Understanding Spinal Laminectomy and Internal Fixation Surgery
Laminectomy with internal fixation surgery? I suffered a thoracic vertebra fracture due to a car accident, which caused a dislocation that compressed the nerves. I underwent surgery for laminectomy and internal fixation. I have the following questions: 1. Can the internal fixatio...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. If the fracture and bone screws have healed and fused, it may be considered for removal. However, if there are no specific discomforts, it is usually not necessary to remove them intentionally. 2. After laminectomy, it will certainly affect the stability of the spine, w...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Laminectomy and Internal Fixation Surgery
Dietary Guidelines and Follow-Up Care After Mild Brain Hemorrhage
Diet for Cerebral Hemorrhage Hello, I have a slight brain hemorrhage from a car accident. The doctor said to return for a follow-up in three months if I experience any discomfort. I would like to know if I need to go back for a check-up after three months if I have no discomfort....
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
No need to return, no special restrictions.[Read More] Dietary Guidelines and Follow-Up Care After Mild Brain Hemorrhage
Post-Car Accident: Decreased Appetite and When to Seek Medical Help
Car accident, decreased appetite? A couple of days ago, I was involved in a minor car accident where I was thrown forward. I instinctively protected my face and head with my hands, and my helmet did not come off. I was able to get up immediately without experiencing dizziness or ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Neurosurgery or Gastroenterology outpatient clinic.[Read More] Post-Car Accident: Decreased Appetite and When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Thoracic Disc Herniation: Risks, Recovery, and Treatment Options
Thoracic intervertebral disc herniation Hello doctor, I have been experiencing upper back pain and left anterior chest pain for six months. I consulted with a neurosurgeon at a large teaching hospital and underwent an MRI, which showed a herniated disc at the T4-T5 level compress...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, thoracic disc surgery is relatively risky. If your original physician is not confident, you may consider bringing your MRI to consult with another neurosurgeon. Wishing you the best.[Read More] Understanding Thoracic Disc Herniation: Risks, Recovery, and Treatment Options
Post-Surgery Sleepiness and Coordination Issues After Brain Tumor Removal
Post-operative drowsiness, refusal to eat or drink, and left-sided incoordination following brain tumor surgery? Hello Doctor, my younger brother is 23 years old. Before the surgery, he only exhibited symptoms of left eyelid ptosis and mild hearing impairment in the left ear. Thi...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is recommended to continue monitoring, and it should gradually improve.[Read More] Post-Surgery Sleepiness and Coordination Issues After Brain Tumor Removal
Why Do My Legs Hurt When Lying Down? Tips for Better Sleep
When I lie down, my legs become sore, to the point that I can't sleep? Hello doctor, I would like to ask why my legs feel sore every time I lie down to sleep. The soreness is so intense that I can't fall asleep and it makes me very uncomfortable. I really want to sleep,...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The sensation of acidity may not always be a neurological issue; it could also be related to poor circulation. You may consider consulting a neurosurgeon or a vascular surgeon.[Read More] Why Do My Legs Hurt When Lying Down? Tips for Better Sleep
Understanding Head Injuries: Managing Symptoms After a Fall
Frequently bumping one's head for no apparent reason? Hello, I have a herniated disc (I haven't had surgery, but I can't bend for too long). Last year, I fell and hit my forehead on the ground. I was diagnosed with mild subarachnoid hemorrhage and was hospitalized....
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Please schedule an appointment for a detailed examination in the neurosurgery outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Head Injuries: Managing Symptoms After a Fall
Understanding Unexplained Head Swelling: Causes and Insights
Head issues Hello, doctor. Recently, I've noticed that my head has swollen for some reason. I haven't hit my head recently, and it doesn't hurt when I press on it, nor do I have any signs of a headache. What could be the cause?
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Please schedule an appointment for a neurosurgery outpatient examination.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Head Swelling: Causes and Insights
Post-Surgery Complications After Cervical Spine Injury: What to Expect
Cervical spine surgery complications? While stopped at a red light, I was struck from behind by a truck, resulting in injuries to my cervical spine at levels C4 and C5. I underwent cervical spine surgery and had metal screws inserted. After the surgery, I received traditional Chi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You have repeated questions, so I will answer them here. 1. If you have improved after surgery, it indicates that your nerves were severely damaged before the procedure. You will need to be patient, take medication, and undergo rehabilitation, with follow-up from your ph...[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications After Cervical Spine Injury: What to Expect
Understanding Whiplash Injuries: Recovery After Car Accident Neck Surgery
Cervical spine surgery due to a car accident? Over two months ago, I was hit directly from behind by a truck while waiting at a red light. After initial treatment for my external injuries, I was about to go home, but I started experiencing persistent pain in my neck. The orthoped...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You have repeated your question, so I will answer it here. 1. If you have improved after surgery, it indicates that your nerves were more severely damaged before the procedure. You will need to be patient and continue with medication and rehabilitation, while your physicia...[Read More] Understanding Whiplash Injuries: Recovery After Car Accident Neck Surgery
Should You Worry? Head Injury Symptoms in Teens After a Fall
The back of the head hit the floor? Hello Dr. Chang: My son turned 16 in September. Last night, he was playing with his brother in their room and was lying on a mattress on the floor. He didn't realize that his head extended beyond the mattress and hit the ground. This morni...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Observe first, and if there is severe and persistent vomiting, then schedule an outpatient appointment.[Read More] Should You Worry? Head Injury Symptoms in Teens After a Fall
Post-Surgery Complications After Intracranial Hemorrhage: What to Watch For
Post-operative complications after surgery for intracerebral hemorrhage? I apologize for bothering you, doctor. My father fell from a height last August and suffered fractures on both sides of his skull, along with intracranial hemorrhage. He underwent surgery and was discharged ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
If you have an itchy scalp, please see a dermatologist. There isn't much to be particularly concerned about; however, if you notice anything unusual or different about the patient, follow up with a neurosurgery clinic for monitoring.[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications After Intracranial Hemorrhage: What to Watch For
Post-Car Accident Head Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?
