Post-Spinal Surgery: Seeking Solutions for Ongoing Discomfort and Mobility Issues
Post-spinal surgery 1. Two years ago, I underwent spinal surgery (L5-S1). Initially, I was unable to get out of bed, but after receiving spinal injections, I was able to get up. 2. I can stand for 1-20 minutes, but I cannot sit for more than 3 minutes unless I support myself with...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
I sincerely apologize, but due to the lack of clarity regarding your condition prior to surgery, the imaging data from the procedure, as well as the surgical method and location, I am unable to provide specific advice. (There are 5/6 cervical vertebrae, but none in the lumbar reg...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Seeking Solutions for Ongoing Discomfort and Mobility Issues
Understanding Cramps and Numbness: Common Neurological Issues
Cramps & Numbness 1. Sometimes when stretching, I experience muscle cramps in my back, and at times, I have stomach cramps. 2. Recently, I often experience numbness in my hands and feet. 3. I frequently have pain in the lower right side of my back, which leads to cramps i...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
I'm not sure what you are asking about. Regarding your concerns, there could be many possible reasons. However, back cramps may be due to overuse of the muscles in the back or lower back. As for numbness in the hands and feet, cervical spine degeneration could also be a pote...[Read More] Understanding Cramps and Numbness: Common Neurological Issues
Managing Excess Saliva Production: Treatment Options and Solutions
Salivary gland issues Hello Dr. Ding: I have been experiencing excessive saliva production for a long time, often needing to swallow every few seconds, and I frequently choke. This is quite bothersome. Are there any medications or minor surgical options available to improve the i...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
I sincerely apologize, but this is not my area of expertise. I recommend that you consult an otolaryngologist or another specialist for further advice.[Read More] Managing Excess Saliva Production: Treatment Options and Solutions
Key Indicators for Deciding on Tracheostomy in Neurological Patients
Inquiry about reference values regarding tracheostomy or not? Hello Doctor: My father (70 years old) underwent emergency surgery for intracranial hemorrhage and has been in the intensive care unit for a week. After discontinuing sedatives and other medications, he has not yet reg...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
There are common misconceptions about tracheostomy among the general public. In fact, tracheostomy is a necessary procedure that increases the chances of recovery for patients. Generally, if a patient is expected to be unable to be weaned off the ventilator or endotracheal tube f...[Read More] Key Indicators for Deciding on Tracheostomy in Neurological Patients
Understanding Post-Surgery Coma and Brain Injury Recovery
Coma after brain surgery due to a car accident? My mother was hit by a motorcycle while crossing the street and suffered a severe intracranial hemorrhage. She was urgently taken to the hospital, where the doctor reported extensive bleeding and significant edema in the posterior p...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
I'm sorry to hear about your mother's condition, and I hope she can turn her misfortune into good fortune. Generally speaking, in cases of head trauma, if surgery is performed to remove a hematoma, it is likely that the hematoma was compressing the brain, necessitating ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Coma and Brain Injury Recovery
Post-Surgery Memory Confusion in Craniopharyngioma Patients: Seeking Help
Memory disturbances after craniopharyngioma surgery? Dear Dr. Ding, My wife underwent a craniopharyngioma resection surgery in March of this year, and since then, her memory has been in a state of confusion. She cannot distinguish between day and night, and she forgets what she ...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Craniopharyngiomas are tumors that primarily grow near the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland, and as a result, many patients experience complications related to hormonal deficiencies after surgery. However, symptoms of psychiatric disorders are relatively rare. Currently, the s...[Read More] Post-Surgery Memory Confusion in Craniopharyngioma Patients: Seeking Help
Understanding Risks and Long-Term Effects of L5-S1 Spine Surgery
Risks and complications of L5-S1 spinal surgery? I was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis due to numbness in my legs. An MRI revealed a herniated disc, which the doctor said is mild; however, I experience daily numbness below the knees and a burning sensation. I have undergone phys...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Since I have not personally reviewed your information, the following suggestions are for reference only. If there is spondylolisthesis, it is generally due to degeneration of the spine leading to joint instability, which typically requires surgical intervention for stabilization....[Read More] Understanding Risks and Long-Term Effects of L5-S1 Spine Surgery
Understanding Intracranial Hemorrhage and Coma: Hope and Options
Intracranial hemorrhage with coma? Hello doctor, my father-in-law fell from a height of about three meters yesterday and hit the back of his head directly on the ground, resulting in intracranial hemorrhage. He is currently in a coma, with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 4 and is n...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Due to the lack of complete information regarding your father-in-law's condition, including details about the bleeding and other related data, I can only make general assessments. Therefore, a detailed diagnosis and treatment should be based on the patient's comp...[Read More] Understanding Intracranial Hemorrhage and Coma: Hope and Options
Understanding Disc Herniation: Causes, Treatments, and Recovery Tips
Herniated disc Hello, doctor. I have a few questions to ask. Last March, I was diagnosed with a herniated disc, and after undergoing traction therapy, I improved. However, it recurred in May of this year. I am currently receiving traction therapy again and have also consulted a t...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Your symptoms appear to indicate a herniated disc. We will need to wait for the results of your MRI before making further recommendations. Wearing a brace may provide some assistance, but be mindful of how you use it. You can look for the suggestions I have written in the past. W...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: Causes, Treatments, and Recovery Tips
Managing Post-Surgery Pain and Numbness from L4-L5 Disc Herniation
There is a herniated disc issue at the L4 and L5 levels? Hello, three years ago I had a herniated disc at the L4 and L5 levels that was compressing a nerve, causing numbness in my left calf. Three months ago, the doctor performed surgery to remove the herniated disc. Although the...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello, regarding your symptoms after surgery. Since I am not familiar with your specific situation, the following suggestions are for reference only. Generally speaking, if there is an acute herniated disc with nerve root compression, surgery can be performed for decompression. H...[Read More] Managing Post-Surgery Pain and Numbness from L4-L5 Disc Herniation
Understanding Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Causes and Insights
Medical consultation Hello, Dr. Ding: 1. What is hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage? 2. What are the causes of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage?
