Post-Spinal Surgery Concerns: Recovery, Complications, and Future Work
Post-operative issues related to spinal surgery (sequelae, functional roles, uncertain recovery status) Hello Doctor, I suffered a burst fracture of the lumbar spine at L3-L4 at the end of June. Due to the loosening of the screw at L4, I need to return to the hospital for surgery...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Lifting heavy objects, standing for long periods, and squatting for extended durations can harm the lumbar spine and increase your risk of recurrence. It is advisable to adjust the nature of your work. 2. You will not become incapacitated. After the fusion of the spine,...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery Concerns: Recovery, Complications, and Future Work
Understanding S2 Bilateral Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Bilateral S2 cysts Hello Dr. Lai: The MRI examination revealed cysts on both sides of S2, and I am experiencing symptoms such as perineal pain, which worsens when sitting (around the labia and urethral opening), lower back pain, pain in the buttocks on both sides of the groin, an...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Cysts of the sacrum, predominantly affect females (85%). Most cases do not require surgery. Symptoms include pain in the corresponding lumbar, sacral, gluteal, and perineal regions, weakness, numbness, restlessness, and relief when lying flat or on the side. There may...[Read More] Understanding S2 Bilateral Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Can Massage Therapy Affect Intracranial Aneurysm Coils and Stents?
Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula Hello Dr. Chang: My husband (37 years old) previously had an intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula and underwent surgery (with coils and stents placed in the cerebral vasculature). Recently, he has been experiencing pain in his shoulder...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Due to the uncertainty regarding the exact location and size of the intracranial vascular stent, it is recommended to consult with Dr. Yuan Qiu for further evaluation.[Read More] Can Massage Therapy Affect Intracranial Aneurysm Coils and Stents?
Understanding Treatment Options for Right Hippocampal Sulcus Remnant Cyst
Please inquire about residual hippocampal fissure? Hello, doctor. Regarding the MRI findings, is there a need for special management for the 1.5 cm right hippocampal sulcus remnant cyst?
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without a medical history and comparative causes before and after, it is difficult to provide an answer. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgery outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Right Hippocampal Sulcus Remnant Cyst
Understanding Head Injuries: When to Seek Medical Attention
Head injury Doctor, I bumped the area around my temple against a classmate's forehead while playing basketball yesterday. At the moment of impact, I was fully conscious, and there hasn't been any swelling since then. However, when I got home, my entire head started to f...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
If you experience persistent headaches and dizziness, it is recommended to consult a neurosurgery outpatient clinic for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Head Injuries: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Cervical Spine Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Cervical cone issue Last year, I experienced tinnitus in my left ear, neck pain, and left chest tightness, so I visited the outpatient department of neurosurgery. The doctor requested a cervical MRI, and the report is as follows: **Summary of Imaging Findings** Multiplanar mu...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is difficult to determine the issue based solely on the report. It is recommended to visit a neurosurgery specialty clinic for a detailed physical evaluation in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Head Injury: Can Swelling Resolve on Its Own and Is There a Risk of Bleeding?
I hit the upper left side of my head; is there a possibility of a brain hemorrhage, and can the swelling be reduced? Doctor, I apologize for the interruption! Last night around 9 PM, while bending down to return the communal laundry basket in the laundry room of my dormitory, I a...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
1. The swelling should resolve on its own. 2. The likelihood of intracranial hemorrhage is low; however, if there is persistent headache, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting, seek immediate evaluation from a neurosurgeon or go to the emergency department.[Read More] Head Injury: Can Swelling Resolve on Its Own and Is There a Risk of Bleeding?
Understanding Post-Surgery Low-Grade Fever After Cervical Disc Treatment
Cervical intervertebral disc compressing the nerve? Hello, I would like to ask if it is normal to experience mild fever symptoms after undergoing cervical radiofrequency ablation for nerve block and epidural injection yesterday. My temperature was around 37.2 to 37.7 degrees Cels...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It should be fine.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Low-Grade Fever After Cervical Disc Treatment
Understanding Head Injuries: Concerns About Skull Indentation
Head issues Hello Doctor, two years ago at school, I was struck twice on the right side of my head near the frontal bone by an emotionally agitated classmate using a wooden broom, which broke in the process. At the time, I only experienced bleeding and no other discomfort. After ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is difficult to say whether it is related to the present, as it happened two years ago. If there are any concerns, it is recommended to seek consultation at a neurosurgery outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Head Injuries: Concerns About Skull Indentation
Why Does My Skull Feel Thick After Brain Surgery? Recovery Insights
After a craniotomy, why does the skull feel thick? Due to ineffective control of epilepsy with medication, a craniotomy was performed to remove the right temporal lobe. It has been 1 month and 25 days since the surgery. I would like to ask the doctor why there is still a thick se...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Please consult a medical professional for treatment.[Read More] Why Does My Skull Feel Thick After Brain Surgery? Recovery Insights
Post-Surgery Taste Loss: Understanding Causes and Recovery Options
