Post-Spinal Surgery: Why Can't My Dad Move His Ankles and Toes?
Inability to move the ankle and toes following spinal surgery? Hello Doctor: My father underwent minimally invasive surgery for lumbar spondylolisthesis at levels L3, L4, and L5 on June 13, where screws were placed. However, since the surgery, he has been unable to move his legs,...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. The symptoms may suggest involvement of the L4 and L5 nerve roots, resembling a temporary malfunction, possibly due to nerve edema or adaptation issues to a new environment. 2. It is recommended to consult with the original surgeon regarding the need for further examina...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Why Can't My Dad Move His Ankles and Toes?
Navigating Disability Claims for Multiple Health Issues: A Guide
Please consult regarding the application for disability due to multiple conditions such as scoliosis, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), and psychological issues, along with related recommendations? # Medical History Summary Scoliosis: 58 degrees, unable to sit or stand for...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Based on your description, 1. It may be possible to assess the applicability of the "Disability Assessment Form," specifically Category I or Category VII. However, it is necessary to have a fixed long-term follow-up for a certain period before a specialist physic...[Read More] Navigating Disability Claims for Multiple Health Issues: A Guide
Post-Operative Issues After Lumbar Fusion Surgery: Common Symptoms and Solutions
Lumbar L345 fusion surgery, postoperative issues? Hello, Dr. Lai. I underwent a lumbar spinal fusion surgery at the L3-L5 levels on April 17. Monthly X-ray follow-ups have shown good recovery, but starting from the fifth week, I have been experiencing some soreness (not pain) on ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. Some patients may experience discomfort within 2-4 weeks post-surgery. 2. Others may have delayed symptoms that appear 4-5 weeks later. 3. Initially, take medication, apply heat, and undergo rehabilitation. If there is no improvement, please consult the surgeon who perf...[Read More] Post-Operative Issues After Lumbar Fusion Surgery: Common Symptoms and Solutions
Post-Operative Issues After Lumbar Fusion Surgery: Common Symptoms and Solutions
Lumbosacral fusion surgery at the L3-L5 levels, postoperative complications? Hello, Dr. Lai. I underwent a lumbar spinal fusion surgery at the L3-L5 levels on April 17th. Monthly X-ray follow-ups have shown good recovery, but starting from the fifth week, I have been experiencing...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. Some patients may experience discomfort within 2-4 weeks post-surgery. 2. Others may have delayed symptoms that appear 4-5 weeks later. 3. Initially, take medication, apply heat, and undergo rehabilitation. If there is no improvement, please consult the surgeon who perf...[Read More] Post-Operative Issues After Lumbar Fusion Surgery: Common Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Disc Herniation: Symptoms, Treatment, and MRI Insights
Herniated disc I would like to consult Dr. Lai regarding my condition. I have cervical spine compression at levels C4, C5, and C6 affecting the spinal cord, and a ruptured intervertebral disc at the lumbar spine L5-S1. I underwent an anterior cervical discectomy on February 22. P...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. If there is severe preoperative compression of the cervical spinal cord that has already caused damage, some patients may experience abnormal sensations postoperatively and may require medication in conjunction with rehabilitation therapy. 2. It is also occasionally obs...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: Symptoms, Treatment, and MRI Insights
Can Nerve Repair Improve Vocal Cord Paralysis After Trauma?
Reinnervation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in vocal cord paralysis? Hello Doctor, last March I was involved in a car accident and required an emergency tracheostomy. Two days later, the physician decided to reposition the tracheostomy due to concerns about its initial placeme...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. This field belongs to otolaryngology, and currently, most treatments can only target non-closure of the vocal cords through injection of fillers, such as hyaluronic acid or others. 2. There are few reports, both domestically and internationally, regarding the reconstruc...[Read More] Can Nerve Repair Improve Vocal Cord Paralysis After Trauma?
