Risks and Concerns of Cranioplasty Surgery After Traumatic Brain Injury
Cranial vault surgery I was in a car accident last February, and I suffered a comminuted fracture of the right frontal bone. A month later, the doctor said I needed to have my skull cap replaced before being discharged, so I agreed to the surgery. During the procedure, the doctor...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is normal to wake up in the operating room after surgery, as the recovery room is primarily for monitoring the patient's condition once they are awake. The main concern with artificial skull surgery is the risk of infection; other risks are comparable to those of s...[Read More] Risks and Concerns of Cranioplasty Surgery After Traumatic Brain Injury
Head Trauma Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Head trauma? On Monday, I was punched in the back of the head by a classmate. At the moment, I didn't feel anything, but later I gradually started to feel pain. Over the next few days, I haven't been feeling well. In the morning, I wake up with body aches, especially in...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello: I believe your symptoms may indicate a cold. Here are six important points that patients with head injuries should pay special attention to: 1. Severe dizziness and headache. 2. Persistent vomiting (three or more times within one hour). 3. Difficulty breathing. 4. Gradual ...[Read More] Head Trauma Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms: Hydrocephalus in Elderly Patients
Hydrocephalus Hello: My father is 68 years old (he has diabetes) and recently underwent a CT scan which revealed hydrocephalus. He had surgery on March 4, and his condition was stable post-operation, although he experienced some dizziness. However, on March 14, the dizziness wors...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello: For hydrocephalus, we utilize drainage surgery to alleviate symptoms. There are many reasons for postoperative dizziness. It is recommended that you return for a follow-up consultation with your father's attending physician. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Hsien-Wei, Neurosurgery...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms: Hydrocephalus in Elderly Patients
Understanding a Painless Head Lump: Is It a Serious Concern?
There is a lump on my head? Hello Doctor: I have a lump located slightly to the left at the center of my head that has been present for about two to three months. During this time, I have not experienced any head trauma. The lump is palpable but not painful, although it fluctuate...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is not possible to distinguish between benign and malignant conditions based on appearance alone. I recommend surgical excision for further examination. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Hsien-Wei, Neurosurgery.[Read More] Understanding a Painless Head Lump: Is It a Serious Concern?
Managing Mild Concussions: Rest, Nutrition, and Recovery Tips
Concussion In addition to getting plenty of rest after a mild concussion, it is beneficial to stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water, as proper hydration supports overall brain function. Eating a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello: After a head injury, 5% of patients will experience lifelong complications due to post-traumatic sequelae. The recovery time varies among patients depending on the severity of the injury. Generally, episodes of dizziness and headaches often persist for 1 to 3 months. Durin...[Read More] Managing Mild Concussions: Rest, Nutrition, and Recovery Tips
Understanding Brain Injury After a Car Accident: Recovery and Risks
Car accident? My brother was in a car accident and has been in a coma for a week. He woke up after three days but his cognitive abilities seem to have regressed to that of a child, and he is also speaking nonsensically. The doctors mentioned that there are small blood clots in hi...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello: First, the primary purpose of surgery by a neurosurgeon for patients with head trauma is to relieve pressure. Therefore, if the hematoma is not large, surgery is not necessary, as the hematoma will be absorbed naturally. In fact, the severity of the head injury is already ...[Read More] Understanding Brain Injury After a Car Accident: Recovery and Risks
Can Brain Surgery Patients Safely Fly? Understanding Risks and Recovery
