Post-Surgery Numbness and Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?
One and a half months after brain surgery, there is a sudden sensation of numbness in the head? Hello, doctor. I underwent brain aneurysm surgery on June 7, 2018, and my recovery has been quite good; my bodily functions are generally normal. However, the left side of my head wher...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is common to experience numbness at the surgical site after a craniotomy. As long as there is no redness, swelling, heat, or discharge of pus, there is no need to be overly concerned.[Read More] Post-Surgery Numbness and Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Pregnancy Concerns After Multiple Failed Spine Surgeries: What to Know
I have undergone two surgeries on the lumbar spine at L4-5 and S1, but they have still been unsuccessful. Is it possible for me to become pregnant? Dear Dr. Lai, Hello! Thank you for your hard work. I am the patient who previously visited your clinic; I had a failed lumbar spine...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Sorry for the late reply, I've been busy. 1. Is my body able to handle this? I suggest you first consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist to confirm the presence of the embryo. If it is confirmed, I recommend you: "Be strong as a mother." First, take care o...[Read More] Pregnancy Concerns After Multiple Failed Spine Surgeries: What to Know
Understanding Headaches: Post-Injury Symptoms and Eye Health Concerns
Headache issues? I have had migraine issues since childhood, where fatigue and exposure to wind can trigger headaches. However, I never sought any medical evaluation. At the end of last year, I fell down the stairs without using my hands to brace myself, landing face-first. I was...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
You can first visit the neurosurgery outpatient clinic![Read More] Understanding Headaches: Post-Injury Symptoms and Eye Health Concerns
Persistent Head Issues After Injury: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Head issues Hello, doctor. I am currently a senior in college. When I was in the third year of junior high, I was playing in the restroom and kicked water, causing myself to fly up and hit my head on the ground. At that moment, I couldn't hear anything and was dazed for a wh...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is impossible for a blood clot from the third year of junior high to remain until now; it can only be said that this is a consequence of head trauma. Alternatively, you may want to consult an otolaryngologist to check if there is an issue with your inner ear causing your dizzi...[Read More] Persistent Head Issues After Injury: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding Chiropractic Care: Risks and Benefits for Spinal Health
Spinal and cervical adjustment? Hello doctor, I have had scoliosis since I was in the first year of junior high school until the first year of high school. When I was in the third year of junior high, I went to the hospital for rehabilitation, but they didn't mention anythin...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The quality of chiropractic care varies widely; if it has already caused you discomfort, it's best to stop.[Read More] Understanding Chiropractic Care: Risks and Benefits for Spinal Health
Why Does My Left Hand Go Numb When Washing? A Neurological Concern
When demonstrating the handwashing posture, the left half of the palm may experience numbness? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about an issue I've been experiencing. Every time I get home from work and first show the gesture of washing my hands, the left side of my palm b...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected that the nerves in your hand may be compressed. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. Wishing you the best with Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, a neurosurgeon.[Read More] Why Does My Left Hand Go Numb When Washing? A Neurological Concern
Can Microsurgery Help Repair a Severed Wrist Nerve?
The wrist was cut by a metal piece, leaving only a small portion of the nerve intact? I apologize, but I would like to ask about a family member who cut their wrist with a metal piece. The doctor mentioned that one of the nerves is almost completely severed. When we took him to t...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You should take your family member to the hospital to see a neurosurgeon for an assessment of the extent of the injury and to determine if microsurgery is necessary. Best wishes, Neurosurgeon Lai Chao-Kang.[Read More] Can Microsurgery Help Repair a Severed Wrist Nerve?
Understanding Coma Recovery After a Car Accident: Key Insights
Unconscious due to a car accident? Hello Doctor, my younger brother is 21 years old. On June 12, he was in a car accident and arrived at the hospital with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 12. After intubation, the doctors assessed his GCS to be 7. They mentioned that his motor...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Diffuse hemorrhage and diffuse axonal injury are not the same. One refers to diffuse hemorrhage, while the other refers to diffuse axonal injury.[Read More] Understanding Coma Recovery After a Car Accident: Key Insights
Managing Persistent Head Hematomas: When to Seek Neurosurgery Help
Head hematoma When I was a child, I hit the back of my left head and lost consciousness for a few seconds before waking up. My head then swelled up! At that time, I didn't see a doctor and just waited for it to heal. Who would have thought that the lump is still there now, w...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Blood clots do not last that long; it is likely tissue proliferation. Please consult a physician for further evaluation.[Read More] Managing Persistent Head Hematomas: When to Seek Neurosurgery Help
Loss of Smell After Head Injury: When to Seek Medical Attention
Loss of smell after a head injury? Hello doctor, I fainted and hit the back of my head a week ago. Two days later, I went to the hospital for an X-ray, and the doctor said there was nothing serious and that I should rest. However, I have noticed that I can't smell anything, ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is recommended to seek medical examination now, specifically with a neurosurgeon.[Read More] Loss of Smell After Head Injury: When to Seek Medical Attention
Post-Operative Care Challenges for Craniopharyngioma Patients
Postoperative care issues following craniopharyngioma surgery? Hello Dr. Lai, my father underwent surgery for a craniopharyngioma in May and is currently resting at home. His condition is as follows: 1. He is experiencing diabetes insipidus, but the doctor has not prescribed an...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The diabetes insipidus is excessive; it is recommended to return to the original surgeon for a follow-up. 2. This excessive diabetes insipidus can interfere with the body's fluid and electrolyte balance, leading to potential issues such as shock, which poses a risk...[Read More] Post-Operative Care Challenges for Craniopharyngioma Patients
Post-Traumatic Recovery: Addressing Balance Issues After Spinal Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery for the first lumbar vertebra, subarachnoid hemorrhage? Hello Doctor, I previously had a car accident that resulted in subarachnoid hemorrhage. The doctor said it would absorb on its own, and I was in a coma in the intensive care unit for about two week...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: I personally suggest that both the brain and spine need further evaluation. Please visit the neurosurgery outpatient clinic for a physician's assessment. Wishing you all the best. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang[Read More] Post-Traumatic Recovery: Addressing Balance Issues After Spinal Surgery
Understanding Post-Trauma Walking Instability: Brain vs. Lumbar Spine Issues
Minimally invasive surgery for the first lumbar vertebra, subarachnoid hemorrhage? Hello Doctor, I previously had a car accident that resulted in subarachnoid hemorrhage. The doctor said it would absorb on its own, and I was in a coma in the intensive care unit for about two week...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: I personally suggest that both the brain and spine need further evaluation. Please visit the neurosurgery outpatient clinic for a physician's assessment. Wishing you well. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang[Read More] Understanding Post-Trauma Walking Instability: Brain vs. Lumbar Spine Issues
Is Artificial Disc Replacement Suitable for Mild Scoliosis?
