Understanding Muscle Twitches in the Back: When to See a Neurologist
Muscle twitching in the back? My mother has a peculiar issue. She is about 55 years old and has a fixed point on her back that intermittently twitches. This has been happening for several years, but the frequency has increased recently, occurring about ten times a day. Each twitc...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Involuntary muscle twitching at a fixed site is theoretically due to increased excitability of the nerves that control that muscle, which can occur due to factors such as emotional stress, muscle overuse, intake of stimulants in the diet, or nerve instability and damage. Another ...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Twitches in the Back: When to See a Neurologist
Understanding Polio: Is It Hereditary in Patients?
Poliomyelitis Hello, I have a question for the doctor. My boyfriend's father is a polio survivor. Is polio hereditary? Thank you!
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
If it is confirmed to be early-stage poliomyelitis (commonly known as polio), it is a residual effect of a viral infection from that year and is not hereditary. If it is progressive spinal muscular atrophy, which becomes increasingly severe, further confirmation and consultation ...[Read More] Understanding Polio: Is It Hereditary in Patients?
Understanding Sleep Issues and Neck Pain: When to Seek Neurology Help
Neurology Hello, doctor. Recently, my sleep quality has been very poor; it takes me a long time to fall asleep, and even though I feel very tired, I just can't seem to doze off! I keep yawning without being able to actually yawn, and my head feels heavy and stuffy. My body h...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Sleep disorders are often caused by intense physical or mental activities before bedtime, consumption of stimulating foods, or napping shortly before sleep. Additionally, if one enjoys reading in bed without actually sleeping, this can contribute to the issue. If none of these fa...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues and Neck Pain: When to Seek Neurology Help
Understanding a Bump on the Back of Your Head: Causes and Concerns
Is there a protrusion on the left occipital region of the brain? In the past two months, a small protrusion has developed on the left side of my occipital region. When it first appeared, I experienced some pain in that area when clenching my teeth, but it has since resolved.
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Typically, any palpable lumps should be located outside the bones, such as on the scalp or protruding from the bone itself. It is unlikely for something from within the brain to be felt, as it cannot be seen directly, making it difficult to assess. If the lump continues to grow, ...[Read More] Understanding a Bump on the Back of Your Head: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Nerve Injury Symptoms After Surgery: What to Expect
How long does it take to be aware of nerve injury? I had a fracture in my arm that required surgery. On the day of the injury, I only knew that my humerus was fractured (Monday), and the doctor scheduled the surgery for the day after tomorrow (Wednesday). After the surgery, I inf...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Based on your symptoms, it appears that you have an ulnar nerve injury. Generally, symptoms arise when a nerve is injured; however, it is also possible that the nerve itself is not initially damaged but may gradually be compressed or stretched by surrounding edema, affecting its ...[Read More] Understanding Nerve Injury Symptoms After Surgery: What to Expect
Sudden Left Leg and Neck Pain: When to See a Neurologist?
Sudden pain in the left foot and left neck, resulting in limping and inability to walk normally? Hello, Doctor: On Christmas Eve last year, after my company's year-end party, I took the bus home. When I got off, I suddenly felt pain in my left leg (from my thigh to my calf)....
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
If the pain in your left foot follows the distribution of a nerve root and is accompanied by related muscle weakness, consider the possibility of a lesion in the lumbar spine. If neck stiffness and pain are also present, this could indicate inflammation within the spinal cord. Ho...[Read More] Sudden Left Leg and Neck Pain: When to See a Neurologist?
Understanding Upper Body Heat and Tingling: Neurological Concerns Explained
Heat and tingling in the upper body, forearms, and calves? Hello, Doctor. In the evening, I fall asleep but suddenly experience a sensation of heat and tingling in my upper body, forearms, and calves. The feeling of heat is intense, almost like I am about to have a fever, and onc...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Although this symptom is not very typical, it may still indicate a type of sleep disorder, with restless legs syndrome being the closest match. While it can also occur in the upper body and forearms, restless legs syndrome in some patients may not be limited to the legs; it can m...[Read More] Understanding Upper Body Heat and Tingling: Neurological Concerns Explained
Understanding Upper Body Heat and Tingling: Neurological Concerns
Heat and tingling in the forearm and calf? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for asking again, but I forgot to include some additional information in my previous question, so I am asking once more. I’m sorry for the inconvenience. My question is that at night, after I have fallen asleep...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Although this symptom is not very typical, it is likely related to a type of sleep disorder, with restless legs syndrome being the closest match. While it can also occur in the upper body and forearms, restless legs syndrome in some patients may not be limited to the legs; it can...[Read More] Understanding Upper Body Heat and Tingling: Neurological Concerns
Can Ginkgo Biloba and Vitamin B12 Help Relieve Headaches?
Ginkgo biloba and vitamin B12? May I ask if the headache feels like there is something flowing inside the brain? Would taking ginkgo biloba along with vitamin B12 help improve this condition? Thank you.
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
If we are specifically addressing headaches, both of these health supplements can be tried, and some patients may experience improvement. However, regarding the presence of something flowing within the brain, I do not have relevant experience or opinions to provide. In cases of b...[Read More] Can Ginkgo Biloba and Vitamin B12 Help Relieve Headaches?
Can Brain Hemorrhages Heal on Their Own? Understanding Recovery and Repair
Cerebral hemorrhage in children Will a brain hemorrhage absorb on its own? If the brain nerves are injured, will they repair themselves?
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
There are many types of intracranial hemorrhage, including intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, subdural hemorrhage, and intraventricular hemorrhage. Some are single episodes of bleeding, while others involve gradual bleeding. The causes are numerous; in addition to...[Read More] Can Brain Hemorrhages Heal on Their Own? Understanding Recovery and Repair
Understanding Headaches: Is There Something Flowing in Your Brain?
