Post-Spinal Surgery: Understanding Unilateral Ankle Edema and Numbness
Postoperative edema below the ankle in one leg after spinal surgery? My father developed an abscess between the 5th and 7th vertebrae that was compressing the nerves during the Lunar New Year. He underwent surgery and drainage of the abscess, and after being discharged, he has be...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: There are several possible speculations: 1. The original spinal nerves may have been damaged prior to surgery, resulting in incomplete recovery postoperatively. 2. There may be local peripheral nerve or vascular lesions in the foot's fascia. 3. There could be poor blo...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Understanding Unilateral Ankle Edema and Numbness
Understanding Cervical Spine Levels: C5-C6 vs C6-C7 Surgery
Cervical intervertebral position Director Zhao, are the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae and the sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae considered to be in the same location for surgical purposes?
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Due to the medical nature of the issue, a more detailed examination and assessment at a clinic is necessary for proper evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Levels: C5-C6 vs C6-C7 Surgery
Understanding Spinal Surgery: Insights on Atypical Recovery and Symptoms
Spinal surgery Hello Doctor: I have ankylosing spondylitis and suffered compression fractures of the T10 and T11 vertebrae due to a car accident in 2017. The fractures were not detected at the time of the accident, and it wasn't until two months later that I experienced numb...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The key factor is not the number of spinal surgeries, but rather the extent of spinal cord injury. Severe spinal cord damage is irreversible. It is possible that nerve compression and injury occur at the moment of injury. The earlier the surgery is performed before irreversible d...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Surgery: Insights on Atypical Recovery and Symptoms
Understanding Lumbar Disc Rupture and Its Impact on Disability Claims
Lumbar intervertebral disc herniation at L3, L4, and L5 - surgery was performed to install a lumbar stabilizer? Hello, doctor. I have a question. I underwent surgery for a herniated disc at the lumbar levels L3, L4, and L5 due to a car accident (it has been a year and a half sinc...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. After your injury and surgery, your recovery has not been ideal. This may be due to the severity of the injury prior to surgery. If you wish to reassess whether there is room for adjustment in your treatment, you can obtain copies of your medical records and MRI/X-ray i...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Disc Rupture and Its Impact on Disability Claims
Post-Surgery Weakness in Left Leg: Seeking Recovery Strategies
The left foot is still weak after surgery? Hello Doctor: My father has a history of stroke. From April to early May, he experienced weakness in his left leg and fell, which led him to seek medical attention at several hospitals. The evaluations showed no significant issues, and t...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: I understand your anxiety and encourage you to continue with rehabilitation. However, I do not have your father's relevant medical history, treatment progress, or imaging. For detailed information, I recommend that you consult the original surgeon. Wishing for a speed...[Read More] Post-Surgery Weakness in Left Leg: Seeking Recovery Strategies
Post-Surgery Recovery for Hydrocephalus Patients: Managing Dizziness
Recovery in patients with hydrocephalus? Hello, I would like to inquire about how long it takes for a patient with hydrocephalus to stop experiencing dizziness after surgery. It has been about two weeks since the operation, and I can walk a little, but I still feel dizzy after si...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Dizziness is not necessarily caused by hydrocephalus, and dizziness may not improve after surgery. Please consult the surgeon to determine the cause of the dizziness.[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery for Hydrocephalus Patients: Managing Dizziness
Post-Surgery Falls in Hydrocephalus Patients: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Postoperative falls in patients with hydrocephalus? Hello, I would like to ask about my mother. She underwent surgery for hydrocephalus on June 7, and today, June 16, she fell in the bathroom and hit her head. However, the impact was not on the surgical site, which is on the left...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
If the patient is alert and shows no neurological deficits, observation is sufficient. If any issues arise, promptly refer to a neurosurgery outpatient clinic or the emergency department.[Read More] Post-Surgery Falls in Hydrocephalus Patients: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding Head Injuries: What to Do After a Fall
Fell and hit the back of the head? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I accidentally fell and hit the back of my head. It immediately swelled up significantly, and aside from the redness, swelling, and pain at the impact site, there were no other unusual symptoms that day. I applied ice, ...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: Common symptoms of head trauma include concussion symptoms, headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Typically, these symptoms will gradually improve. If there are any changes, you can follow up at a neurosurgery outpatient clinic. Generally, after 48 hours, you may appl...[Read More] Understanding Head Injuries: What to Do After a Fall
Post-Surgery Back Pain: Understanding Ongoing Discomfort After Disc Surgery
Postoperative back pain persists for one to two years? Hello, doctor! My mother is 59 years old. Two years ago, she suffered from severe lower back and leg pain, and no pain medication was effective. The doctor diagnosed her with a herniated disc compressing the nerves, and after...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The report you provided indicates: L3-4 and L4-5 lumbar disc bulging, and L5-S1 disc herniation with compression of the dural sac... this suggests the presence of nerve compression. 2. I recommend that you copy the disc and bring the MRI images (not just the text) for t...[Read More] Post-Surgery Back Pain: Understanding Ongoing Discomfort After Disc Surgery
Understanding Post-Car Accident Head Injuries and Symptoms
