How Long Does Autologous Skull Bone Take to Resorb After Surgery?
Cranial reconstruction How long does it take for an autologous cranial bone graft to be absorbed in a 52-year-old female?
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Not necessarily; some people will absorb it, while others will not.[Read More] How Long Does Autologous Skull Bone Take to Resorb After Surgery?
Post-Discectomy Complications: Understanding Nerve Adhesions and Recovery
Postoperative Issues Following Discectomy In September 2020, my father was admitted to the emergency room due to acute pain from a herniated disc (L4/L5) and underwent a discectomy with the placement of a spacer. Immediately after the surgery, his symptoms improved significantly,...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Your father's nerves may have pathological changes. There are many possibilities regarding the nature of these changes. It is advisable to first discuss this with the physician who performed the original surgery. If there is no improvement, you can obtain copies of th...[Read More] Post-Discectomy Complications: Understanding Nerve Adhesions and Recovery
Understanding Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Calcification and Its Management
Regarding posterior longitudinal ligament calcification? Hello Director Lai, I have a problem with calcification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, which has already caused discomfort in my neck. I heard that this is a condition unique to Asians. May I ask, Director Lai, is ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: According to the literature: 1. Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is associated with various congenital genetic factors and multiple influencing factors. 2. Individuals who prefer pickled foods, such as kimchi, and staple foods like rice have a sig...[Read More] Understanding Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Calcification and Its Management
Understanding Tinnitus: Seeking Solutions After Nerve Compression Treatment
Tinnitus consultation My father experienced nerve compression at cervical vertebrae 4, 5, and 6 in September 2017, which caused pain and numbness in his shoulders, neck, back, and elbows. Initially, the cause of his condition was unclear, leading to a frantic search for treatment...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
For tinnitus issues, it is recommended to seek treatment from an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) and a neurologist. Currently, I cannot think of any other methods or tests that would be beneficial.[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus: Seeking Solutions After Nerve Compression Treatment
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Could It Be Related to Cervical Issues?
Left chest pain and heat? Hello, doctor. I do not smoke, drink alcohol, or chew betel nut. I occasionally experience a dull pain in my left chest, which sometimes feels warm, located slightly towards the armpit. The frequency is irregular. I have previously undergone a breast ult...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The likelihood of left chest pain being related to cervical spine issues is very low. It is recommended to visit a thoracic medicine clinic for examination and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Could It Be Related to Cervical Issues?
Understanding Skull Healing Time After Cranioplasty: What to Expect
The healing time for the skull after cranioplasty? Hello Doctor: I was in a car accident at the end of August last year, where my helmet came off and my head hit the ground. I was immediately taken to the emergency room, where it was determined that I had a skull fracture and int...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Typically, the protrusion may be due to small bone screws and plates that fixate the skull. It is abnormal for the skull to slide back and forth, and it is recommended to seek further evaluation at a neurosurgery outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Skull Healing Time After Cranioplasty: What to Expect
Understanding Baby Tremors: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Baby's hand tremors issue? Hello, Doctor. 1. My baby is currently 6 months and 21 days old. On December 20th of last year, he accidentally fell from an 80 cm changing table, resulting in intracranial hemorrhage. A CT and MRI performed by the doctor showed a hematoma in the...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It's hard to determine whether the tremors you see are due to epilepsy. It is recommended to record a video on your phone during the episode and then consult a physician in an outpatient setting for evaluation and management.[Read More] Understanding Baby Tremors: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Recovery After Laminectomy: Addressing Persistent Nerve Pain Concerns
Regarding the recovery period after vertebroplasty? Hello, Dr. Chang. It has been two months since my surgery. I underwent a laminectomy because I was experiencing numbness and pain in my left hand due to nerve compression at the C5-C7 levels. I am still experiencing persistent n...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
In most cases, spinal deformity correction surgery can only alleviate symptoms and cannot completely resolve them. To achieve symptom improvement, anterior approach surgery is more likely to be effective.[Read More] Recovery After Laminectomy: Addressing Persistent Nerve Pain Concerns
Understanding Neck and Shoulder Pain: Insights from Neurosurgery
Shoulder, neck, and back issues? About two years ago, I went to an amusement park and rode a roller coaster. I didn't keep my head pressed against the backrest, and during the turns, my neck was thrown around. At that moment, I only felt neck pain, but after a few weeks, it ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It may be a problem related to spinal nerve compression; it is recommended to consult a neurosurgery outpatient clinic for examination.[Read More] Understanding Neck and Shoulder Pain: Insights from Neurosurgery
Understanding Body Tremors: Possible Causes and Connections to Scoliosis
Body tremors Hello Doctor: For the past six months, I have been experiencing a pulsating sensation on the upper right side of my body. I can also feel it when I touch the area. Sometimes it feels not just like a pulsation but also like rolling or shifting. The affected areas incl...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
First, take some B-complex vitamins and observe for 2-3 weeks. If there is no improvement, it is recommended to consult a neurologist.[Read More] Understanding Body Tremors: Possible Causes and Connections to Scoliosis
Post-Operative Exercise Guidelines After Laminectomy Surgery