The headache feels like something is flowing inside the brain? I have been experiencing headaches lately, and it feels like something is flowing inside my head, along with some sounds. I went to the hospital for an EEG, and the results were normal. However, I still feel like ther...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
It is not possible to completely rule out bleeding, but there is no clear evidence to support the possibility of bleeding. Therefore, the examining physician is in a difficult position and has decided to perform an electroencephalogram (EEG) for you. An EEG can detect brain hemor...[Read More] Understanding Headaches: Is There Something Flowing in Your Brain?
Understanding Seizures: When Medication Levels Don't Tell the Whole Story
The drug concentration is 83, yet seizures still occur? Hello Doctor: I have been taking Depakote for about 7 years to control my condition. My seizures usually occur when the doctor starts to taper my medication or after several consecutive days of diarrhea. When I was hospitali...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
In addition to medication levels, there are many lifestyle factors that can influence seizures, such as excessive auditory and visual stimuli, overexertion of mental effort, diets high in excitatory or stimulating substances, and illnesses like colds and fevers. It is important t...[Read More] Understanding Seizures: When Medication Levels Don't Tell the Whole Story
Understanding Muscle Pain and Fatigue: When to Seek Further Testing
Muscle soreness and fatigue? Hello Doctor, I had an electromyography (EMG) and blood tests done last year, and the results were normal. However, I still experience muscle soreness throughout my body, and I have muscle twitches that occur randomly two to three times a day for a fe...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
It is likely a benign muscle twitch. You can try to maintain a regular schedule, relax, and ensure a balanced diet. If there is no improvement, consider a follow-up examination in three months. Sometimes the condition is too mild to be detected, and a certain level of maturity is...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Pain and Fatigue: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Limb Pain and Fatigue: Possible Neurological Causes
Aching limbs and fatigue? Hello doctor, I often experience body aches, especially in my limbs, and my muscles twitch. My fingers also move involuntarily, and the joints in my fingers feel tight. This has caused me anxiety, and after visiting the hospital for examinations, no caus...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Proximal muscle soreness in the limbs, accompanied by muscle weakness and elevated muscle enzyme levels in the blood, should raise suspicion for myopathy or myositis. If muscle twitching occurs alongside progressive weakness, one should also be cautious of motor neuron diseases. ...[Read More] Understanding Limb Pain and Fatigue: Possible Neurological Causes
Understanding Persistent Headaches: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Headaches in many situations? Hello, I often experience headaches in various situations, such as when it's cold or windy. I also get headaches when I don't get enough sleep, and I find it quite strange that I feel discomfort in my stomach when it's bloated and food...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Migraine is a type of moderate to severe headache that can be intolerable. It is often triggered by various factors such as temperature changes, wind, insufficient or excessive sleep, hunger or overeating, emotional stress, and certain foods or odors. Accompanying symptoms may in...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Headaches: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Numbness in Limbs: Causes and Concerns
Numbness in the hands and feet? Hello, for the past two days, I've been experiencing numbness in the left side of my body, including my arms and legs, lasting from half an hour to several hours. Sometimes, my left limbs feel cold, while the right side does not. I often have ...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Please visit the neurology outpatient department of the hospital as soon as possible to determine the cause and receive symptomatic treatment. This symptom raises concern for transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is a warning sign of an ischemic stroke.[Read More] Understanding Numbness in Limbs: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Nausea and Sound Sensitivity After Vomiting: A Neurological Perspective
After feeling nauseous and vomiting, certain sounds (auditory stimuli) can become particularly jarring or irritating? Dr. Gao: Hello, my mother (60 years old) suddenly felt nauseous (not vomiting) one night two months ago before going to bed, experiencing a strong urge to vomit b...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
It may be an atypical episode of Meniere's disease or another transient alteration in brain function such as a seizure or ischemia. A detailed history and examination may be necessary for further evaluation by a neurologist. Once the underlying cause is determined, a treatme...[Read More] Understanding Nausea and Sound Sensitivity After Vomiting: A Neurological Perspective
Understanding Leg Pain: Causes and Solutions for Seniors
Leg pain? Hello, doctor. My mother, who is about 70 years old, has been experiencing soreness in the left femur for the past few weeks, which radiates down to her thigh and calf. She feels aching and cramping in her thigh, and her calf has a sensation similar to cramping. She has...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Scoliosis can sometimes lead to lumbar nerve root compression or spinal stenosis, resulting in pain or cramping in the areas supplied by the affected nerves, and even numbness. Calf cramps may also arise from the same underlying issues. A detailed examination by a neurologist can...[Read More] Understanding Leg Pain: Causes and Solutions for Seniors
Understanding Hip and Thigh Joint Issues: Causes and Specialist Guidance
The joint between the thigh and the groin? Hello, Doctor Gao: I would like to ask: I have a joint area between my left thigh and groin that initially made a grinding sound when I squatted down. After a few weeks and several squats, now I am unable to bend the joint area when I tr...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
It is recommended to see an orthopedic specialist for a detailed examination if there are issues with the hip joint or femoral head.[Read More] Understanding Hip and Thigh Joint Issues: Causes and Specialist Guidance
Understanding Sleep Issues and Brain Pain: When to Seek Help
Brain and Sleep Issues Hello, Doctor Gao: I have recently been waking up in the middle of the night and unable to fall back asleep (around 3-4 AM, and this has been ongoing for over a month). A few days ago, I had a dispute over a transaction with someone who was quite unreasonab...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Waking up in the middle of the night and being unable to fall back asleep is increasingly common among middle-aged individuals. This can be partially related to daytime stress and feelings of depression. If this persists for more than three months, it is advisable to seek evaluat...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues and Brain Pain: When to Seek Help