After a car accident, there was a impact to the back of the head? I had a car accident in January where I sustained a severe impact to the back of my head. At that time, I only experienced slight dizziness and nausea, which didn't seem too serious, so I didn't seek medi...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
If you're feeling very unwell, go see a doctor.[Read More] Post-Car Accident Head Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding the Lifespan and Risks of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Systems
Dr. Chang, does the ventricular-peritoneal shunt system have a lifespan or can it become damaged? Hello Dr. Chang, my mother is currently 57 years old. At the end of 2015, she underwent surgery for a cerebral hemorrhage at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, where a cerebral ane...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Basically, the likelihood of damage to the ventricular-peritoneal shunt system is low, but there is a possibility of incorrect pressure or blockage. Please visit the neurosurgery outpatient clinic for a physician evaluation.[Read More] Understanding the Lifespan and Risks of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Systems
Is Catheterization Necessary for Pituitary Tumor Surgery?
Is it necessary to insert a urinary catheter for pituitary tumor surgery? Hello, doctor. I am preparing to undergo surgery for a pituitary tumor, and I've been reading articles from other patients. I noticed that some of them had to have a urinary catheter inserted, which ma...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
1. Prolonged general anesthesia during surgery requires the insertion of a urinary catheter, which is unrelated to pituitary gland surgery. 2. Diabetes insipidus refers to the production of large volumes of urine in a short period of time.[Read More] Is Catheterization Necessary for Pituitary Tumor Surgery?
Can Vocal Cord Nerve Damage from Brain Hemorrhage Be Treated?
Vocal cord nerve damage caused by cerebral hemorrhage? Hello Doctor: My father had a brain hemorrhage on June 25. After intubation, the doctors said that the vocal cord nerve was injured, resulting in the vocal cords not being able to close and swelling. He is unable to breathe o...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
If possible, please discuss more with your attending physician.[Read More] Can Vocal Cord Nerve Damage from Brain Hemorrhage Be Treated?
Post-Surgery Concerns After Herniated Disc Surgery: What to Expect
Postoperative Issues Following Disc Herniation Surgery Hello Dr. Lai: Previously, I experienced soreness in my hips and legs, as well as numbness in my feet. I recently underwent surgery for a herniated disc and had a support device implanted. For the first two to three days post...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is still recommended that you consult your original surgeon, as they can provide you with the most comprehensive explanation. Best wishes to you. // Dr. Lai, Changhua Hospital[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns After Herniated Disc Surgery: What to Expect
Can I Dance with Spondylolisthesis? A Guide for Patients
Can a person with spondylolisthesis dance or exercise? Hello, doctor. I have a condition of spondylolisthesis at the L4 and L5 vertebrae due to a car accident, and I occasionally experience lower back pain that requires pain medication. I would like to know if I can practice bell...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. For the slippage of the 4th and 5th vertebrae, if the structures in that area are unstable, excessive bending, vibration, and heavy lifting may further loosen the structures. Therefore, you should avoid these activities. 2. As for dancing and similar activities, I perso...[Read More] Can I Dance with Spondylolisthesis? A Guide for Patients
Post-Spinal Surgery: Persistent Pain and Numbness in Right Knee
After spinal surgery, there is pain and numbness in the right knee? My father underwent surgery on his spine from vertebrae 1 to 5 in mid-May due to nerve compression caused by bone spurs, and the doctor informed us that there was already nerve damage. If surgery was not performe...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, as you mentioned: "The symptoms of soreness and numbness in the right knee have not improved, extending to sharp pain in the thigh muscles." It is advisable to discuss with your original surgeon whether further examination is necessary. Wishing you all the best.[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Persistent Pain and Numbness in Right Knee
Understanding Right L5 Radiculopathy: Treatment Options Beyond Rehab
L5/S1 disc herniation I previously visited Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, where a neurosurgeon requested an electromyography (EMG) test, diagnosing me with right L5 radiculopathy. The doctor advised me to undergo physical therapy, but after completing 30 sessions over three months...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: After such a long time of rehabilitation without improvement, I recommend considering an MRI and X-ray to assess the degree of nerve compression. If necessary, it may be time to consider invasive treatments, such as lumbar pain block procedures or even minimally invasive l...[Read More] Understanding Right L5 Radiculopathy: Treatment Options Beyond Rehab