Two vs. Four Screws in Spinal Surgery: Which is More Secure?
Regarding vertebral body augmentation, are two screws or four screws more stable? Hello Director Lai, I am considering undergoing cervical laminoplasty, as I need mini screws and a plate for my C3 to C6 vertebrae. Given the critical nature of this procedure, I have reviewed numer...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Cervical laminoplasty is performed after posterior decompression, followed by plate fixation, similar to an open book. A simplified schematic diagram can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFzvA4xkuhk. As for the number of screws used to secure the plate, it de...[Read More] Two vs. Four Screws in Spinal Surgery: Which is More Secure?
Understanding Left Foot and Spine Issues: Neurological Insights
Left foot and spine issues? Hello Doctor, last November, I felt a bit of soreness and weakness in my left foot's ring and little toes, so I sought medical attention. The doctor said that the nerve conduction study showed no abnormalities. However, in the past couple of days,...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
1. If the angle of scoliosis is too large, it may lead to pelvic misalignment, hip joint dysfunction, and an unbalanced gait, which can subsequently cause abnormal movement in one leg. 2. Regarding the sensation of your left foot's ring and little toes feeling slightly sore...[Read More] Understanding Left Foot and Spine Issues: Neurological Insights
Managing Chronic Back Pain: Insights on Degenerative Spine Issues
Sharp pain and tingling in the left posterior mid-back? Hello, Doctor: I am a working professional with a habit of slouching, which often leads to shoulder and neck pain. I regularly receive chiropractic massages for relief, but I have been experiencing sharp and stabbing pain ne...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, it is suspected that there may be a spinal issue. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. An X-ray or MRI assessment is advised. Best wishes. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang[Read More] Managing Chronic Back Pain: Insights on Degenerative Spine Issues
Post-Surgery Nerve Issues: Left Hand Improvement, Right Hand Decline
After cervical cone surgery, the left hand improved while the right hand worsened? Hello Dr. Lai, I would like to ask about my condition. I underwent surgery due to fractures in my sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae. Before the surgery, I experienced numbness and weakness in my...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. You have already undergone surgery by physicians at another hospital, and there have been changes in your symptoms. Your condition is relatively complex, and it cannot be assessed accurately with just a few sentences. 2. It is recommended that the patient bring the orig...[Read More] Post-Surgery Nerve Issues: Left Hand Improvement, Right Hand Decline
Understanding Chronic Buttock Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Expert Insights
Persistent pain in the buttocks that prevents sitting, standing, or lying down? The patient has been experiencing severe pain in the buttocks (especially the right side) while sitting, standing, and lying down for a year. This pain began shortly after undergoing arthroscopic surg...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. If you have already undergone multiple ineffective treatments from other physicians and it is considered a complex case, it is not possible to diagnose and arrange treatment based solely on a few written words. It is recommended to make an appointment and have the patie...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Buttock Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Expert Insights
Numbness in Left Pinky Toe: Possible Nerve Damage After Long Walk?
The sensation on the outer side of the left little toe has diminished? Previously, I walked for an extended period in one day, and at that time, I only experienced foot pain and soreness. Starting the next day, I noticed that the outer side of my left little toe seemed to have so...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, it is suspected to be peripheral fasciitis or neuritis. It is recommended to apply heat or soak in warm water (be careful not to burn yourself) for one week. If there is no improvement, please consult a neurologist or neurosurgeon. Best wishes. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao...[Read More] Numbness in Left Pinky Toe: Possible Nerve Damage After Long Walk?
Post-Surgery Nerve Issues: Understanding Complications After Cervical Disc Replacement
Postoperative issues following cervical disc replacement at C5-C6 and artificial cage placement at C6-C7? Hello, my father is 58 years old. A month ago, he started experiencing numbness and pain in his right arm, hand, and fingers, which has affected his daily life. After a docto...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. After cervical spine surgery, if there are new upper limb symptoms that are not significant, you can observe and follow up in 2-4 weeks. 2. If there is sudden onset of lower back pain and pain in both knees while walking, these are not symptoms related to the cervical s...[Read More] Post-Surgery Nerve Issues: Understanding Complications After Cervical Disc Replacement
Head Injury After Basketball: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Fell while playing sports and hit the back of the head? Hello Doctor, I fell while playing basketball on November 28 and hit the back of my head. I sat on the floor for a moment and then got up. There was no bleeding, but I had a swollen bump. After 3 to 4 hours at home, I felt u...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, you have undergone a CT scan which showed no intracranial hemorrhage, indicating that there is generally no immediate life threat. Your symptoms are likely similar to a concussion. Please rest and take care of yourself. Typically, medication treatment in the neurosurgery o...[Read More] Head Injury After Basketball: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding L5 Vertebral Dislocation: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Liability
L5 vertebral spondylolysis Hello, Dr. Lai! Due to a collision between a child and a motorcycle, the other party was discharged from the emergency department the same day. They returned for follow-up visits twice within two months after the emergency visit, and the diagnosis repor...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. As you have researched, vertebral arch dislocation may have some congenital issues, and combined with postnatal activities such as exercise and heavy lifting, it may worsen. Sudden traumatic injuries can also exacerbate the condition. 2. Unless you can obtain the pa...[Read More] Understanding L5 Vertebral Dislocation: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Liability
Post-Surgery Concerns: Can I Remove Screws After Lumbar Fusion?