Postoperative Exercise After Kyphoplasty Hello Dr. Lai, I previously inquired about the issue of pedicle screw and plate fixation in posterior cervical decompression surgery, and I am still struggling with the decision to undergo the surgery. I enjoy running, practicing yoga, and...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Generally, a cervical collar is required for protection for 3 months post-surgery to allow for fusion. Once fusion is confirmed, gentle movements of the cervical spine should be performed. Other activities such as running and hiking should be acceptable if done in moderati...[Read More] Post-Operative Exercise Guidelines After Laminectomy Surgery
Understanding Numbness in Hands and Feet: Causes and Relief Tips
Numbness in the hands and feet? Hello, doctor. I am a university student and have been sitting for long periods of time. For two weeks in early January, I was almost sitting all day to finish my final assignments. Recently, I have been on winter break and am not sitting as much, ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Numbness in the right foot and right palm is unusual; it is recommended to visit a neurology clinic for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Numbness in Hands and Feet: Causes and Relief Tips
Understanding Post-Concussion Symptoms: Pain and Numbness Explained
Post-concussion syndrome may involve symptoms such as pain and numbness? Hello, Doctor. On the night of October 1st last year, I slightly bumped the upper right side of my head against a car door after slipping. It hurt a lot at the moment, and I instinctively rubbed it. Later, I...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It doesn't sound like post-concussion syndrome; it's just a general bruise and cervical strain. It's recommended to take anti-inflammatory medication and get plenty of rest.[Read More] Understanding Post-Concussion Symptoms: Pain and Numbness Explained
Concerns About Titanium Plate and Screw Loosening After Cervical Surgery
Regarding the issue of cervical vertebral plate screw loosening? Hello, Director Zhang. I underwent laminoplasty in December of last year due to nerve compression at cervical levels 5, 6, and 7, along with OPLL. The surgeon performed a XXXX Door Laminoplasty on me. I currently ha...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is rare to hear about the screws and plates used in spinal osteotomy procedures becoming dislodged, so there is no need to worry.[Read More] Concerns About Titanium Plate and Screw Loosening After Cervical Surgery
Two vs. Four Screws in Spinal Surgery: Which is More Secure?
Regarding vertebral body augmentation, are two screws or four screws more stable? Hello Director Lai, I am considering undergoing cervical laminoplasty, as I need mini screws and a plate for my C3 to C6 vertebrae. Given the critical nature of this procedure, I have reviewed numer...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Cervical laminoplasty is performed after posterior decompression, followed by plate fixation, similar to an open book. A simplified schematic diagram can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFzvA4xkuhk. As for the number of screws used to secure the plate, it de...[Read More] Two vs. Four Screws in Spinal Surgery: Which is More Secure?
Impact of Skull Deformities on Brain Development and Neurological Health
Head issues My skull is growing towards the right rear, and the right side is larger than the left. I suspect this may be due to a twisting force I experienced during elementary school. Is it possible that this type of external force causing skull deformation could affect my nerv...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without a physical and neurological examination, it is unclear how severe the head shape deformity is. If it is not too severe, it generally does not have any significant impact.[Read More] Impact of Skull Deformities on Brain Development and Neurological Health
Managing Post-Surgery Complications After Cervical Disc Replacement
Cervical spine surgery sequelae? Hello Doctor, I have a herniated disc at the C5-C6 level, which has caused severe pain and numbness radiating from my left shoulder, back, arm, and fingers. After undergoing artificial disc replacement surgery, the symptoms on the left side were i...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
After surgery, the emergence of new symptoms usually indicates that there may be an issue in certain areas. It is advisable to discuss any subsequent treatment for your condition with the original surgeon, as other physicians typically do not intervene in such cases.[Read More] Managing Post-Surgery Complications After Cervical Disc Replacement
Understanding Left Foot and Spine Issues: Neurological Insights
Left foot and spine issues? Hello Doctor, last November, I felt a bit of soreness and weakness in my left foot's ring and little toes, so I sought medical attention. The doctor said that the nerve conduction study showed no abnormalities. However, in the past couple of days,...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
1. If the angle of scoliosis is too large, it may lead to pelvic misalignment, hip joint dysfunction, and an unbalanced gait, which can subsequently cause abnormal movement in one leg. 2. Regarding the sensation of your left foot's ring and little toes feeling slightly sore...[Read More] Understanding Left Foot and Spine Issues: Neurological Insights
Post-Surgery Intracranial Hemorrhage: Understanding Pupil Size Differences
Post-intracranial hemorrhage surgery Hello, my mother had an emergency craniotomy for a brain hemorrhage at the end of September last year. When she arrived at the hospital, both of her pupils were dilated, and the injury was to her right hemisphere. After the surgery, her left p...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Some people are born with unequal pupil sizes, making it difficult to determine if this is normal. It is recommended to consult a professional neurologist for an examination.[Read More] Post-Surgery Intracranial Hemorrhage: Understanding Pupil Size Differences
Understanding Concussions: Symptoms, Risks, and When to Seek Help
Concussion / Head Injury Hello, doctor. On the evening of December 21, I accidentally slipped and hit my head outside the bathroom. At the moment, I did not lose consciousness, but I felt a lot of pain at the impact site. The next day, I only experienced nausea without any loss o...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Basically, if you are asking this question, the likelihood of a brain hemorrhage is very low. Brain hemorrhages typically present with severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and even loss of consciousness.[Read More] Understanding Concussions: Symptoms, Risks, and When to Seek Help