Understanding Disc Herniation: Surgical Options and Recovery Insights
Herniated disc Hello Doctor, last month I went to the hospital for an examination due to lower back pain and found out that I have multiple herniated discs, with the first, second, fourth, and fifth discs being the most severe (the fourth and fifth discs are completely herniated ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
1. Over 90% improvement is achievable, with a safety rate of over 99% (unless there are specific underlying conditions) (##but this depends on the surgical method you ultimately choose##). 2. It is essential to review your imaging and symptoms. The benefits of the product come ...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: Surgical Options and Recovery Insights
Seeking Help for Persistent Neck and Limb Pain: A Neurological Concern
Please help me? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing tightness and sharp pain in the left side of my neck and occipital area for about 4-5 months. I also feel some discomfort behind my ear and a bit of a plugged sensation. This month, I suddenly started to feel some numbness an...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon for a detailed examination, as there may be issues related to cervical spine joints or nerve compression.[Read More] Seeking Help for Persistent Neck and Limb Pain: A Neurological Concern
Understanding Cervical Spine Fractures: Treatment and Recovery Insights
Cervical spine fracture Hello, Doctor. I was in a car accident on November 10th last year, where I was rear-ended by a car traveling at 14 km/h. At the time, I sustained abrasions on my right knee and shoulder. After nearly four months of follow-up, while driving on February 26th...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If you have a fracture of the odontoid process of the second cervical vertebra and surgery is not required, you will need to wear a SOMI (Sterno-Occipital-Mandibular Immobilizer) collar for about 3 to 6 months, even while sleeping. If your symptoms persist and MRI shows th...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Fractures: Treatment and Recovery Insights
Post-Trauma Seizures: Managing Epilepsy After Head Injury
Post-traumatic epilepsy Hello Doctor: After a skull surgery due to a car accident, I have developed epilepsy. If I continue taking medication, will I recover? How long will I need to take the medication? I haven't had a seizure for about a year; can I return to normal work a...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
After skull surgery due to a car accident, epilepsy may persist. Continuous medication does not guarantee a cure. If there are no seizures for a year, you may consider discontinuing the medication. Each individual's condition is different, so please discuss this with your ne...[Read More] Post-Trauma Seizures: Managing Epilepsy After Head Injury
Understanding Symptoms After a Head Injury: What to Expect
Brain issues On the evening of February 25, 2020, after falling from a height of 130 cm while repairing the ceiling, the back of my head struck the concrete floor. It has been 4 days since the incident, and the most painful point is when I press down behind my right ear. If I gen...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
In general, head and neck contusions typically heal within about a week. If pain persists, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with a neurosurgery clinic for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Symptoms After a Head Injury: What to Expect
Managing Long-Standing Head Bump: Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment Options
Untreated head mass from years ago? Your boyfriend experienced a shoulder throw during childhood, resulting in a hard lump about five centimeters in size on the back of his head. This lump has not been treated over the years and has not diminished. In the past couple of years, he...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is recommended to schedule an appointment with the neurosurgery outpatient clinic for a detailed examination![Read More] Managing Long-Standing Head Bump: Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment Options
Managing Dizziness and Headaches After Brain Hemorrhage: Treatment Options
Dizziness and headache after a cerebral hemorrhage? Hello, doctor. Last September, I accidentally fell from my balcony in February and was taken to the emergency room. The doctors assessed that the likelihood of survival was extremely low. At that time, the doctors mentioned that...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
If you experience frequent headaches accompanied by facial flushing or tinnitus, it is advisable to return to the neurosurgery outpatient clinic for a detailed examination, as sometimes brain hemorrhages or injuries can lead to structural abnormalities in the brain.[Read More] Managing Dizziness and Headaches After Brain Hemorrhage: Treatment Options
Understanding Neck Pain After Spinal Surgery: When to Seek MRI?
Neck pain Hello Dr. Chang, I underwent a decompression surgery with laminectomy and spinal fusion with internal fixation for the L4-L5 intervertebral disc on November 21, 2019. The doctor mentioned that it could be an old injury from judo, which I was unaware of at the time, comb...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The amount of medical X-ray radiation is very low, and undergoing several dozen procedures a year generally poses no problem. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) involves no radiation at all, so there is no need for concern.[Read More] Understanding Neck Pain After Spinal Surgery: When to Seek MRI?
Managing Post-Trauma Seizures: When to Stop Medication?
Post-traumatic epilepsy Hello Doctor: After a car accident, I experienced intracranial hemorrhage and underwent skull surgery, which led to seizures (in March 2019). Since taking the medication prescribed by my doctor, I have not had any further seizures for almost a year. How lo...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
If a patient with epilepsy has not experienced a seizure for six months, it may be considered to discontinue medication. However, after stopping the medication, there is a possibility that seizures may recur, but they may also not occur.[Read More] Managing Post-Trauma Seizures: When to Stop Medication?