Could you please provide more details about scoliosis and artificial intervertebral discs? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if I have two herniated discs in my cervical spine and my doctor has recommended artificial disc replacement. If I also have a mild scoliosis, would it be...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Generally, scoliosis has less impact on the cervical spine, but if you need to implant an artificial disc in the cervical spine, you should consider whether you choose 1. mobile or 2. fusion type. If you opt for the mobile type, greater attention must be paid to the implan...[Read More] Is Artificial Disc Replacement Suitable for Mild Scoliosis?
Understanding Hydrocephalus: Drainage Issues and Patient Experiences
Hydrocephalus - Drainage Issues Hello, Doctor! My mother has been experiencing dizziness and difficulty walking due to intracranial hemorrhage from a head injury. Initially, we thought it was temporary, but it has persisted. Some doctors suspect it might be hydrocephalus, which c...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
After ventricular-peritoneal shunt placement, the ventricles may not necessarily decrease in size; the key point is whether there is an improvement in symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Hydrocephalus: Drainage Issues and Patient Experiences
Understanding Chronic Subdural Hematoma and Post-Surgery Concerns
Chronic subdural hematoma with scalp depression? Hello Doctor, My mother is 76 years old. In January of this year, she was diagnosed with chronic subdural hematoma and underwent a drainage surgery on her head. It has been almost six months since the surgery, and we have noticed...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Due to the drainage from the surgery, a small hole will be made in the head, which will naturally leave a slight indentation. If one is particularly concerned about it, a surgical procedure can be performed to correct it.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Subdural Hematoma and Post-Surgery Concerns
Is Your Headache a Post-Injury Symptom? When to Seek Medical Advice
I was elbowed in the left temple by a friend? Hello doctor, around early May, my friend accidentally bumped their elbow against their temple without noticing. For a few days after the impact, there were no visible injuries, but they felt some pain when laughing or moving the musc...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It usually recovers on its own after a period of time.[Read More] Is Your Headache a Post-Injury Symptom? When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Disc Herniation: Severity, Treatment Options, and Surgery
The severity of a herniated disc and the decision to undergo surgery? Hello Doctor, earlier this year I experienced muscle tightness in my back (with a forward protrusion on the right side). During the Lunar New Year, I began to have lower back pain and numbness in my legs (with ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The nucleus pulposus at the L5-S1 level can be absorbed, but if left untreated for a long time, it will degenerate, become dehydrated, and harden, making it more difficult to manage later. Additionally, the intervertebral height will gradually decrease, which can lead...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: Severity, Treatment Options, and Surgery
Understanding Right-Sided Scalp Numbness: Causes and Concerns
Numbness on the right side of the head? I have recently noticed that a specific area on the right side of my scalp occasionally experiences sudden numbness, but it resolves within a few seconds. This happens at least 10 times a day. Doctor, what could be wrong with me?
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It's hard to say, but generally, it shouldn't be a serious issue. I recommend seeing a doctor in person, either a neurologist or a neurosurgeon. Best wishes to you. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Right-Sided Scalp Numbness: Causes and Concerns
Is Nerve Block Therapy Effective for L4-L5 Disc Herniation Pain?
Intervertebral Disc Herniation Nerve Block Procedure Hello, is it appropriate to use nerve block therapy for nerve compression caused by an L4-L5 intervertebral disc herniation (resulting in numbness and pain on the outer thigh and calf, as well as lower back pain when extending ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Most patients can be suitable, but it still depends on the individual patient and MRI or other examinations to make a judgment. 2. There should be improvement in numbness, but it also depends on the degree of compression and damage; if the injury is severe, the effectiv...[Read More] Is Nerve Block Therapy Effective for L4-L5 Disc Herniation Pain?