How to Request Neurological Evaluations for Insufficient Cerebral Blood Flow?
How to check? Hello, doctor. I have another question following up on my previous inquiry. If there is "insufficient cerebral perfusion" or "poor circulation," how should I request the doctor to arrange for examinations during the consultation? It seems that th...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
When discussing examinations, the simplest, non-invasive, and non-radiative option is a carotid ultrasound, which diagnoses vascular stenosis by assessing blood flow velocity and waveform changes. Other options include computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance ...[Read More] How to Request Neurological Evaluations for Insufficient Cerebral Blood Flow?
Understanding Dizziness and Fatigue: A Guide for Young Adults
Dizziness + Fatigue Hello, Doctor Gao! I am 19 years old and have a problem with dizziness, but I do not have anemia. I have undergone various tests at a large hospital, but no issues were found. However, I often experience dizziness and instability, sometimes to the point of fee...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
It doesn't sound like simple episodic vertigo; it may be vestibular migraine or vertigo related to other central nervous system issues. I recommend consulting a neurologist for a thorough evaluation to rule out these concerns. If those are excluded, you may need to focus on ...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Fatigue: A Guide for Young Adults
Uncontrollable Body Tremors: Seeking Answers and Solutions
Involuntary shaking of the body? Hello, Dr. Gao: About a year ago, I experienced a fever that lasted for 1 to 2 months, after which I began to have involuntary tremors. Later, I had another episode of fever, and the tremors became particularly severe, leading me to be hospitalize...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
China Medical University Hospital is a medical center, and if their neurology department cannot find the cause, it must be a complex issue. In fact, I am not sure either; perhaps you could consult another medical center's neurology department, such as National Taiwan Univers...[Read More] Uncontrollable Body Tremors: Seeking Answers and Solutions
Managing Chest Nerve Pain: Effective Strategies and Treatment Options
Chest nerve pain I often experience chest pain, specifically in the left chest and the center of the chest, without a fixed time. The pain lasts for about one to two hours. I visited a cardiologist who performed an ultrasound and diagnosed me with mitral valve prolapse and autono...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Mitral valve prolapse and autonomic nervous system dysfunction are typically treated with sympatholytic agents, which are standard medications and are effective for most patients. As for neuralgia, it presents with specific pain characteristics and requires investigation to deter...[Read More] Managing Chest Nerve Pain: Effective Strategies and Treatment Options
Managing Muscle Tightness in the Calf After Injury: A Guide
Calf muscle tightness? Hello, Doctor. My family member injured their right foot last year (with a bone fracture) and has recovered, but in the past few months, they have experienced muscle tightness in the foot, making it difficult to walk. About two weeks ago, they had an MRI fr...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
If muscle tightness occurs at the site of an injured bone fracture, it is important to consult an orthopedic specialist to assess whether there are any issues with nearby bones or muscles, and to continue rehabilitation therapy. If muscle tightness occurs in other areas, it may i...[Read More] Managing Muscle Tightness in the Calf After Injury: A Guide
Understanding Diplopia: Is It Always a Neurological Issue?
Diplopia issues Is double vision always caused by a problem with the cranial nerves, or can stiffness in the neck and shoulders also lead to double vision? I have been experiencing long-term double vision, but I also have stiffness in my neck and shoulders, along with swelling on...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Diplopia is not necessarily a neurological issue. If covering one eye still results in double vision, then the problem lies with the eye itself. If the double vision resolves, it indicates an issue with the extraocular muscles or cranial nerves. Stiffness in the shoulders and nec...[Read More] Understanding Diplopia: Is It Always a Neurological Issue?