Long-Term Effects of Head Trauma: Understanding Post-Concussion Symptoms
Post-concussion syndrome? Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask about my mother's condition. Five years ago, she was driving and hit the left side of her head against the car window. At the time, there was no bleeding, but there was swelling, and she applied ice. She experience...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: In theory, it is rare to have such long-lasting sequelae (five years), but it is still possible. If you are concerned, take her to the hospital to see a neurosurgeon for evaluation. Wishing you all the best. By Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgery.[Read More] Long-Term Effects of Head Trauma: Understanding Post-Concussion Symptoms
Understanding Quadriceps Cramps: Causes and Solutions for Active Cyclists and Runners
Quadriceps muscle cramp Hello, doctor. I take personal days off and often ride my road bike up Yangmingshan, Erziping, or similar places in the evenings. I have also participated in several half marathons, so I consider myself to be quite active in sports. This exercise habit has...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Cramps while cycling uphill or running are quite common. The possible common causes are: 1. Dehydration and electrolyte loss due to sweating 2. Increased body temperature and lower limb muscle temperature after exercise 3. Increased oxygen consumption by muscles leading to...[Read More] Understanding Quadriceps Cramps: Causes and Solutions for Active Cyclists and Runners
Post-Operative Consultation for L5-S1 Fusion Surgery Complications
Postoperative Consultation for L5-S1 Surgery Hello Dr. Lai, I previously underwent an anterior spinal fusion surgery due to grade II spondylolisthesis at the L5-S1 level. (Before the surgery, I experienced persistent pain on the left side, while the right side had no symptoms.)...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. Indeed, some individuals may experience symptoms on the opposite side after a dislocation is reduced, which could be due to temporary discomfort in the new environment following the renovation of an old house. 2. It would be advisable to discuss this further with the or...[Read More] Post-Operative Consultation for L5-S1 Fusion Surgery Complications
Understanding Neck Issues: Symptoms and Relief for Cervical Disc Problems
Neck issues Hello Doctor, I have a slight protrusion of the cervical intervertebral discs at C3-C4-C5-C6 (as seen on MRI), so I underwent cervical traction (vertical). Initially, I had no pain in my shoulders or neck. However, during the first traction session (50 kg), after pull...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. It is speculated that after cervical traction, the junction between the occiput, anterior mandible, and cervical spine has been stretched. 2. If this movement causes discomfort, you can discuss with your rehabilitation physician whether to postpone it. Applying heat to ...[Read More] Understanding Neck Issues: Symptoms and Relief for Cervical Disc Problems
Should You Undergo Surgery for Heavy Legs Due to Nerve Compression?
Heavy sensation in the lower limbs? Since last year, I have been experiencing a heavy sensation in my lower limbs and a swaying feeling while walking. An MRI revealed compression at cervical levels 5, 6, and 7, as well as compression and a herniated disc at lumbar level 5. The ne...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is suspected that your unsteady gait is due to cervical spinal cord pathology. If an MRI confirms spinal cord compression and the symptoms are significant, surgery for decompression may be recommended. As for nerve conduction studies, they are later indicators that can ...[Read More] Should You Undergo Surgery for Heavy Legs Due to Nerve Compression?
Understanding Mid-Back and Peripheral Numbness: Causes and Solutions
Mid-back numbness and peripheral numbness? Hello Doctor, in the past week or two, I have been experiencing a tingling sensation, similar to an electric shock, in the middle right part of my back. This usually occurs when I extend my right arm forward, lean forward, grip something...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Preliminary assessment suggests that 1. your hand symptoms may be due to nerve compression from the cervical spine or upper limbs. Corresponding nerve examinations can be arranged for evaluation. 2. The back symptoms may be related to thoracic nerve issues, which should al...[Read More] Understanding Mid-Back and Peripheral Numbness: Causes and Solutions
Risks of Spine Surgery in Patients with VRE Infection
VRE Infection and Spinal Surgery My mother has a compression fracture that is pressing on her spinal nerves, resulting in paralysis of her lower body. She has been hospitalized for over a month. The doctor has recommended a decompression surgery with the placement of bone screws....
