Understanding Facial Nerve Issues: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Continued inquiry: Involuntary twitching of the left cheek? Dear Dr. Gao, I consulted with a neurologist in the United States, who prescribed me Lyrica 50mg. However, I feel it only addresses the symptoms and not the root cause. Additionally, I found that the side effects are si...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
If there is no muscle weakness (such as facial asymmetry or muscle atrophy), the primary approach to treatment is conservative management. There is no need for specific interventions like electromyography (EMG) or surgery (which would cause further damage), as it is merely a peri...[Read More] Understanding Facial Nerve Issues: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Signs You Might Be Suffering from Depression: What to Look For
How to know if you have depression? It has been going on for several months... It's related to emotional issues, and I thought time would gradually heal the wounds in my heart. However, I have been in a very negative state during these months, especially when I'm alone;...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Everyone experiences feelings of sadness and depression in response to distressing events, which is a normal reaction that typically improves over time. However, if this reaction persists for more than three months and affects daily functioning—such as causing loss of appetite, i...[Read More] Signs You Might Be Suffering from Depression: What to Look For
Understanding Uncontrolled Facial Muscle Movements: Causes and Treatments
Continued inquiry: Involuntary twitching of the left cheek? Dear Dr. Gao, Thank you very much for your response. My cheeks appear completely normal, they move naturally, and there is no asymmetry or atrophy. If the issue is due to some irritation of the tissues surrounding the n...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
You may first consider local massage to relax the nerves and muscles, or supplement with some B vitamins. Some physicians may prescribe medications to calm the nerves and relax the muscles. If the symptoms persist or if there are new changes, it is advisable to consult a neurolog...[Read More] Understanding Uncontrolled Facial Muscle Movements: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Facial Myokymia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Continued inquiry: Involuntary twitching of the left cheek? Dear Dr. Gao, Thank you very much for your response. If the second reason is correct, that the facial nerve was injured due to the cosmetic surgery and subsequent impact, could my symptoms be due to abnormal adhesions b...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
If there is damage to the facial nerve, which primarily consists of motor fibers that control facial muscle movements, it will inevitably lead to related functional impairments. One can self-assess whether facial expressions appear unnatural (indicating weakness in certain facial...[Read More] Understanding Facial Myokymia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Seizures: Why EEG Results Can Be Normal Despite Symptoms
Epilepsy cannot be diagnosed? Hello, doctor! I have fainted before and hit my head, but since April, I have been experiencing episodes two to three times a week where I lose consciousness and don't remember anything, even in the hospital. I feel extremely fatigued. I have vi...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
The rate of capturing epileptic waves in a single EEG is approximately 50%. When combined with awake and sleep EEG patterns, conducting four tests yields about 80% detection of abnormalities. Therefore, it is essential to correlate with clinical findings. If necessary, further me...[Read More] Understanding Seizures: Why EEG Results Can Be Normal Despite Symptoms
Understanding Visual Disturbances: Causes and Solutions for Eye Pain and Flashes
Every day upon opening my eyes (before sitting up), I see numerous transparent dots (that do not move) and my vision keeps flashing? Both eyes have -200 degrees of myopia and -250 degrees of astigmatism. Since mid-April, I have experienced eye pain until the end of May, with no c...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Considering the recurrent occurrence of visual aura associated with migraines or occipital lobe epilepsy (recurrent discharges), it is recommended to promptly visit a neurologist for further EEG testing and pharmacological treatment. If necessary, brain imaging studies should als...[Read More] Understanding Visual Disturbances: Causes and Solutions for Eye Pain and Flashes
Uncontrollable Facial Twitches After Cosmetic Surgery: Causes and Solutions
Involuntary twitching of the left cheek? Two years ago, I underwent cosmetic surgery to elevate my cheeks. (Below are the surgical details provided by my doctor.) After the surgery, my cheeks were quite swollen, and before the swelling subsided, my left cheek was accidentally bum...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Based on the symptom description, it is more akin to facial myokymia, which refers to involuntary muscle twitching of the facial muscles. This can range from benign nerve hyperexcitability (such as eyelid twitching) to involuntary discharges due to facial nerve damage, and to spe...[Read More] Uncontrollable Facial Twitches After Cosmetic Surgery: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Persistent Dizziness and Blood Flow Sensations: A Neurology Perspective
Dizziness accompanied by the sensation of blood flow? I have been experiencing headaches for six months, with a sensation of nerve pulsation. I can also feel the blood flowing. I hear a sound like water flowing in my ears, and sometimes when I turn my head, I hear a noise like sa...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Pulsating headaches, which can be accompanied by severe nausea, may indicate migraines or other types of headaches. It can be challenging to determine the exact symptoms when blood flow in the head is affected. Facial and bodily numbness is generally associated with discomfort fr...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Dizziness and Blood Flow Sensations: A Neurology Perspective
Understanding the Intersection of Psychiatry and Neurology in Taiwan
Psychiatry and Neurology? Hello, e-Hospital in Taiwan: I have been seeing a doctor at the Taoyuan Rehabilitation Hospital for about ten years. My symptoms include auditory hallucinations. After taking medication, I am able to work normally. Later, I found online that it might be ...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Based on the described situation, it is recommended to seek further detailed consultation and treatment from a psychiatrist.[Read More] Understanding the Intersection of Psychiatry and Neurology in Taiwan
Understanding Facial and Limb Numbness: Possible Neurological Causes
Numbness in the face and limbs? I have been experiencing a tingling sensation in my face and limbs, similar to the residual numbness after anesthesia, for about three days. I am also noticing occasional difficulty concentrating and poor memory. Currently, there are no signs of se...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
The face and limbs are experiencing a tingling sensation. It is essential to determine whether this nerve distribution is confined to the distal limbs or if it involves all limbs. Additionally, we need to ascertain whether the symptoms progressed from the distal to the proximal a...[Read More] Understanding Facial and Limb Numbness: Possible Neurological Causes
Understanding Uncontrollable Hand and Foot Tremors: Possible Causes and Solutions
Uncontrollable shaking of the hands and feet? Hello doctor, I would like to ask why my hands and feet keep shaking at irregular times throughout the day. My classmates say it might be due to the cold weather, but I don't feel cold or hot, and the shaking persists for about 5...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
This symptom is still caused by unstable electrical discharges in the brain, which is due to incomplete control of epilepsy. It is necessary to return to the prescribing physician for epilepsy medication to inform them and make some adjustments to the medication. Once the brain&#...[Read More] Understanding Uncontrollable Hand and Foot Tremors: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Facial Nerve Issues: Symptoms and Recovery Insights
Facial nerve issues Hello, Dr. Gao. Earlier this year, I experienced facial nerve paralysis on the right side of my face due to an unknown viral infection. After medication and rehabilitation, I have mostly recovered. However, last month I noticed that when I blink my right eye, ...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
This is a complication following facial nerve paralysis, where the muscles of the ossicles in the middle ear, innervated by the facial nerve, become paralyzed and weak. This leads to a diminished ability to adjust to external sounds. Whenever there is loud external noise or when ...[Read More] Understanding Facial Nerve Issues: Symptoms and Recovery Insights
Understanding Memory Loss in Elderly: When to See a Neurologist
If a mother is experiencing episodes of depression, she should consult a psychiatrist or a psychologist for evaluation and treatment? Hello Doctor, My mother is currently 82 years old. She is generally healthy but has high blood pressure that is controlled with medication. Last ...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Transient global amnesia (TGA) currently lacks a well-understood etiology. Potential causes include transient discharges similar to those seen in epilepsy, migraine-related brain storms, transient cerebral ischemia, jugular venous reflux, or other factors. It is essential to cons...[Read More] Understanding Memory Loss in Elderly: When to See a Neurologist
Understanding Hand Numbness: Causes, Treatments, and Solutions
Numbness in the palm? Hello, Dr. Gao. I frequently experience numbness in my palms, particularly in my left hand. This condition has significantly affected my daily activities, work, and sleep. I have already visited Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital for a consultation and have been presc...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
If hand numbness has been confirmed as carpal tunnel syndrome through nerve conduction studies, the treatment will depend on the severity of the condition. In the acute phase, corticosteroids may be used, although they may not be effective for all patients. It is also important t...[Read More] Understanding Hand Numbness: Causes, Treatments, and Solutions
Frequent Headaches: When to Seek Neurological Evaluation
Frequent headaches? I often experience headaches, but they tend to improve after a good night's sleep. It seems like many people have similar experiences, but mine occur too frequently—sometimes up to five times a week. Why could this be happening? Should I get it checked ou...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Frequent headaches that improve after a night's sleep are generally considered benign, while headaches that wake you from sleep warrant more attention. If you experience headaches often, it's important to monitor your use of pain relievers. If you find yourself taking p...[Read More] Frequent Headaches: When to Seek Neurological Evaluation
Understanding Scalp Twitching: Causes and When to See a Neurologist
Scalp twitching issue? Hello: Recently, I have been experiencing a sensation in my scalp that feels like a muscle twitch while walking. It is not painful, and my blood pressure is normal. I would like to ask two questions: 1. What could be the possible causes of the symptoms desc...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
There is a rich network of muscles beneath the scalp, and sometimes their contraction can lead to a feeling of tightness in the head, accompanied by brief neuromuscular contractions that may feel like twitching. If the twitching is localized to a specific area, it could indicate ...[Read More] Understanding Scalp Twitching: Causes and When to See a Neurologist
Understanding Hollow Sounds When Tapping the Head: Causes and Concerns
A hollow sound when tapping the head? Hello doctor: I accidentally discovered that when I tap my head, there is a hollow sound in the area from my forehead to the top of my head. Is this normal? I'm worried it might be brain atrophy or something similar. I've also been ...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
The thickness of the scalp muscles and subcutaneous tissue varies among individuals. Additionally, the thickness of the skull differs between genders and is influenced by nutritional status. Beneath the skull are the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater, followed by brain t...[Read More] Understanding Hollow Sounds When Tapping the Head: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Cervical Bone Spurs: When Is Surgery Necessary?
Cervical osteophytes Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing severe pain in my neck, so I went for an examination. An X-ray showed that I have bone spurs. I have now scheduled a carotid ultrasound to check if there is any compression on the nerves. I would like to ask if surgery i...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Carotid ultrasound examination is used to assess the condition of the arteries in the head and neck area, checking for any stenosis, blockage, or insufficient blood flow, which is different from issues related to nerve compression caused by bone spurs. To evaluate nerve compressi...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Bone Spurs: When Is Surgery Necessary?
Next Steps in Neurology: Addressing Skull Deformities and Symptoms
What is the next step after neurology? I have a depression on the right side of my skull, which has been accompanied by a persistent feeling of pressure and tightness, even affecting my right eye. Additionally, the right eyeball appears to be noticeably lower than the left, and t...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Craniofacial structural defects fall under the scope of plastic surgery. However, regarding whether the 3D imaging reconstruction of the skull is covered by health insurance or is out-of-pocket, and whether surgical correction is necessary after the examination, there are specifi...[Read More] Next Steps in Neurology: Addressing Skull Deformities and Symptoms
Managing Chronic Headaches: Tips for Relief and Medication Guidance
Prolonged headache Hello, Doctor: For the past few months, due to work requirements, I have been working 12-hour shifts every day as an accountant, which involves a lot of mental calculations. I feel like my mind is constantly working, accompanied by headaches, blurred vision, an...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Based on your description, it is still not possible to directly determine the type of headache, whether it is primary or secondary, common migraine, tension-type headache, or another specific form of headache. Therefore, I cannot provide you with direct relief methods. It is reco...[Read More] Managing Chronic Headaches: Tips for Relief and Medication Guidance