Post-Surgery Concerns for Giant Cell Tumor of the Spine: What to Expect?
Postoperative issues following surgery for giant cell tumor of the spine? I have a giant cell tumor at my lumbar spine L3. I underwent surgery at the beginning of February, and the doctor mentioned that the tumor was removed cleanly. He specifically referred to the surgical metho...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, theoretically, as you wait for your spinal fusion, the stability should increase and your symptoms may improve. I recommend that you consult with your surgical medical team. Best wishes to you.[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns for Giant Cell Tumor of the Spine: What to Expect?
Understanding Occipital Neuralgia Symptoms and Treatment Options
Symptoms of occipital neuralgia? Hello doctor, about a week ago (07/03), I started feeling a painful, swollen lump near the left back of my head close to my neck. The next day, I began to experience scalp pain and some tingling sensations. After researching online, I suspected it...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Based on what you described, there is currently a raised area that is slightly red and swollen... I recommend that you see a dermatologist for further evaluation. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Occipital Neuralgia Symptoms and Treatment Options
Intermittent Thigh Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Inner thigh stabbing pain? Recently, I experienced intermittent sharp pain in the inner thigh muscles while sleeping, but it was gone by the time I woke up in the morning. This has happened before, but the duration was always short and not as painful as this time. When the pain o...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: If it occurs infrequently, it is advisable to first observe and monitor, paying attention to whether there are any significant changes in lifestyle, environment, or diet on the day of the episode or in the 2-3 days prior. For example, standing for long periods, walking or ...[Read More] Intermittent Thigh Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding Lumbar Pain: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Discomfort in the lumbar spine? Hello Doctor: I experience pain in my lumbar spine when I get up from a lying position, and it also hurts when I cough. What could be the cause of this persistent pain?
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, it is suspected to be a lumbar spine issue, most commonly involving the muscles, ligaments, joints, or even the cartilage and intervertebral discs. It is recommended to avoid bending over, rest, and wear a lumbar support for 1-2 weeks. If there is no improvement or if disc...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Pain: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Understanding Cervical Osteophytes: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights
Cervical osteophytes Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my mother who is 64 years old. She underwent cervical spine surgery for bone spurs ten years ago. Last year, she fell and started experiencing numbness and pain in her fingers again. It was later discovered that the...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, you just had surgery a month ago. It is recommended to follow up with your original surgeon for further examination. Wishing you well. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgery[Read More] Understanding Cervical Osteophytes: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights
Understanding Post-Surgery Pain: Symptoms After Lumbar Spine Surgery
Spondylolisthesis of the L4-L5 and L5-S1 vertebrae? Doctor, I underwent minimally invasive surgery on March 31, and it has been four weeks since then. I frequently experience sharp pain and occasional burning sensations in the sole and toes of my right foot. At night, the pain of...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, for discomfort issues after surgery, it is strongly recommended to follow up with the original surgeon. Best wishes to you. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Department of Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Pain: Symptoms After Lumbar Spine Surgery
How to Apply for Disability Assessment After Spinal Injury from Accident
Disability assessment In July 2019, due to a car accident, I sustained a compression fracture of the 11th thoracic vertebra with spinal cord injury, fractures of the 5th, 6th, and 7th ribs on the left side with pneumothorax, and a pelvic fracture. Subsequently, I underwent surger...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, please return to the original surgical hospital. May I ask about the original surgeon? (You can try calling to inquire with the nursing staff during the surgeon's clinic hours.) Best wishes // Changhua Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang.[Read More] How to Apply for Disability Assessment After Spinal Injury from Accident
Post-Surgery Pain Management After Lumbosacral Dissociation Surgery
Postoperative care after vertebral arch dislocation surgery? After previously falling on my butt due to an unstable chair, I have been experiencing soreness and pain in my legs, which is more pronounced when sitting. The discomfort is felt in my thighs, calves, and the joints in ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, as you mentioned: "Last month, I had surgery with steel pins and bone grafting..." For discomfort issues after surgery, it is strongly recommended to follow up with the original surgeon. If there is no improvement post-surgery and you still have concerns, please ...[Read More] Post-Surgery Pain Management After Lumbosacral Dissociation Surgery
Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation: Symptoms and Urgent Care Tips
Cervical spine issues Hello, in February of this year, an MRI revealed a protrusion of the C5 and C6 intervertebral discs, with a broad central protrusion. However, there is still space for cerebrospinal fluid to flow when viewed from the side. After evaluation, the neurosurgeon ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. If I suddenly woke up in the morning and found my right hand resting on my head, completely numb for over a minute, and it gradually returned to normal after I moved it down... it is possible that your right hand was compressed by your head for too long while you were s...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation: Symptoms and Urgent Care Tips
Could Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Surgery Cause Hernia in Children?
Is it possible for a programmable ventriculoperitoneal shunt system to cause a hernia? Hello, doctor! My daughter is 4 years old and has achondroplasia. She underwent a drainage surgery at the end of December last year, but in the following months, signs of a femoral hernia were ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: If it is an inguinal hernia, it should not be related to ventricular-peritoneal shunt drainage. Best wishes. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang[Read More] Could Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Surgery Cause Hernia in Children?
