Understanding Lumbar Spine Issues: Addressing Nerve Compression and Surgical Options
Questions regarding adjacent segments of the lumbar spine? Hello, Doctor: I have the following questions that I hope you can clarify: The patient is a 59-year-old female who underwent successful lumbar spine surgery at the L5 and S1 levels in 2012 (with interbody fusion and screw...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. It is important to determine if the compressed nerve root corresponds to the patient's symptoms. Generally, compression at the L4-5 segment affects the L5 nerve root, which typically presents as pain radiating from the buttock down to the lateral aspect of the calf...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spine Issues: Addressing Nerve Compression and Surgical Options
Understanding Eye Blinking and Mouth Twitches During Speech
Blinking forcefully and twitching the corner of the mouth while speaking? Hello, Director Zhang. I would like to ask about my friend who, when speaking, forcefully blinks and has facial tics, specifically pulling at the corners of his mouth while producing the sound "ㄖ."...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Your description is not very clear to me either. I suggest you bring your friend to see a neurologist for an examination![Read More] Understanding Eye Blinking and Mouth Twitches During Speech
Post-Discectomy: Should My Boyfriend Have His Hardware Removed?
Postoperative care for herniated disc surgery? My boyfriend underwent minimally invasive surgery for a herniated disc on July 11 of last year due to lower back pain and leg numbness. After the surgery, he still experiences lower back discomfort. He is now hesitant about whether t...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Why is it necessary to perform spinal fusion? Is it due to lumbar spondylolisthesis? If the purpose of the procedure is not clear, it is not advisable to remove the hardware casually![Read More] Post-Discectomy: Should My Boyfriend Have His Hardware Removed?
Understanding Post-Surgery Head Pain and Skull Replacement Timing
Cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) After surgery, the skull has not been replaced. The doctor informed that it will take three months to cover it again, as they need to observe the postoperative recovery. Currently, there are severe headaches, and the doctor mentioned that...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The skull may not necessarily cause severe headaches if it is not replaced, as this varies from person to person. Typically, the skull can be replaced after about two months, but opinions may differ among physicians.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Head Pain and Skull Replacement Timing
Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia in Multiple Sclerosis: A Patient's Journey
Multiple sclerosis with trigeminal neuralgia Hello Doctor, about five days ago, I experienced pain when pressing on the bone above my right eyebrow, which occasionally persists as a dull ache. Recently, the tenderness has decreased, but it still remains, and the continuous pain h...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Multiple sclerosis is a rare disease with diverse symptoms. It is essential to consult a neurologist and undergo thorough examinations for an accurate diagnosis. Please do not self-diagnose or assume you have the condition without a proper evaluation from a neurologis...[Read More] Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia in Multiple Sclerosis: A Patient's Journey
Post-Spinal Surgery Pain: Should You Remove Screws After One Year?
Postoperative pain and issues related to the removal of spinal screws? I would like to ask you, I underwent lumbar fusion surgery at L4, L5, and S1 last year, where two support devices and six screws were implanted. After the surgery, I have been experiencing persistent soreness ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. If it has been 6 months post-surgery and you are still experiencing <postoperative soreness in the lower back>, it may indicate poor fusion or other segmental pathology. 2. I recommend that you first consult with your original surgeon; if there is no improvement, ...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery Pain: Should You Remove Screws After One Year?
Recovery Timeline for Running After Intracranial Hemorrhage Surgery
Intracranial hemorrhage Hello, Doctor! I was hospitalized in April this year due to a car accident, where I underwent surgery to remove a hematoma caused by intracranial bleeding. I have since been discharged, and during my follow-up appointment, the doctor informed me that my re...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Cranial surgery is a major procedure that requires at least three months of recovery. However, since I am not aware of the specifics of your brain injury, it is best to consult your attending physician who performed the surgery for guidance.[Read More] Recovery Timeline for Running After Intracranial Hemorrhage Surgery
Persistent Finger Numbness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Numbness in the fingers of both hands? Dear Doctor: After taking a shower tonight, I started experiencing numbness in my fingers (all fingers except the thumb) that lasted for over an hour. I have had episodes of hand numbness in the past, but they would usually resolve quickly o...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected to be carpal tunnel syndrome or other conditions. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. Best wishes to you. // Changhua Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang.[Read More] Persistent Finger Numbness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Numbness in Left Thumb and Index Finger: Possible Causes and Relief Tips
Numbness in the left thumb and index finger? Initially, I thought the neck stiffness was nothing serious. After a week, the pain in my neck has decreased, but I am experiencing some numbness in my left thumb and index finger. When I massage my shoulders, the left shoulder feels l...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. It is suspected to be a cervical spine issue, most commonly a cervical disc herniation that compresses the nerves. 2. Reduce the forward head posture. Temporarily wear a cervical collar. Apply heat to the shoulders and neck daily, and perform neck rehabilitation exercis...[Read More] Numbness in Left Thumb and Index Finger: Possible Causes and Relief Tips
Understanding Temporary Finger Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
Transient finger pain Two weeks ago, I was tested for Sjögren's syndrome and also checked for some other complications, and all the results came back normal. However, during those days, I was pressing on the tissues of my fingers quite a bit (as I was worried about rheumatoi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. First, stop the repetitive pressure on your fingers. 2. Soak your hands and feet in warm water daily (at a temperature that won't cause burns). 3. If there is no improvement after 2 weeks, it is advisable to consult a physician. Best wishes. // Neurosurgery Dr. Lai...[Read More] Understanding Temporary Finger Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Chronic Headaches and Swelling: Seeking Solutions
Headache and scalp lump? I often experience sudden, intense headaches that can become so severe that my head swells. I have seen doctors and undergone EEG and X-ray examinations, and this has been happening for at least 3 to 5 years. However, the symptoms have been worsening rece...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello! Due to the uniqueness of your symptoms and condition, we recommend that you visit an outpatient clinic for evaluation and treatment. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Headaches and Swelling: Seeking Solutions
Stroke Recovery: Key Questions About Brain Hemorrhage Healing
Stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage recovery-related issues? Hello, Doctor. Five days ago, my father suddenly lost the ability to move his right side. He was urgently taken to the hospital, and the CT scan revealed a brain hemorrhage with a blood clot approximately the size of a ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
1. The absorption of the blood clot typically takes about 2-3 weeks. 2. The focus is not on the blood clot, but rather on the brain damage caused by the bleeding that has already resulted in limb weakness. 3. No, it is not necessary. 4. It depends on the severity of the neurologi...[Read More] Stroke Recovery: Key Questions About Brain Hemorrhage Healing
Understanding Disc Herniation: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Herniated disc Hello Doctor, three years ago I had an MRI that showed a mild herniation of the intervertebral disc between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae, which caused some nerve discomfort in my right leg. However, I did not experience any recurrence until recently. In the pas...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected that you have a herniated disc compressing the nerve, leading to recurrent symptoms. You should consult another neurosurgeon who has arranged for an MRI. Wishing you the best. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Chief of Spine Neurosurgery.[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding CT Scan Results: Calcium Deposits and Teflon Concerns After Surgery
Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the brain? Hello, doctor. I underwent a decompression surgery for left-sided facial spasms at the end of 2016. At that time, the physician informed me that the surgical method involved creating an opening in the left posterior part of the brain an...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Generally, it is unlikely. 2. It depends on the actual imaging. 3. An MRI of the cervical spine should be performed to assess whether the symptoms are caused by cervical nerve compression. 4. Cerebral calcifications can be classified into physiological and pathological ...[Read More] Understanding CT Scan Results: Calcium Deposits and Teflon Concerns After Surgery
Understanding Sharp Pain in the Upper Left Back: Causes and Solutions
Back issues - sharp pain in the upper left back? Hello, doctor. Since last year, I have been experiencing intermittent sharp pain in my upper left back. It feels like there is a needle stabbing me, and sometimes it hurts when I move my arm, while at other times it hurts even when...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Preliminary assessment suggests that at your age, the muscle fascia pain and inflammation are likely caused by poor posture. You can start by correcting your posture, keeping your head up and chest out, and avoiding prolonged bending forward or slouching. Apply heat to the...[Read More] Understanding Sharp Pain in the Upper Left Back: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Neck Fractures: Causes, Symptoms, and Recovery Time
Cervical spine fracture Hello doctor, I have undergone many neurological examinations that came back normal, but I have not been able to return to my previous state for a long time, about 4 months. I often feel weak and limp, experience dizziness, and have neck stiffness. What co...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without detailed imaging information and neurological examination, I cannot answer your question.[Read More] Understanding Neck Fractures: Causes, Symptoms, and Recovery Time
Understanding Head Injuries in Elderly Patients: Recovery and Observation
Head trauma in the elderly? Hello, doctor. I recently had an incident with a woman around 70 years old. She collided and fell to the ground on her right side, and when she was taken by ambulance, she was still responsive and able to move her limbs. Later, the hospital examination...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The observation period for head injuries in elderly patients should be at least one month![Read More] Understanding Head Injuries in Elderly Patients: Recovery and Observation
Best Specialists for Treating Tourettes-Related Cervical Dislocation in Taichung
For treatment of cervical dislocation caused by Tourette syndrome, you should consult a specialist in neurology or orthopedic surgery? I would like to inquire about where to find professional treatment for cervical spondylolisthesis caused by Tourette syndrome in Taichung, and wh...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
I'm not sure where in Taichung there are specialized treatments for cervical dislocation caused by Tourette syndrome, but if there is an issue with cervical displacement, it would be advisable to consult a neurosurgeon first.[Read More] Best Specialists for Treating Tourettes-Related Cervical Dislocation in Taichung
Post-Car Accident Symptoms: When to Seek Neurological Evaluation
After the car accident, I feel a sense of pressure in my head and have experienced symptoms such as nausea and discomfort? Hello Doctor, it has been a week since my car accident. I sustained minor skin injuries and a femur fracture, for which I underwent surgery and was hospitali...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The most concerning issue with head trauma is intracranial hemorrhage. If a week has passed without significant nausea or vomiting symptoms, it is likely not serious, and any other mild symptoms should be considered as residual effects.[Read More] Post-Car Accident Symptoms: When to Seek Neurological Evaluation
Spinal Tumor Surgery in Children: Risks and Post-Operative Considerations
Spinal tumor surgery and subsequent issues with hardware (screws)? Hello Doctor, my child is currently 5 years and 7 months old. A spinal tumor was detected at birth, and initially, we were just monitoring it regularly. During this time, we learned that the tumor had grown into t...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Since the child is only 5 years old and there is no detailed medical history, this issue is too specialized and complex, falling under the scope of pediatric neurosurgery. It is recommended to consult a physician in an outpatient setting.[Read More] Spinal Tumor Surgery in Children: Risks and Post-Operative Considerations