Head injury from a car accident? Hello, Doctor. A few days ago, I was in a car accident where I hit a tree. The left side of my face is bruised and swollen, and there are slight fractures in my orbital bone and skull. I have bruises on my neck and limbs. The doctor said it would ...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: You can schedule an appointment for a consultation in the neurosurgery department for a detailed evaluation and examination. Issues related to trauma can sometimes manifest later. If new problems arise, further examinations can be arranged for confirmation. Changhua Hospit...[Read More] Understanding Post-Car Accident Head Injuries and Symptoms
Understanding the Causes of Arm Numbness Upon Waking Up
The causes of waking up with numbness in the arm? Hello, Doctor! Recently, I have noticed that sometimes while sleeping, I unconsciously raise one arm above my head (resting it on the pillow behind my head rather than pressing it underneath). When I wake up, the entire arm feels ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. It is suspected that you may have issues related to cervical nerve, shoulder and neck, or even brachial plexus, which could lead you to unconsciously sleep in this position to relieve pressure in those areas. This posture can affect blood circulation in the shoulder a...[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Arm Numbness Upon Waking Up
Understanding Cerebellar Hemorrhage: Challenges and Recovery Insights
Spontaneous cerebellar hemorrhage Hello, my husband has experienced spontaneous cerebellar hemorrhage and has a drainage tube in place. He is 46 years old and underwent surgery on January 2, 2023. He was in a coma for a month with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3. Later, he develo...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Infection is not a sequela of neurosurgery; however, when fever occurs, the issue of the drainage tube should be considered first.[Read More] Understanding Cerebellar Hemorrhage: Challenges and Recovery Insights
Post-Surgery Numbness in Feet: Causes and Recommended Actions
The occurrence of foot numbness after bone cement surgery, with the numbness gradually spreading from the toes upwards, could potentially be related to the surgery. It is important to assess whether this numbness is due to nerve compression, vascular issues, or other postoperativ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. It is suspected that there is a lesion in the spinal nerves. 2. Why was a spinal neurosurgeon not chosen to address the spinal fracture issue initially? 3. Seeking consultation from another specialty after experiencing discomfort post-surgery may cause some confusion fo...[Read More] Post-Surgery Numbness in Feet: Causes and Recommended Actions
Can Long-Term Eyewear Use Cause Skull Indentation?
Skull issues Is it true that wearing glasses for a long time can cause a depression in the skull? I started wearing glasses at the age of 14, and in recent years, due to the pandemic, I have been wearing goggles all day, which are made of plastic. I feel a pressure on the sides o...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is unlikely that there is a depression in the skull. It is suspected to be a depression in the subcutaneous tissue. If you have any doubts, please seek medical attention. Let a doctor confirm with X-rays or a CT scan. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgery.[Read More] Can Long-Term Eyewear Use Cause Skull Indentation?
Understanding EMG and Nerve Conduction Study Results for Back Pain
Report Interpretation Hello doctor, the attached image is an electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction study report. I would like to ask you to review it for any issues. Currently, my symptoms include persistent pain in the lower back, which sometimes radiates to the soles of m...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on your symptom description, it is suspected that lumbar spine lesions are causing sciatica. 2. Your nerve conduction study report suggests a possible peripheral neuropathy in both lower limbs, which does not appear to be consistent with lumbar nerve pathology. 3....[Read More] Understanding EMG and Nerve Conduction Study Results for Back Pain
Understanding Hydrocephalus: Why Spinal Drainage May Fail
Cerebral edema with inadequate drainage? The mother underwent a CT scan and was diagnosed with cerebral edema. The doctor arranged for spinal drainage, but was unable to extract any fluid. Is this due to obstruction or are there other factors involved?
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Cerebral edema cannot be drained, while hydrocephalus can.[Read More] Understanding Hydrocephalus: Why Spinal Drainage May Fail
Why Do My Side Blood Vessels Swell in the Sun?
Prominent blood vessels on both sides of the head? Hello doctor, may I ask why the blood vessels on both sides of my body become prominent when I work under the sun? They return to normal when the temperature decreases, and my blood pressure is below 140.
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Normal, caused by increased blood flow.[Read More] Why Do My Side Blood Vessels Swell in the Sun?
Can Brain Aneurysms Disappear? Insights from a Neurology Case
Arterial aneurysm Hello Dr. Chang, I was diagnosed with a cerebral aneurysm after experiencing severe headaches and undergoing a CT scan in 2017. Subsequently, I had MRI and angiography arranged. Over the past few years, I have had two follow-up MRIs, and the results indicated th...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Theoretically, it is unlikely for it to disappear, but nothing is absolute. It may be necessary to inquire in detail with the physician about the size and type of the aneurysm, among other factors.[Read More] Can Brain Aneurysms Disappear? Insights from a Neurology Case
Understanding Gunshot Wounds to the Head: Causes and Effects
Curious question? When a bullet penetrates the head, the reason for blood spattering is due to the high velocity and energy of the bullet causing significant damage to blood vessels and brain tissue, leading to a rapid release of blood. The term "blowout" refers to a si...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Unable to answer this question.[Read More] Understanding Gunshot Wounds to the Head: Causes and Effects
Post-Spinal Surgery: Addressing Leg Numbness and Mobility Issues
Postoperative foot numbness and inability to walk after minimally invasive spinal surgery? Hello doctor, my family member underwent minimally invasive surgery on the lumbar spine from the third to the fifth vertebrae over a month ago, and they are experiencing complete paralysis ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: The situation of your family sounds unfortunate. The original surgeon will have the best understanding of the preoperative and intraoperative conditions. However, it is essential to patiently cooperate with rehabilitation. Wishing for a speedy recovery from Changhua Hospit...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Addressing Leg Numbness and Mobility Issues