Understanding Ankle Sensations: Neurological Insights on Foot Issues
Foot problems Yesterday, I experienced a sensation of tightness on the top of my left ankle while riding a motorcycle in the wind. It wasn't painful, but it felt somewhat numb, although I could still feel when I pinched it. Could this be a psychological effect or something e...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
It may not necessarily have clinical significance, but it is advisable to continue monitoring to see if symptoms worsen or persist, or if any new related conditions arise.[Read More] Understanding Ankle Sensations: Neurological Insights on Foot Issues
Leg Cramps and Numbness: Causes and Solutions for Better Sleep
Numbness in the legs and leg cramps? I've been experiencing leg cramps at night while sleeping, and in the morning, the pain is so severe that it affects my ability to walk. After taking a nap for about half an hour during lunch, I wake up with numbness in my legs. I would l...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Cramps can have many causes. If you experience numbness after being in a fixed position for a while, it may indicate poor peripheral circulation. Engaging in gentle, consistent exercise is advisable, avoiding intense activities that could lead to muscle soreness or explosive move...[Read More] Leg Cramps and Numbness: Causes and Solutions for Better Sleep
Understanding Neurological Symptoms: Dizziness, Numbness, and Nausea
Dizziness, numbness on the top of the head, nausea, and numbness in the legs? Recently, I've been experiencing tingling on the top of my head, dizziness, nausea, tingling in my feet and calves, blurred vision, and a feeling of wanting to sleep after eating. What could be the...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
The symptoms are not specific enough to pinpoint certain neurological disorders. It may be related to poor peripheral circulation, high stress, or lack of sleep. Other possibilities may require the physician to conduct a thorough evaluation, including taking a detailed medical hi...[Read More] Understanding Neurological Symptoms: Dizziness, Numbness, and Nausea
Understanding Numbness in the Neck: Possible Causes and Solutions
Numbness in the skin of the back of the neck! Around middle school, due to frequent computer use, I experienced sharp pain in my right shoulder. Over time, the skin surface on my right shoulder became numb, and every time I visited the doctor, they didn't provide any explana...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
The sensory nerves of the shoulder are likely associated with the cervical vertebrae C3 and C4. It is possible that poor posture has led to a herniated disc compressing the nerves, or it could be a less common symptom resulting from a mononeuritis. A precise diagnosis should be m...[Read More] Understanding Numbness in the Neck: Possible Causes and Solutions
Choosing the Right Hospital for Neurology: A Guide to MRI and Pituitary Tumors
Choosing a hospital Hello, doctor. I'm here again to seek your advice. After some time of consultation and reviewing information, I strongly feel that your suggestion to undergo further neurological examination is warranted to check for a non-functional pituitary tumor. Here...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
MRI can only be requested through health insurance or paid out-of-pocket; it cannot be done out-of-pocket and then later submitted to health insurance for reimbursement (if it meets the criteria, it will be approved; if not, even if abnormalities are found, it cannot be submitted...[Read More] Choosing the Right Hospital for Neurology: A Guide to MRI and Pituitary Tumors
Understanding Dizziness and Neck Pain: When to See a Neurologist
Dizziness and neck and shoulder pain? Frequent dizziness (floating, swaying sensation), feeling sleepy, particularly dizzy when lying on the right side, experiencing dizziness and nausea upon standing up, blurred vision when focusing on objects, and shoulder and neck pain. These ...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
If you experience dizziness and drowsiness, and lying on your right side worsens the dizziness while lying down makes you feel nauseous, this is more indicative of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), and you should consult an otolaryngologist or a neurologist. However, i...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Neck Pain: When to See a Neurologist
Persistent Leg Numbness After Heavy Lifting: Possible Causes and Solutions
Persistent numbness near the tibia? Hello doctor, in July of this year, I experienced some soreness in my lower back while lifting heavy objects. After receiving a massage, I returned home and began to feel pain and numbness from my lower back to my buttocks, right thigh, right c...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Based on your medical history and symptom description, it strongly suggests that there is a herniated disc at the fifth lumbar vertebra compressing the nerve root. Typically, lumbar imaging (MRI or CT scan) would show this, so it is surprising that the results are normal. The phy...[Read More] Persistent Leg Numbness After Heavy Lifting: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Sudden Drops in Blood Oxygen Levels After Surgery
Sudden drop in blood oxygen levels..? Hello Doctor, I have a question again. Originally, I had severe obstructive sleep apnea, but after a major surgery, I have seen significant improvement in my "fatigue" and the "snoring" has noticeably decreased. However, t...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
If daytime sleepiness and fatigue are not caused by sleep apnea, other underlying conditions should be considered. Blood oxygen levels are typically measured using a fingertip pulse oximeter; however, if the extremities are cold or circulation is poor, or if the sensor is misalig...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Drops in Blood Oxygen Levels After Surgery
Feeling Lost After Neurology Tests: What Should I Do Next?
I'm not sure what to do? Hello Doctor: I visited due to hand numbness and tremors, and the doctor noticed that my left leg also had some weakness. I was asked to be hospitalized for further examination, and I stayed for two weeks during which I underwent MRI scans (of the he...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Medical centers are the places with the most healthcare resources and serve as the cradle for training specialized physicians. If one medical center cannot make a diagnosis, another may not necessarily be able to either. It is possible that the current medical equipment is unable...[Read More] Feeling Lost After Neurology Tests: What Should I Do Next?
Understanding Involuntary Hand and Head Tremors: Next Steps for Patients
Involuntary shaking of the hands and head? Hello Doctor: I often experience involuntary shaking in my hands (more frequently in my left hand, especially noticeable in my little finger) and my head (shaking side to side). I do not smoke, drink alcohol, chew betel nut, or use drugs...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Some individuals experience primary tremors that do not progressively worsen into Parkinson's disease, and there is no need for excessive concern; medication can be used as needed to alleviate symptoms. Others may exhibit early signs of Parkinson's disease or other move...[Read More] Understanding Involuntary Hand and Head Tremors: Next Steps for Patients
Treatment Options for C5 Spinal Injury: Surgery vs. Physical Therapy
If there is an injury to the fifth cervical vertebra (C5), the treatment approach may vary depending on the severity of the injury. Generally, treatment options may include: 1. **Conservative Management**: This may involve rest, physical therapy, and the use of a cervical collar...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Cervical spine injuries will be assessed based on imaging results, in conjunction with clinical neuromuscular function, and possibly supplemented by electromyography (EMG) tests. This assessment will determine the treatment plan, which may include physical therapy, oral medicatio...[Read More] Treatment Options for C5 Spinal Injury: Surgery vs. Physical Therapy
Understanding Neck Pain and Nausea: When to Seek Medical Help
Head and neck pain leading to vomiting? Hello Doctor: In the past, whenever I caught a cold, I would experience tightness and pain in the back of my neck, which radiates to my head, temples, and eyes, causing severe pain. I also experience visual disturbances such as flashing lig...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
These symptoms combined are more indicative of a prodromal migraine, which is a typical migraine. If the episodes meet the criteria for preventive medication treatment, the physician will prescribe long-term preventive medication to gradually reduce the frequency and intensity of...[Read More] Understanding Neck Pain and Nausea: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Nighttime Toe Cramps: Causes and When to Seek Help
Experiencing muscle cramps in the toes before sleeping? Doctor, I've been experiencing a tingling sensation on the outer part of my lower legs, especially before going to bed at night or in the afternoon. Additionally, my middle toe, ring toe, and little toe occasionally cur...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
It is more likely to be some form of involuntary movement related to sleep; however, issues within the fifth lumbar vertebra may also be a possibility. What examinations are needed will depend on the actual clinical evaluation and findings by the attending physician.[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Toe Cramps: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Neurological Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice
Brain-related questions? 1. Symptoms (Location, Description): (1) Occasionally, with a change in posture, the head will wobble slightly, but it is not dizziness and recovers quickly. What could this symptom be, and is it necessary to seek medical attention? (2) After preparing fo...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
The sudden recovery from dizziness is more likely to be attributed to a mild vestibular disorder, commonly known as inner ear imbalance. This may occur occasionally with changes in posture but is quickly adjusted and suppressed by the brain's active control. Maintaining a re...[Read More] Understanding Neurological Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice