support, medication, and physical therapy. If it recurs or symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a neurosurgeon. If a specific lesion is con...[Read More] Understanding Lower Left Back Pain: When to See a Specialist
Understanding T9 Compression Fractures: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Compression fracture of the ninth thoracic vertebra (T9) with nerve compression? Hello Dr. Lai, my mother is 75 years old. Six months ago, she began experiencing cramping pain in the upper abdomen and near the sides of her rib cage. After undergoing a spinal MRI at Chang Gung Mem...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The nerve at T9 is compressed, which can lead to back pain, followed by radicular chest and abdominal intercostal pain. Additionally, vertebral collapse and kyphosis can cause visceral compression discomfort, and in severe cases, spinal cord injury and paralysis, as wel...[Read More] Understanding T9 Compression Fractures: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Can Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Surgery Help Wake Up a Patient in Coma?
Is performing a ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery helpful for regaining consciousness in a patient who has been in a semi-comatose state for nearly four months? My father is 69 years old and underwent surgery for a meningioma nearly four months ago. After the surgery, he experie...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
1. The duration of ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement is short, considered a minor procedure. 2. The drainage catheter for ventriculoperitoneal shunt does not need to be removed. 3. If the drainage catheter becomes obstructed and the patient has hydrocephalus, it may require re...[Read More] Can Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Surgery Help Wake Up a Patient in Coma?
Understanding Skull Surgery and Recovery After Severe Head Injury
Skull, unresponsive? Hello, doctor. My husband fell to the ground at work, landing on his head. At first, he was able to stand up and walk, but within three minutes, he started to have a nosebleed and fainted. He underwent emergency surgery to remove part of his skull on the left...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Generally speaking, returning the skull to its original position can aid in the recovery of the patient's neurological function. Using the patient's own bone does carry a higher risk of infection, while artificial cranial implants present a lower risk of infection as an...[Read More] Understanding Skull Surgery and Recovery After Severe Head Injury
Post-Surgery Head Issues: Understanding Tightness and Pain After Craniotomy
Postoperative issues related to the head? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a question. About 7-8 years ago, I underwent a craniotomy due to a vascular malformation in my head, and my post-operative condition was good. However, in the past few months, I occasionally feel tigh...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The surgery from 7-8 years ago should not have any issues with the wound. Since the wound cannot be examined, it is recommended to return to the outpatient clinic for follow-up.[Read More] Post-Surgery Head Issues: Understanding Tightness and Pain After Craniotomy
Understanding Skull Reconstruction: Causes of Indentation After Surgery
Cranial reconstruction? The cranial bone was replaced with autologous bone, and it has been 3 months since the procedure. There is a dent the size of a 5-cent coin at the suture line on the top of the head, but there are no discomforts in the body. What could be the reason for th...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The indentation is likely a remnant of the craniotomy performed at that time.[Read More] Understanding Skull Reconstruction: Causes of Indentation After Surgery
Post-Surgery Recovery Concerns After Brain Hemorrhage: What to Expect
What are the recovery issues after brain hemorrhage surgery? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my mother, who is 64 years old. At the beginning of the month, she suffered a hemorrhagic stroke and was taken to the hospital, where surgery was required. The surgery went smoot...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Based on your description, the patient may not have fully regained consciousness yet. Since each patient's condition varies, it is advisable to consult your attending physician.[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery Concerns After Brain Hemorrhage: What to Expect
Understanding Treatment Options for Hydrocephalus in Elderly Patients
Management of Hydrocephalus Hello Doctor, my father-in-law is currently about 75 years old. He suffered a brain injury and hydrocephalus from a car accident in 2004, and underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement (initially with an adjustable shunt that was removed due to inf...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Pleural cavity drainage is primarily concerned with pleural effusion. The extent to which symptoms improve after drainage is not guaranteed. While drainage can alleviate hydrocephalus, it cannot assist patients who already exhibit symptoms of dementia.[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Hydrocephalus in Elderly Patients
Post-Car Accident Head Trauma: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery
Head impact from a car accident? Hello, Doctor: My mother (71 years old) was in a car accident on February 5th, where she sustained a blow to the left front side of her head. A CT scan was performed that day, and the emergency physician noted a slight bleeding (the images showed ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Common symptoms of head trauma include headache, dizziness, and discomfort, which may not necessarily be related to the presence of bleeding. The duration of symptoms typically lasts around one week, although some individuals may experience symptoms for up to a month.[Read More] Post-Car Accident Head Trauma: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery