Understanding Recovery After Head Trauma: Key Insights and Considerations
Head trauma You were involved in a car accident on January 13, during which you underwent three surgeries: one on the left side and two on the right side, with the final surgery to repair your skull completed on February 28. You are inquiring about the recovery timeline for the r...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Everyone's condition is different, and I cannot determine your recovery period without knowing if you have any neurological dysfunction. Some individuals may have altered consciousness, while others may experience hemiplegia; it varies greatly. It is best to consult your att...[Read More] Understanding Recovery After Head Trauma: Key Insights and Considerations
Head Injury After Collision: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Head issues On Friday during physical education class, I collided with a classmate, resulting in her knee hitting the back of my head, causing an approximately 8 cm indentation on the right side of my occiput. Although I felt dizzy and had blurred vision at the time, I was still ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Basically, if there are no obvious symptoms such as severe headache, dizziness, or vomiting, you can continue to observe at home![Read More] Head Injury After Collision: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding Meningitis and Pituitary Cysts: What You Need to Know
Meningitis and pituitary cyst (tumor) Hello Doctor, I was hospitalized at Mackay Memorial Hospital for a period of time due to meningitis. I have since been discharged. During my hospitalization, I underwent an MRI, and the attending physician explained that there is a cyst (flui...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
That's right, continuous monitoring is necessary, as it may remain unchanged for several years or even over a decade, but it is important to keep tracking it![Read More] Understanding Meningitis and Pituitary Cysts: What You Need to Know
Understanding Head Injuries in Elderly Patients: Risks and Recovery
Head trauma in the elderly? Hello, doctor. I recently had an accident with a woman around 70 years old. After the collision, she fell to the ground on her right side and was responsive when transported by ambulance, with all four limbs able to move. Later, the hospital examinatio...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is certainly possible for the condition to become more severe, but it may not, depending on whether there are subsequent brain hemorrhages and complications that arise.[Read More] Understanding Head Injuries in Elderly Patients: Risks and Recovery
Understanding Pain and Numbness in Elderly Patients with Prostate Cancer
Foot pain with numbness and tingling? My father is in his eighties and has prostate cancer. He experiences pain on both sides of his buttocks, and his legs feel sore and numb, making it difficult for him to walk. He also has urinary and fecal incontinence. He has seen a neurologi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected to be an issue with the lumbar spinal nerves. It is recommended to consult a hospital's <Neurosurgery> department. Best wishes to you. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Chief of the Spine Neurosurgery Department, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Pain and Numbness in Elderly Patients with Prostate Cancer
Dealing with Post-Surgery Recurrence: Options After Spinal Disc Replacement
Postoperative recurrence About four to five years ago, I underwent a procedure to replace 4-5 segments of cartilage due to nerve compression. The doctor assured me that replacing the artificial cartilage would be a permanent solution. However, I now find myself in the same situat...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If you have any doubts about Dr. Yuan's explanation, I suggest you consult another neurosurgeon. The images speak for themselves. Please copy the MRI image disc and bring it to your next appointment. Wishing you all the best. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of Spine Ne...[Read More] Dealing with Post-Surgery Recurrence: Options After Spinal Disc Replacement
Understanding Long-Term Effects of Intracranial Hemorrhage
What are the sequelae of intracranial hemorrhage? Hello, Doctor: Over a decade ago, I was inexplicably assaulted by a group of street racers, resulting in intracranial hemorrhage and vomiting blood. I spent two months in the intensive care unit with no significant improvement, an...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Theoretically, a brain hemorrhage that occurred over a decade ago should not pose any issues now, and further examinations are not necessary.[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Effects of Intracranial Hemorrhage
Understanding Finger Pain: Nerve Injury or Bone Damage?
Finger issues? On April 10th, a blood draw was performed using a lancet on the left index finger, approximately one-third from the tip. After the procedure, the area was disinfected with alcohol and covered with a bandage. After the wound healed that day, light pressure on the ar...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, a standard blood draw needle will not penetrate to the bone, and there are no major nerves at the tip of the index finger. It is recommended that you observe for two weeks, as it usually improves on its own. If there is no improvement, you may consult a general surgeon or ...[Read More] Understanding Finger Pain: Nerve Injury or Bone Damage?
Understanding Facial Nerve Disorders: Treatment Options and Insights
Facial nerve spasms? Hello, doctor... I have been experiencing facial nerve issues for over six years. I previously consulted traditional Chinese medicine, but my mouth continues to twitch and hasn't fully recovered. Is it really impossible to treat? Would switching to a pla...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Your symptoms are likely indicative of facial nerve spasms. It is recommended to consult a senior neurosurgeon at a medical center. 2. Common causes include compression of the facial nerve in the brain by nearby blood vessels, leading to abnormal electrical short-circui...[Read More] Understanding Facial Nerve Disorders: Treatment Options and Insights
Understanding Upper Right Back Numbness: Causes and Solutions
Numbness in the upper right back during work? When I work, I experience a large area of tingling in my upper right back, but it quickly resolves when my right hand is not in use. This symptom has been present for a month.
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected that the shoulder and back pain is due to muscle fascia strain and inflammation from work-related activities. It is recommended to perform stretching and warm-up exercises before work. Take short breaks every 0.5 to 1 hour during work. After returning home,...[Read More] Understanding Upper Right Back Numbness: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Hyperhidrosis: Choosing the Right Specialist and Treatment Options
Hyperhidrosis issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about which specialty I should consult for the evaluation of hyperhidrosis. I have researched surgical options, but I am hesitant to decide due to potential compensatory sweating and other postoperative issues. Addition...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The causes of hyperhidrosis can be divided into primary and secondary; primary hyperhidrosis accounts for the majority and is mainly caused by hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system leading to abnormal sweating. Secondary hyperhidrosis is often due to condition...[Read More] Understanding Hyperhidrosis: Choosing the Right Specialist and Treatment Options
Understanding OPLL Treatment Options and Estimated Costs
Treatment options for OPLL (Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament) and estimated initial costs? Hello Doctor, I was recently diagnosed with OPLL at the cervical spine levels C3-C7. The doctor suggested using a mini plate for laminoplasty or an anterior cervical disc...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. If the diagnosis of OPLL is confirmed and aligns with your symptoms, when planning for surgery, the general recommendation is posterior decompression surgery (laminoplasty with mini-plate or laminectomy with posterior minimally invasive screw fixation): mini-plates are ...[Read More] Understanding OPLL Treatment Options and Estimated Costs
Understanding OPLL Treatment Options and Estimated Costs in the U.S.
Treatment options for OPLL (Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament) and estimated costs? Hello Doctor, I was recently diagnosed with OPLL at the cervical spine levels C3-C7. The doctor suggested performing laminoplasty with a mini plate through a posterior approach, ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. If the diagnosis of OPLL is confirmed and aligns with your symptoms, when planning for surgery, the general recommendation is posterior decompression surgery (laminoplasty with mini-plate or laminectomy with posterior minimally invasive screw fixation): mini-plates are ...[Read More] Understanding OPLL Treatment Options and Estimated Costs in the U.S.
Concerns About Head Trauma: Is Skull Fracture Possible?
Head issues Doctor, I apologize for asking what may seem like a silly question. Two days ago, out of anger, I hit my head with my phone. The corner of the phone struck the right frontal bone near the hairline, and immediately, a soft indentation about 0.5 cm in diameter appeared ...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: You may have a mild concussion causing headaches and dizziness. If these symptoms worsen, you need to seek emergency care for a brain scan. For severe issues with your right ear, please visit an otolaryngologist to check for any bleeding or structural problems. Thank you f...[Read More] Concerns About Head Trauma: Is Skull Fracture Possible?
Head Injury Concerns: When to Seek Medical Attention for Symptoms
Head issues Hello Doctor, on Sunday night, while I was squatting down to place an item, I stood up and accidentally hit the left side of my head against the door of an upper cabinet with some force. It hurt for about five minutes. After checking, there was no visible swelling or ...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: You may have a mild concussion causing headaches and dizziness. If these symptoms worsen, you need to go to the emergency department for a brain scan. For severe issues with your right ear, you should see an otolaryngologist to check for any bleeding or structural problems...[Read More] Head Injury Concerns: When to Seek Medical Attention for Symptoms
Post-Surgery Concerns for Severe Lumbar Disc Herniation: What to Expect
Postoperative Issues Following Severe Cartilage Extrusion in Segments 4-5 I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Recently, I experienced severe lower back pain that left me unable to move, so I went to the hospital. The examination results showed that there was severe herni...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Did you have the symptoms you mentioned before the surgery, such as complete swelling and numbness in the lower body, along with loss of bladder and bowel control? If so, it may indicate that there was already prolonged nerve compression prior to the surgery. 2. If thes...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns for Severe Lumbar Disc Herniation: What to Expect
Post-Accident Neurological Issues: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery
Regarding dizziness after a car accident, issues related to the frontal lobe of the brain, neck problems, and intracranial hemorrhage? Hello, Doctor: Regarding the topic in question, I suffered a head injury after a car accident while wearing a helmet, and I lost consciousness up...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
1. Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a type of intracranial hemorrhage. 2. Observation and treatment may be possible for 3-6 months, with potential improvement. There is no specific medication, but acupuncture treatment in conjunction with traditional Chinese medicine can be considered....[Read More] Post-Accident Neurological Issues: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery
Can Herniated Discs Shrink or Be Absorbed Through Rehabilitation?
Herniated disc Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if a herniated disc complicated by spinal stenosis can have the protruding portion reduced or absorbed by the body through rehabilitation. I previously asked some questions and scheduled a surgery, but I have noticed that the disc...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Rehabilitation primarily involves lumbar traction (spinal decompression), aiming to open up the intervertebral discs to relieve pressure. However, once the treatment ends and the machine is released, the effects may diminish. After several sessions, this can help allevi...[Read More] Can Herniated Discs Shrink or Be Absorbed Through Rehabilitation?
Understanding Scalp Pain After Head Injury: Causes and Remedies
Head issues Hello, Doctor. I have recently noticed a painful area on my scalp that hurts when pressed, but there is no noticeable swelling. Back in early March, I bumped the left side of my head against the door of an overhead cabinet when I stood up from a squatting position. It...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Typically, there is swelling and pain at the site of impact, which usually improves within about five days.[Read More] Understanding Scalp Pain After Head Injury: Causes and Remedies
Understanding Leg Numbness and Color Changes: When to Seek Help
Numbness in the feet? Hello Doctor, I usually have a habit of sitting cross-legged, but recently I've noticed that my feet turn severely purple when I sit this way! When I stop sitting cross-legged, the color returns to normal. Lately, my feet have also been feeling sore, co...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, it is suspected to be a blood circulation issue. I recommend seeing a physician in the cardiology or cardiovascular surgery department first. If vascular problems are ruled out, then consider consulting a neurologist or neurosurgeon. Best wishes. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Ch...[Read More] Understanding Leg Numbness and Color Changes: When to Seek Help