Understanding Pituitary Tumors and Post-Surgery Recovery Challenges
Regarding my father's pituitary tumor and related issues? Hello doctor, my father suddenly experienced severe headaches, high fever, and vomiting at the end of last month, which led to an emergency visit. It was discovered that he has a pituitary tumor. After a lumbar punctu...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Although I would like to help you, your question is too complex, and without medical history and results from imaging studies such as CT scans, it is really difficult to provide an answer. I recommend scheduling an appointment with your father's attending physician to discus...[Read More] Understanding Pituitary Tumors and Post-Surgery Recovery Challenges
Understanding Burst Fractures: Consequences of Falls and Medical Care Challenges
A fall from height resulting in a burst fracture of the first lumbar vertebra? I would like to inquire about a situation involving a patient who fell from the fourth floor. The physician, citing the patient's non-compliance and inability to locate family members, had the hos...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on what you mentioned, if you have been injured for over three years and wish to apply for disability, you need to consult the hospital and physician where you received treatment to evaluate whether your medical history and condition meet the criteria. Additionally, ...[Read More] Understanding Burst Fractures: Consequences of Falls and Medical Care Challenges
Chronic Back Pain: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Which department to see? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my long-term back pain (I can't determine if it's my lower back or upper back that hurts). Whenever I exert myself by lifting something upwards or bending forward, I experience pain (sometimes the pain fee...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. Best wishes to you. Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of the Spine Neurosurgery Department, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Chronic Back Pain: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Understanding Sacral Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Sacral cyst? Hello, Doctor Lai. I have been experiencing a feeling of anal heaviness and occasional urges to defecate for nearly a month and a half. During this time, I consulted a colorectal surgeon and underwent a colonoscopy, where I was told I have hemorrhoids (not significan...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Sacral cysts are classified as meningeal cysts, originating from the membranes surrounding the spinal cord, thus referred to as "intradural meningeal cysts" for this category of diseases. Most intradural meningeal cysts are considered congenital, while some ar...[Read More] Understanding Sacral Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Head Injuries: Symptoms and Concerns After a Fall
Head issues About three weeks ago, while playing with my puppy, I hurriedly dove into a blanket and hit the top of my head hard. At that moment, it hurt a lot (I was immediately worried about a possible intracranial hemorrhage). Now, I am experiencing some dizziness, hand tremors...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Chronic subdural hematoma is very rare in young individuals; I have personally never seen a case in someone under 15 years old, so there is no need to worry too much. However, if you are truly uncomfortable, please schedule an appointment with a neurosurgery clinic for an evaluat...[Read More] Understanding Head Injuries: Symptoms and Concerns After a Fall
Understanding Tarlov Cysts: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
2 cm Tarlov cyst Hello, I fell while skiing in Korea on February 26, landing on my buttocks. An X-ray taken in Korea indicated a coccygeal fracture. After returning home, I visited an orthopedic specialist and underwent an MRI. The MRI report stated: "Bone marrow edema-like ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Doctors base their recommendations on past experiences. Tarlov cysts may grow larger, but the rate is usually slow, and they may not grow at all. My suggestion is to have regular follow-ups. If the cyst does increase in size or if neurological symptoms worsen, then further interv...[Read More] Understanding Tarlov Cysts: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
Post-Traumatic Head Injury: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Post-head trauma Doctor: Hello. My father, who is 80 years old, suffered a head injury from a car accident two months ago. He has been regularly visiting Mackay Memorial Hospital for follow-up. Initially, there was a slight amount of intracranial hemorrhage, and the doctor said i...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
1. If there are no issues after two months, then there is likely nothing to worry about, and theoretically, a CT scan is not necessary. 2. It could possibly be a normal anatomical structure.[Read More] Post-Traumatic Head Injury: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Head Injury Concerns: When to Seek Medical Attention for Symptoms
Head issues? Three weeks ago, I hit my head on the top when I lay down with force. A few days later, I experienced dizziness and visited an ENT specialist, which helped improve my condition. Recently, I have been experiencing hand tremors and tinnitus, along with a dull, tight he...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Continuous observation is necessary, as the symptoms of chronic subdural hematoma can vary. If there is no improvement with medication and rest, it is recommended to consult a neurosurgery outpatient clinic for further evaluation.[Read More] Head Injury Concerns: When to Seek Medical Attention for Symptoms
Understanding Sleep Tremors and Noise: Possible Neurological Issues
Cerebral palsy and noise? Recently, I have been experiencing sudden tremors when trying to fall asleep. During my sleep, I sometimes feel a sudden numbness and shaking in my head accompanied by a high-pitched noise. However, most of my sleep is unaffected by this symptom; it has ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is recommended to conduct a detailed medical history and examination in the neurology outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Sleep Tremors and Noise: Possible Neurological Issues
Post-Surgery Numbness in Foot After Tibial Plateau Fracture: Causes and Recovery
Numbness in the foot after surgery for a fracture? Hello Doctor, I underwent surgery for a tibial plateau fracture reduction, and I'm experiencing unexplained numbness in my foot. During the surgery, I received general anesthesia, and while the area around the incision is no...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to first consult the original surgeon. You may also consider seeing a neurosurgeon. Best wishes to you.[Read More] Post-Surgery Numbness in Foot After Tibial Plateau Fracture: Causes and Recovery