Understanding Intracranial Hemorrhage: Risks of Delayed Surgery
Intracranial hemorrhage Hello, Doctor: The person was conscious during the car accident but became unconscious after arriving at the hospital. The doctors confirmed intracranial hemorrhage and a hematoma that required surgery. If we, as parents, delayed the surgery due to the lon...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is possible, as intracranial hemorrhage can sometimes progress very rapidly![Read More] Understanding Intracranial Hemorrhage: Risks of Delayed Surgery
Understanding Hand Nerve Issues After Humerus Fracture Surgery
Hand nerves I previously had a humeral fracture and underwent surgery. During my recovery period, I frequently consulted my attending physician. I have lost sensation in the area of my palm, specifically from the ring finger to the little finger (including the fingers), and this ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is possible that a humeral fracture may result in nerve injury; therefore, it is recommended to consult a neurosurgery outpatient clinic for evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Hand Nerve Issues After Humerus Fracture Surgery
Understanding Visual Field Defects: When to Consult a Neurologist
Visual field defect Hello, doctor. I am currently a sophomore. Four years ago, I started experiencing flashes and defects in part of my right eye's visual field. At that time, I was also dealing with a condition that caused white spots in my eyes. After two months of examina...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
You can first schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist for an examination![Read More] Understanding Visual Field Defects: When to Consult a Neurologist
Understanding Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
Subarachnoid hemorrhage Hello doctor, my father is 71 years old. On January 29th, during the Lunar New Year, he was admitted to the emergency room due to fever and vomiting. The doctor diagnosed him with subarachnoid hemorrhage (the amount of bleeding is unknown) and pulmonary tu...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Please return to the neurosurgery outpatient clinic for follow-up, as post-hemorrhagic complications such as hydrocephalus and subdural hematoma may still arise.[Read More] Understanding Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
Understanding Ear Warmth and Numbness: When to Seek Medical Help
Numbness in the head and hands when lying down? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing unexplained warmth in my ear; it suddenly feels warm in my right ear while sitting, and I also feel a bit of pressure in my head. At first, I didn't think much of it, but when I lie down ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: I recommend that you see a neurologist for evaluation. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgery.[Read More] Understanding Ear Warmth and Numbness: When to Seek Medical Help
Preoperative Assessments for Hydrocephalus Surgery: What You Need to Know
Hydrocephalus Surgery Evaluation My father suffered multiple fractures due to a car accident and is experiencing issues such as double vision and hydrocephalus. Although his overall health is gradually improving, the symptoms of hydrocephalus are becoming increasingly severe. We ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Before hydrocephalus surgery, a brain CT scan is essential to confirm the presence of hydrocephalus. As for whether a detailed evaluation is necessary prior to the surgery, it is theoretically required. This is because it relates to whether the patient's neurological deficit...[Read More] Preoperative Assessments for Hydrocephalus Surgery: What You Need to Know
Post-Accident Observation Period for Elderly with Concussion
Observation period after a car accident? Hello Doctor: My grandfather was recently involved in a motorcycle accident with a cyclist. After being sent to the hospital for examination, the emergency physician stated that he only suffered a mild concussion and there are currently no...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The acute phase lasts about 3 days; however, it is advisable to monitor elderly patients for one month, as chronic subdural hematoma may still develop within that timeframe.[Read More] Post-Accident Observation Period for Elderly with Concussion
Is Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Surgery Suitable for Dementia from Brain Atrophy?
Cerebral atrophy leading to compensatory hydrocephalus with dementia symptoms, is it suitable for ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery? Hello Doctor, my father is 66 years old and has a history of Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, diabetes, and mental illness. In October 2019, he...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
If a patient experiences compensatory ventricular enlargement due to cerebral atrophy, performing a ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery is indeed not effective. It will not lead to significant improvement in the patient's dementia condition.[Read More] Is Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Surgery Suitable for Dementia from Brain Atrophy?
Understanding Brain Edema Treatment Options After Tumor Surgery
Treatment of cerebral edema? My husband underwent brain tumor surgery four months ago and is currently experiencing hemiplegia and symptoms of cerebral edema (MRI shows infiltration of brain tissue with fluid accumulation, while the ventricles are normal). The attending physician...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Cerebral edema and hydrocephalus are different conditions, and their management approaches are completely distinct. Cerebral edema typically improves gradually over time.[Read More] Understanding Brain Edema Treatment Options After Tumor Surgery
Understanding Neck and Shoulder Pain: Neurological Insights and Solutions
Shoulder and neck body issues? Hello doctor, for the past three months, I have been experiencing occasional mild pain and tightness in the middle of my left posterior neck. Sometimes, it extends to my left shoulder, causing discomfort, and occasionally, I also feel tightness in m...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: The preliminary assessment suggests a cervical nerve issue. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon and arrange for an MRI to evaluate the severity. Best wishes to you. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang[Read More] Understanding Neck and Shoulder Pain: Neurological Insights and Solutions
Understanding Spondylolisthesis: Surgical Options and Recovery Insights
Spondylolisthesis Hello Dr. Lai: Previously, when you came to Taitung Hospital for support, I visited your clinic. You reviewed my MRI results and diagnosed me with spondylolisthesis at the fifth lumbar vertebra and the first sacral vertebra. You recommended that I undergo spinal...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Minimally invasive surgery without screws involves only removing the tissue that compresses the nerves and placing a soft cushion underneath, or removing the entire damaged intervertebral disc and then replacing it with a fusion cage, which can improve your condition....[Read More] Understanding Spondylolisthesis: Surgical Options and Recovery Insights