Is it safe to fly after having brain surgery? I had a car accident two years ago, which injured my left hemisphere. I underwent brain surgery, and for the past few months, I have been experiencing dizziness at night. If I go out in the evening, I also have headaches. Could this b...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello: This is a post-traumatic sequela, but congratulations on your recovery. I recommend that you continue to follow up. If everything goes well, symptomatic treatment may suffice for dizziness and headaches. Whether a patient who has undergone brain surgery can fly depends ent...[Read More] Can Brain Surgery Patients Safely Fly? Understanding Risks and Recovery
Understanding Concussions: Recovery Tips After Head Trauma
Head trauma with concussion? Hello Doctor: On February 2, 2005, I suddenly fainted and hit the upper right side of my head. I was admitted to the emergency room, where I underwent a CT scan and X-rays. The doctor said there was no bone injury, but I had a head injury with a concu...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello: After a head injury, 5% of patients will suffer from post-traumatic sequelae for the rest of their lives. The recovery time for most patients varies depending on the severity of the injury. Generally, episodes of dizziness and headaches often persist for 1-3 months. Theref...[Read More] Understanding Concussions: Recovery Tips After Head Trauma
Will Limb Lengthening Surgery Damage Nerves? Expert Insights
Will bone lengthening damage the nerves? Hello Dr. Ding! Four years ago, I was in a car accident that resulted in a comminuted open fracture of my right femur. I developed a bacterial infection and underwent eight surgeries. Eventually, my attending physician removed the shattere...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello: In principle, limb lengthening surgery should not affect the nerves, and orthopedic surgeons pay special attention to this issue. However, this type of surgery falls within the scope of orthopedics. Please discuss this with your orthopedic surgeon and seek a second opinion...[Read More] Will Limb Lengthening Surgery Damage Nerves? Expert Insights
Understanding Persistent Lower Back Pain: When to Seek Specialist Help
Low back pain Hello Dr. Ding: One day at work, I suddenly felt pain in my lower back, and it hasn't improved since then. I went to a clinic, and the doctor said it was inflammation of the muscles on both sides of my lower back. However, the medication hasn't helped, and...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello: If pain lasts for more than a month, it is important to pay special attention to whether there are other underlying issues. Significant causes of lower back pain include overuse of the spine, prolonged standing or sitting, maintaining a fixed posture for too long, and lift...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Lower Back Pain: When to Seek Specialist Help
Understanding Nerve Blocks for Treating Trigeminal Neuralgia: Methods and Pros/Cons
Treatment of trigeminal neuralgia using nerve block techniques? Hello Dr. Ding: Thank you very much for your response. Could you please explain what methods are included in nerve block? What are their advantages and disadvantages? Thank you!
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello: This includes several methods: 1. Surgical intervention to sever the nerve. 2. Using electrocautery or injecting 95% alcohol. 3. Utilizing gamma knife stereotactic surgery. If you have any questions, you can discuss them in detail with a physician at the neurosurgery outpa...[Read More] Understanding Nerve Blocks for Treating Trigeminal Neuralgia: Methods and Pros/Cons
Why Does the Brain Develop Indentations After Surgery for Head Injuries?
Why does the brain become sunken after surgery for a brain injury? Hello Doctor, my grandmother (76 years old) had a car accident four months ago, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. The doctors diagnosed her with intracranial hemorrhage, and she underwent two brain surgeries....
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It may be the reservoir of the drainage tube, but since I cannot see it in person, I am unable to provide an answer. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Hsien-Wei, Neurosurgery.[Read More] Why Does the Brain Develop Indentations After Surgery for Head Injuries?
Managing Trigeminal Neuralgia: Options After Surgery Recurrence
Trigeminal neuralgia I would like to ask the doctor: My sister is 51 years old and underwent decompression surgery for trigeminal neuralgia. It has been 15 months since the surgery, and she has experienced a recurrence. What should we do now? Is it possible to undergo decompressi...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Generally speaking, after undergoing decompression surgery, it is not advisable to have another surgery. Other methods may be needed, such as medication or nerve blocks. Additionally, stereotactic surgery can also be used to address your issue. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Hsien-We...[Read More] Managing Trigeminal Neuralgia: Options After Surgery Recurrence
The Connection Between Hyperhidrosis and Sympathetic Nervous System
What is the relationship between hyperhidrosis and the sympathetic nervous system? Dear Dr. Ding Hsien-Wei, Thank you for your reply. I may have made an error in the subject line of my email to Dr. Chen Shu-Chang; it should have been "What is the relationship between palmar...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello: As previously mentioned, hyperhidrosis can be treated with sympathetic nerve resection. Botulinum toxin can also be used to suppress it, but currently, botulinum toxin requires out-of-pocket payment, and most experiences with it are limited. Additionally, it may recur in 3...[Read More] The Connection Between Hyperhidrosis and Sympathetic Nervous System
Understanding Sympathectomy for Blushing: Efficacy and Side Effects
excuse me? Could you please let me know if your hospital or you have performed procedures for "facial blushing patients"? Is sympathetic nerve resection able to provide a complete cure? Based on your surgical experience, is compensatory sweating severe after the procedu...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello: You are correct, the likelihood of compensatory sweating after surgery is quite high. You may also consider using botulinum toxin injections as a method. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Hsien-Wei, Neurosurgery.[Read More] Understanding Sympathectomy for Blushing: Efficacy and Side Effects
Understanding Palmar Hyperhidrosis and Sympathetic Nervous System Differences
Inquiry about "palmar hyperhidrosis" and "sympathetic nervous system" (forwarded from the Director's mailbox)? Hello, I inquired about the differences between "palmar hyperhidrosis" and "sympathetic nervous system" on December 31. I wo...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello, I am a neurosurgeon. Since hyperhidrosis is within the specialty of neurosurgery, please allow me to provide you with an explanation. Palmar hyperhidrosis, commonly referred to as hand sweating, is characterized by excessive sweating of the palms, with some patients experi...[Read More] Understanding Palmar Hyperhidrosis and Sympathetic Nervous System Differences
Understanding Hyperhidrosis: Why Do My Hands Sweat More in Certain Situations?
Hyperhidrosis I have hyperhidrosis, but I tend to sweat more at school (once I start sweating, it's hard to stop). However, when I wear dress shoes, I sweat less from my hands (though they still get a bit damp). When I wear athletic shoes, I definitely sweat from my hands, a...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello! Regarding hyperhidrosis, endoscopic surgery can be used to treat most cases of palmar sweating by disrupting the sympathetic nerves at the second and third thoracic vertebrae. In some individuals, this may reduce plantar sweating, while in others, it may actually increase ...[Read More] Understanding Hyperhidrosis: Why Do My Hands Sweat More in Certain Situations?
Understanding Hyperhidrosis: When to Consider Surgery for Hand Sweating
Hyperhidrosis I just found out that surgery for hyperhidrosis can only be performed on adults. I experience sweating almost all over my body, but only my hands and feet sweat excessively. Even when I wear a jacket and play basketball under the hot sun, I only sweat a little on my...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello! Regarding hyperhidrosis, endoscopic surgery can be used to treat most cases of palmar sweating by disrupting the sympathetic nerves at the second and third thoracic vertebrae. In some individuals, this may reduce plantar sweating, while in others, it may actually increase ...[Read More] Understanding Hyperhidrosis: When to Consider Surgery for Hand Sweating
Understanding Head Pain After Trauma: When to Seek Medical Imaging
Please inquire about the issue of head pain? Hello Dr. Ding: About six years ago, I was hit on the head by a small iron ball with a diameter of 3 centimeters in a parabolic manner. Although I only felt a bit of pain at the time and did not notice any external injuries or signs of...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Your headache may not be significantly related to your previous head injury, and currently, there is no need for extensive testing. I recommend consulting a neurologist to explore potential treatment options. Additionally, X-rays will not be helpful for this issue and will...[Read More] Understanding Head Pain After Trauma: When to Seek Medical Imaging
Understanding Finger Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Finger pain Hello, regarding the phenomenon of fingertip pain, it has been occurring for a long time (many years). The main symptoms are as follows: 1. Pain (tingling) occurs in the fingertips of both hands, excluding the thumbs. 2. It only happens in winter or when it is colder....
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello: This situation may be significantly related to your poor blood circulation. It is recommended that you see a neurologist, and if necessary, further examinations may be required. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Hsien-Wei, Neurosurgery.[Read More] Understanding Finger Pain: Causes and Treatment Options