Understanding C1 Vertebral Fractures: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Fracture of the posterior arch of the first cervical vertebra? Hello, Dr. Lai! My father-in-law fell from a height of about three meters at a construction site, landing on the right side of his head. Upon arrival at the hospital, he was diagnosed with intracranial hemorrhage and ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: A posterior arch fracture of the first cervical vertebra, if classified as a stable fracture, can be treated conservatively with a cervical collar. However, if there is nerve compression with significant symptoms and the patient's overall condition is suitable, surger...[Read More] Understanding C1 Vertebral Fractures: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Understanding Mild Numbness in the Left Leg After a Motorcycle Accident
There is a slight numbness in the left leg? Hello, Doctor. On the night of March 14th, I had an accident while riding my motorcycle home after class. I was startled by a motorcycle that made an illegal left turn, which caused me to fall. My estimated speed at the time was around ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: I suspect a possible sprain in the left calf. Let's observe it for 1-2 weeks. If there is no improvement, please seek further evaluation. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgeon.[Read More] Understanding Mild Numbness in the Left Leg After a Motorcycle Accident
Is Surgery Necessary for Sciatica? Exploring Treatment Options
Does sciatica require surgery? Doctor, my father has recently experienced pain and numbness in his leg, making it difficult for him to walk, although he can still move. It seems to happen a lot, but if his posture is incorrect, he feels some tingling and pain. After an MRI, the i...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If the symptoms are bearable, you can first try rest, medication, exercise, and rehabilitation. If the symptoms are severe and intolerable, surgical treatment may be considered. Some patients may improve with rehabilitation (but this does not mean that the nerve compressio...[Read More] Is Surgery Necessary for Sciatica? Exploring Treatment Options
Understanding Painful Bumps at the Back of the Head: When to Seek Help
Occipital bone lump There are multiple small hard lumps located on the right side of the back of your head, approximately 5 centimeters from your ear, which sometimes cause pain when pressed, while at other times there is no sensation. Recently, you have been experiencing a dull ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Please schedule an appointment with the neurosurgery outpatient clinic for a physician examination.[Read More] Understanding Painful Bumps at the Back of the Head: When to Seek Help
Post-Surgery Care for Brain Tumor Patients: Managing Complications and Medications
Post-operative care for brain tumor surgery? My father had surgery last May, and since then he has been experiencing severe diabetes insipidus (drinking nearly 10,000 cc of water daily). However, he also has heart failure, with blood pressure typically ranging from 180 to 200 mmH...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
If you have so many issues, I recommend visiting a hospital's integrative medicine department or a family medicine clinic. They will address your conditions comprehensively, rather than treating each symptom in isolation.[Read More] Post-Surgery Care for Brain Tumor Patients: Managing Complications and Medications
Understanding Brain Injections: Benefits, Risks, and Recovery After Surgery
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt, hydrocephalus, brain tumor? Hello Doctor, my father underwent surgery last August due to a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. After the surgery, he developed hydrocephalus and underwent another procedure to have a drainage catheter installed. However, hi...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Yes, there is no such thing as a "brain-stabilizing injection" in medicine. For headaches, pain relievers are administered, and for dizziness, antiemetics are given. The term "brain-stabilizing injection" was created to reassure the public.[Read More] Understanding Brain Injections: Benefits, Risks, and Recovery After Surgery
Understanding Unusual Spine Sensations: When to Seek Medical Advice
The lumbar spine feels unusual? Hello Dr. Chang, I apologize for the lengthy message. This morning, after using the restroom, I suddenly felt something unusual in my lumbar spine (it wasn't painful). After struggling to finish, I noticed that walking felt strange (again, no...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
I recommend that you schedule an appointment with a neurosurgery clinic for an examination; it will be safer and give you peace of mind.[Read More] Understanding Unusual Spine Sensations: When to Seek Medical Advice
Post-Surgery Symptoms: Understanding Coordination Issues and Weakness
What symptoms should be monitored after posterior brain surgery? I would like to ask if it is normal to experience a lack of coordination and weakness in the limbs after returning home to rest, or if recovery will gradually occur with rest.
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
If you experience uncoordinated movements in your hands and feet along with a feeling of weakness, it is important to consider whether you had these symptoms prior to surgery. If you did, then rest and allow time for recovery. If these symptoms were not present before, you should...[Read More] Post-Surgery Symptoms: Understanding Coordination Issues and Weakness
How Soon After Brain Surgery Can You Safely Scrub Your Scalp?
After intracranial hemorrhage surgery, how long can one exert force on the scalp? I had a craniotomy for intracranial hemorrhage seven years ago. Today, I went to a salon for a shampoo, and the stylist pulled my hair a bit too hard, which made me worried. Can I apply pressure to ...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
After the stitches are removed, observe the wound for 2 weeks. If the healing condition is good and there is no drainage, it is acceptable.[Read More] How Soon After Brain Surgery Can You Safely Scrub Your Scalp?
Recommended Rest Days for First-Level Concussion in Young Adults
For a first-degree concussion, it is recommended to rest for a period of at least 24 to 48 hours? Hello, doctor. May I ask: For a young person in their twenties or thirties who has sustained a Grade 1 concussion, how many days of rest are generally recommended?
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
It is recommended to rest for two weeks.[Read More] Recommended Rest Days for First-Level Concussion in Young Adults