Post-Surgery Leg Cramps: Understanding Causes and Solutions After Disc Surgery
Post-operative muscle cramps in the right leg following a herniated disc surgery? Hello Doctor: My father is 73 years old. After undergoing surgery for a herniated disc last month, he has been experiencing intermittent cramps and spasms in his right leg about two weeks post-opera...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: If you are unable to improve with the treatment from your original surgeon, you may consider obtaining pre-operative MRI copies and consulting with another neurosurgeon. Wishing you the best. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang[Read More] Post-Surgery Leg Cramps: Understanding Causes and Solutions After Disc Surgery
Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Trigeminal neuralgia? Hello Doctor, since last month, I have been experiencing severe pain in my right molars. I initially thought it was periodontal disease or cavities, so I visited a dental clinic. However, both clinics assessed that my dental condition was excellent and found...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: How is your report from April 14? If there is no improvement in your symptoms, it is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon for evaluation. Best wishes to you. // Neurosurgery Dr. Lai Chao-Kang[Read More] Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Post-Accident Nerve Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery in the Foot
After the car accident, there is cramping and tingling pain in the sole and peripheral nerves of the left foot? Hello Doctor: In February 2021, I was involved in a motorcycle accident that resulted in a fracture of the left femur, which impacted the hip bone and caused a dislocat...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, it is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon and arrange for a nerve conduction study. Best wishes. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang.[Read More] Post-Accident Nerve Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery in the Foot
Understanding Pain from Herniated Discs, Bone Spurs, and Weather Changes
Bone spur, slippage, herniated disc? Hello, Dr. Lai. I would like to ask if conditions such as herniated discs, bone spurs, and spondylolisthesis can cause pain during changes in weather, like when it rains or gets cold? Additionally, can lying down or sitting still also lead to ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Based on the symptoms described, it seems that your family member may have a lumbar spine issue. Conditions such as bone spurs, spondylolisthesis, or herniated discs within the lumbar spine can potentially compress nerves or lead to structural instability, which may cause ...[Read More] Understanding Pain from Herniated Discs, Bone Spurs, and Weather Changes
Understanding Discomfort After Minimally Invasive Surgery with Coflex
Minimally invasive surgery with the implantation of coflex? It has been a month since my minimally invasive surgery, and I am still wearing a brace. I had two coflex implants placed at L4-5 and L5-S1. There has been improvement in my leg issues, but when I sit for a while, I feel...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: I apologize, but you are not a fellow patient of mine, and I do not understand your situation before and after the surgery. Regarding this kind of postoperative discomfort, I still recommend that you consult with the original surgeon. Wishing you all the best. // Dr. Lai C...[Read More] Understanding Discomfort After Minimally Invasive Surgery with Coflex
Understanding Lower Left Back Pain: When to See a Specialist
Left lower back pain? Hello, doctor. I have lower back pain and went to see an orthopedic specialist. I also had an X-ray done, and the doctor said the cause of the pain is inflammation of the nerves due to prolonged standing or sitting. It cannot be completely cured and can only...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: General lower back pain is often related to lumbar spine issues. If it's your first occurrence, you can try rest, lumbar support, medication, and physical therapy. If it recurs or symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a neurosurgeon. If a specific lesion is con...[Read More] Understanding Lower Left Back Pain: When to See a Specialist
Understanding T9 Compression Fractures: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Compression fracture of the ninth thoracic vertebra (T9) with nerve compression? Hello Dr. Lai, my mother is 75 years old. Six months ago, she began experiencing cramping pain in the upper abdomen and near the sides of her rib cage. After undergoing a spinal MRI at Chang Gung Mem...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. The nerve at T9 is compressed, which can lead to back pain, followed by radicular chest and abdominal intercostal pain. Additionally, vertebral collapse and kyphosis can cause visceral compression discomfort, and in severe cases, spinal cord injury and paralysis, as wel...[Read More] Understanding T9 Compression Fractures: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Post-Discectomy Complications: Understanding Nerve Adhesions and Recovery
Postoperative Issues Following Discectomy In September 2020, my father was admitted to the emergency room due to acute pain from a herniated disc (L4/L5) and underwent a discectomy with the placement of a spacer. Immediately after the surgery, his symptoms improved significantly,...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Your father's nerves may have pathological changes. There are many possibilities regarding the nature of these changes. It is advisable to first discuss this with the physician who performed the original surgery. If there is no improvement, you can obtain copies of th...[Read More] Post-Discectomy Complications: Understanding Nerve Adhesions and Recovery
Understanding Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Calcification and Its Management
Regarding posterior longitudinal ligament calcification? Hello Director Lai, I have a problem with calcification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, which has already caused discomfort in my neck. I heard that this is a condition unique to Asians. May I ask, Director Lai, is ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: According to the literature: 1. Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is associated with various congenital genetic factors and multiple influencing factors. 2. Individuals who prefer pickled foods, such as kimchi, and staple foods like rice have a sig...[Read More] Understanding Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Calcification and Its Management
Post-Operative Exercise Guidelines After Laminectomy Surgery
Postoperative Exercise After Kyphoplasty Hello Dr. Lai, I previously inquired about the issue of pedicle screw and plate fixation in posterior cervical decompression surgery, and I am still struggling with the decision to undergo the surgery. I enjoy running, practicing yoga, and...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Generally, a cervical collar is required for protection for 3 months post-surgery to allow for fusion. Once fusion is confirmed, gentle movements of the cervical spine should be performed. Other activities such as running and hiking should be acceptable if done in moderati...[Read More] Post-Operative Exercise Guidelines After Laminectomy Surgery