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello, Mr. Zheng: Hypertension is a chronic condition that requires long-term management. The most significant acute risk associated with hypertension is intracerebral hemorrhage, which is a type of stroke. It is possible for hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage to occur after a...[Read More] Understanding Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Causes and Insights
Post-Surgery Back Pain: Understanding Symptoms After Disc Removal
Postoperative complications of disc surgery? Hello, doctor. I previously asked you about related issues. After my discectomy on May 31, I experienced pain at the incision site, and I was concerned about nerve adhesion. At that time, you mentioned that nerve adhesion does not occu...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello, the internet is not a suitable place for diagnosing your condition. Without an in-person examination, we cannot determine your actual problem. Additionally, it seems you did not follow the previous recommendations. We suggest that you rest properly by lying flat and consul...[Read More] Post-Surgery Back Pain: Understanding Symptoms After Disc Removal
Post-Discectomy Care: Managing Pain and Recovery Timeline
Postoperative Care and Complications After Discectomy I just had a discectomy on May 31 and have returned home to rest. Besides showering and sleeping, I wear a lumbar support brace. The doctor said that I did not have any artificial titanium metal or support structures implanted...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello, generally speaking, it is normal to experience pain at the surgical site after surgery. However, if the pain persists, it may be necessary to consider the possibility of an infection. Nerve adhesions typically do not occur immediately after surgery. For my patients, I stil...[Read More] Post-Discectomy Care: Managing Pain and Recovery Timeline
Understanding Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures in Seniors
Vertebral compression fractures caused by osteoporosis? The mother is 76 years old and had a crush fracture in her lumbar spine due to a fall four years ago. She is currently visiting the hospital for consultation. The doctor mentioned the need for bone cement injection. Could yo...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello, generally speaking, fractures in the elderly are usually due to osteoporosis. However, due to insufficient data, I cannot provide specific recommendations. If it has been four years, whether a vertebroplasty is necessary would depend on the patient's condition, which ...[Read More] Understanding Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures in Seniors
Do You Need an MRA After a 3T Brain MRI? Expert Insights
3T MRI and MRA of the brain Hello Dr. Ding: I would like to ask if it is necessary to undergo an MRA examination after having already completed a 3T MRI of the brain? Thank you!
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
I'm sorry, but there is insufficient information to provide an answer.[Read More] Do You Need an MRA After a 3T Brain MRI? Expert Insights
Choosing Between Surgery and Gamma Knife for AVM Treatment: A Patient's Dilemma
Concerns about surgery or gamma knife treatment? I was hospitalized at the end of December last year due to bleeding from an arteriovenous malformation. At that time, the doctor administered medication to reduce intracranial pressure. After I regained consciousness, I noticed tha...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Since you have not provided detailed information about the arteriovenous malformation, I am currently unable to offer specific advice. Generally speaking, the complications associated with embolization are fewer; however, there is a risk of rebleeding within one to two years afte...[Read More] Choosing Between Surgery and Gamma Knife for AVM Treatment: A Patient's Dilemma
Understanding Groin Nerve Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Nerve pain in the groin area? Hello, I have been experiencing sharp pain in a nerve running from my groin to my perineum, occurring twice a minute for the past two days, which is concerning. A year ago, I had a similar issue with pain in the same area (left leg), but it resolved ...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Based on your description, it seems to be neuropathic pain. However, the symptoms you described may be less related to spinal degeneration. I recommend resting and applying heat. If you are still concerned, you may want to visit a rehabilitation clinic for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Groin Nerve Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Post-Surgery Care and Medications for Right Frontal Lobe Injury
What medications or precautions should be considered for damage to the right frontal lobe? Hello Doctor, my father (67 years old) sustained a contusion on the contralateral frontal lobe due to a car accident one week ago. After four days of observation, the doctor decided to perf...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Your father's head injury is currently in a critical phase, so it is not possible to assess the prognosis at this time. I would like to highlight two important points to pay attention to: First, your father's condition is still unstable, and he should still be in the in...[Read More] Post-Surgery Care and Medications for Right Frontal Lobe Injury
Alternative Treatments for Meningioma Surgery Complications: Hydrocephalus Insights
After surgery for a meningioma, if hydrocephalus occurs, are there other treatment options available? Hello, my mother is 67 years old and started experiencing urinary incontinence, facial drooping, unsteady walking leading to frequent falls, and difficulty swallowing liquids sin...
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
I sincerely apologize, but without knowing the exact location of the meningioma and the overall condition, I am unable to provide much advice regarding your mother's treatment. Generally speaking, surgery is the best option for brain tumors when feasible. However, for certai...[Read More] Alternative Treatments for Meningioma Surgery Complications: Hydrocephalus Insights
Understanding Giant Cell Tumors: Causes, Treatment, and Dietary Tips
Doctor, please, thank you! Hello, doctor! My brother has been diagnosed with a giant cell tumor at Taichung Veterans General Hospital. What kind of disease is this? How does it develop? What should he eat that would be beneficial for him?
Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Where is your giant cell tumor located? Have you consulted an orthopedic specialist?[Read More] Understanding Giant Cell Tumors: Causes, Treatment, and Dietary Tips