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Performing surgery in the presence of an infection increases the risk of wound infection and bacterial dissemination, potentially leading to sepsis. However, if there is nerve compression resulting in lower limb paralysis, surgery may be the only option for improvement. Fr...[Read More] Risks of Spine Surgery in Patients with VRE Infection
Post-Surgery Recovery Challenges After Lumbar Disc Rupture: Seeking Solutions
Postoperative care after lumbar disc herniation surgery? Dear Doctor, I underwent two surgeries in 2020 for L3-4-5 lumbar spine stabilization with interbody fusion devices. My recovery was good, and three months post-surgery, I returned to delivering food. After nearly a year, ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: If the damage is severe before surgery, the postoperative recovery may not be ideal. Your condition is more complex. We need to review MRI and other imaging studies to provide you with a clearer assessment and recommendations. You can bring a series of MRIs for a consultat...[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery Challenges After Lumbar Disc Rupture: Seeking Solutions
Post-Discectomy Recovery: Managing Nerve Pain and Weakness
Postoperative care following discectomy? Hello Doctor: I underwent my first spinal surgery in mid-October 2022. After the surgery, the pain caused by my spine completely disappeared. However, in August 2023, I experienced symptoms of soreness, numbness, and pain in both legs agai...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is recommended to engage in serious rehabilitation for 3 to 6 months. Wishing you a speedy recovery. By Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Post-Discectomy Recovery: Managing Nerve Pain and Weakness
Post-Surgery Recovery: Why Can't My Father Get Out of Bed?
There has been improvement after the surgery, but the patient is still unable to get out of bed? Last September, my father underwent spinal surgery due to a car accident, which involved two vertebrae slipping and one fractured vertebra. During the surgery, screws and bone cement ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Generally, improvement is expected within 3 to 6 months post-surgery. If it has been nearly 3 months since November and there has been limited improvement despite rehabilitation exercises, it is advisable to discuss with your physician the possibility of follow-up imaging ...[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery: Why Can't My Father Get Out of Bed?
Post-Surgery Recovery: Why Can't My Father Get Out of Bed?
There has been improvement after the surgery, but the patient is still unable to get out of bed? Last September, my father underwent spinal surgery due to a car accident, which involved two vertebrae slipping and one fractured. During the procedure, screws and bone cement were us...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Generally, improvement occurs gradually within 3 to 6 months post-surgery. If it has been nearly 3 months since November and the improvement is limited despite rehabilitation exercises, it is advisable to discuss with your physician whether to pursue follow-up imaging to a...[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery: Why Can't My Father Get Out of Bed?
Can Masturbation Cause Neck Injuries? Understanding Disc Issues and Posture
Can masturbation cause neck injuries? Hello, doctor. Recently, I hit my head and had an X-ray of my neck. The doctor mentioned that there are two bone spurs and a herniated cervical disc. I would like to ask, besides frequently using my phone, could poor posture and stiffness in ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. Cervical spine injuries in the general population are often caused by impacts to the head, whiplash injuries to the cervical spine, or prolonged periods of looking down or up while working, using a mobile phone, or having an inadequate pillow, which can lead to poor cer...[Read More] Can Masturbation Cause Neck Injuries? Understanding Disc Issues and Posture
Understanding Upper Back and Rib Pain After COVID-19: Causes and Solutions
Pain in the upper back and rib area? Hello, my mother is 66 years old. She was first diagnosed with COVID-19 on December 9, 2022, and tested negative on December 19. During her infection, she experienced severe throat pain and loss of smell, which have not yet recovered. She has ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is suspected that there may be a thoracolumbar compression fracture or other conditions. It is recommended to consult a spine specialist surgeon. An MRI evaluation is advised. Wishing you a speedy recovery. By Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Department of Spine Surgery, Changhua Hos...[Read More] Understanding Upper Back and Rib Pain After COVID-19: Causes and Solutions
Electric Shock Sensation in Thumb: Possible Nerve Issue Explained
There is a tingling sensation in the thumb? Recently, I have been experiencing a tingling and electric shock-like sensation in my right thumb when washing my hands with cold water. However, this sensation does not occur when I use warm water during a shower. The tingling and pain...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. It is suspected to be a peripheral circulation issue, possibly combined with fasciitis or nerve compression, which requires further examination for confirmation. 2. Based on your description, the symptoms are not severe. It is recommended to start with heat therapy or p...[Read More] Electric Shock Sensation in Thumb: Possible Nerve Issue Explained