Postoperative loss of taste? Hello Doctor, my mother is currently over 60 years old. About a month ago, she was diagnosed with a 2 cm pituitary tumor that had hemorrhaged. She underwent minimally invasive surgery through the nasal cavity to remove it, and currently, her nasal pas...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
You can visit the outpatient clinic for a detailed examination and diagnosis.[Read More] Post-Surgery Taste Loss: Understanding Causes and Recovery Options
Understanding the Connection Between Back Pain and Chest Discomfort After Spine Surgery
Spinal issues Hello Doctor: I previously underwent surgery for spinal stenosis that was compressing my nerves. A few months ago, during a follow-up visit, I had an X-ray taken, and the results showed no significant issues. However, it has been over two years since the surgery, an...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It may be a thoracic spine lesion. I recommend that you consult a physician to arrange for an MRI evaluation. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Chief of Spine Surgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Back Pain and Chest Discomfort After Spine Surgery
Understanding L5 Spondylolisthesis: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
L5 and sacral vertebrae slippage Hello Dr. Lai, I would like to ask about my condition. I have a fifth lumbar vertebra with spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis. Some doctors have said it is grade IV spondylolisthesis, while others have described it as severe. I first discovered t...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Is it possible for this condition to worsen, or can I coexist with it? A: It may worsen. If you feel you can walk and tolerate the symptoms, you can coexist with it (however, it will not be cured) - think of it like continuing to drive an old car. 2. If I do not hav...[Read More] Understanding L5 Spondylolisthesis: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
Understanding Lumbar and Sacral Surgery: Risks and Recovery Insights
Lumbar and sacral vertebrae resection and spinal fusion surgery inquiry? Hello Dr. Lai, in the past six months, I have been experiencing frequent soreness and numbness in my right leg, along with a limp. Despite rehabilitation and rest, there has been no improvement. After a medi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Your concerns are valid, but the risk is very low. It is important to have a detailed discussion with your surgeon and anesthesiologist before the surgery. 2. The fusion time for the human spine is at least 3 months. After the surgery, you can engage in simple basic act...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar and Sacral Surgery: Risks and Recovery Insights
Understanding Thumb Tremors: Is It Related to Cervical Disc Issues?
Tremor of the left thumb? Ten years ago, I had an MRI that showed herniated discs at the cervical levels C3-C4-C5, with symptoms that fluctuate in severity. When I feel uncomfortable, I go for physical therapy, but recently my discomfort has increased. Turning my neck to the left...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected to be a symptom of cervical nerve involvement. Given your age and symptoms, there is little likelihood of brain issues or Parkinson's disease. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of the Spine Surgery Department, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Thumb Tremors: Is It Related to Cervical Disc Issues?
Post-Discectomy Recovery: Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
Postoperative care after disc herniation surgery? Hello Doctor, I have a herniated disc at L4-L5 and underwent microdiscectomy about a month ago. The doctor mentioned that the procedure involved decompression and removal of the nucleus pulposus, and no other materials were implan...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: I suggest you undergo another MRI for confirmation. Wishing you a speedy recovery. By Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Department of Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Post-Discectomy Recovery: Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Subdural Hematoma and Hydrocephalus: Treatment Options Explained
Subdural hematoma and hydrocephalus? Dear Vice President, 1. My father had a history of stroke due to hypertension seven years ago. The medical advice indicated that the bleeding was minimal, and he was observed for spontaneous absorption without surgery. He has left-sided hemip...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
1. Subdural hematoma cannot be resolved by third ventriculostomy. Third ventriculostomy is a procedure used to manage hydrocephalus.[Read More] Understanding Subdural Hematoma and Hydrocephalus: Treatment Options Explained
Understanding Post-Concussion Symptoms After a Bathroom Fall
Slipped in the bathroom and hit the back of the head? On July 22, I went on a two-day pilgrimage. On the first night, I slipped and fell in the bathroom, hitting the back of my head. I went to Asia University Hospital for evaluation and was diagnosed with a mild concussion. Three...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It has been a month, and the likelihood of a brain hemorrhage is low. However, if discomfort persists, it is advisable to seek treatment at a neurosurgery outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Post-Concussion Symptoms After a Bathroom Fall
Understanding Nerve Pain and Tingling After COVID-19: A Guide
Occasional tingling and pain in the hands and feet? Hello, doctor. Since I tested positive for COVID-19 in June, I have been experiencing occasional soreness in my left eye for about one to two weeks. I went for a consultation, and the doctor said my eyes are fatigued. After exam...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The symptoms in your upper arm/lower leg are likely caused by nerve compression from the cervical/lumbar spine. 2. It is not uncommon for symptoms on the left side to switch to the right side, depending on the location of the nerve compression. It is recommended to cons...[Read More] Understanding Nerve Pain and Tingling After COVID-19: A Guide
How Long Does Head Pain Last After a Bump? Insights from Neurosurgery
How long will the headache last after hitting the head? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my head injury. I bumped the top of my head against a door, and for the first two to three days, I applied ice followed by heat. There was no swelling at the impact site. During the d...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: Most symptoms will change around January, and some may persist for about a year. You can visit the outpatient clinic at Changhua Hospital for further evaluation.[Read More] How Long Does Head Pain Last After a Bump? Insights from Neurosurgery