Postoperative lumbar spine surgery Hello Doctor: I underwent fusion surgery on my lumbar spine at L4, L5, and S1 in 2015, where 6 screws were implanted. The protruding parts at L4 and L5 were removed, and a spacer was placed at L5-S1. I still feel discomfort post-surgery. I have ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, 1. If the implanted spacer has fused, the fixation screws may be considered for removal. 2. What you are feeling as a protrusion needs to be evaluated in person. It is advisable to consult an experienced spine neurosurgeon for an examination. 3. Can the spacer displace...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: Can I Remove Screws After Lumbar Fusion?
Understanding Jaw Muscle Pain: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Pain upon palpation of the muscles surrounding the mandible? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about a pain I experience near the muscles around my lower jaw on both sides, which feels like a bruise when pressed. (There is no pain when I open my mouth, only when I apply pressure...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Based on your description, there is no pain when opening your mouth wide, but there is pain when pressure is applied. The dental X-ray did not show any abnormalities, and there is no inflammation or pain in the teeth or gums. 1. It is suspected that this may be due to in...[Read More] Understanding Jaw Muscle Pain: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Numbness Around Right Toe: When to Seek Neurological Care?
Numbness around the toes of the right foot? Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I accidentally kicked a door with my right foot while walking. At that moment, I experienced significant pain in my toe. The next morning, I noticed that my right toe and the surrounding area began to feel ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is likely a plantar fascia strain. I recommend trying heat therapy and applying anti-inflammatory ointment. Observe for two weeks. If there is no improvement, seek further medical attention. Best wishes. // Neurosurgery Dr. Lai Chao-Kang[Read More] Numbness Around Right Toe: When to Seek Neurological Care?
Post-Discectomy Sciatica: Understanding Pain and Recovery Challenges
Post-operative nerve pain from the groin to the right leg, resulting in inability to walk? Hello Doctor: I am currently 49 years old. On August 21, 2020, I underwent surgery at a hospital in Taoyuan. The surgical procedures included: lumbar interbody fusion with posterior fusion ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Although you have worked hard to write a lot, I need more information for assessment and reasoning. Since I cannot see the patient or the imaging in person, I can only suggest that if the original surgeon is unable to improve your symptoms and you have other thoughts regar...[Read More] Post-Discectomy Sciatica: Understanding Pain and Recovery Challenges
Post-Surgery Complications After Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: A Patient's Experience
Postoperative Issues After Spinal Spondylolisthesis Surgery Three years ago, I underwent surgery on my lumbar spine at the L4-L5 levels. Currently, I need to wear compression stockings for support in order to walk. I also frequently experience urinary incontinence and require med...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Although you have worked hard to write a lot, I need more information for evaluation and reasoning. Since I cannot see the patient or the imaging directly, I can only suggest that you return for a follow-up appointment with the original surgeon to discuss your concerns. If...[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications After Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: A Patient's Experience
Understanding Dizziness and Nausea: Insights on AVMs and Neurological Concerns
Dizziness and nausea? 1. How can one distinguish projectile vomiting? 2. Is arteriovenous malformation of the brain a rare disease? 3. What is the probability of developing a brain arteriovenous malformation? 4. What is the cost of a brain MRI? 5. If someone has a brain a...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: If the physician deems it appropriate, an MRI of the brain can be applied for under the National Health Insurance. If you are concerned about having related conditions, it is advisable to consult a nearby neurologist or neurosurgeon for evaluation. Regarding your other que...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Nausea: Insights on AVMs and Neurological Concerns
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis: Managing Anxiety and Health Concerns
About Multiple Sclerosis? Hello, Doctor. A couple of months ago, I was worried about having Sjögren's syndrome due to dry mouth and dry throat, and after a few days of finger and toe pain, I became even more anxious and consulted a rheumatologist. The result was that everyth...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
I recommend that you consult a neurologist and arrange for relevant examinations to confirm whether it is the condition you are concerned about. If it is not, focus on living your life without attributing symptoms to yourself. Your future is long, so concentrate on your studies a...[Read More] Understanding Multiple Sclerosis: Managing Anxiety and Health Concerns
Understanding Brain AVMs: Symptoms, Risks, and Diagnosis Explained
I have a slight numbness and pain in my head? 1. Can a brain ultrasound performed during infancy detect arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)? 2. If there is no family history of stroke or arteriovenous malformations, but there is a history of diabetes and hypertension, what is my a...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. If the malformation is superficial and large enough, a brain ultrasound may be able to detect it. However, as the infant grows, it may not be visible at that time. Over the years, the congenital arteriovenous malformation may also change and enlarge, potentially being d...[Read More] Understanding Brain AVMs: Symptoms, Risks, and Diagnosis Explained
Understanding Left Leg Nerve Sensitivity: Causes and Solutions
The nerves in the left leg are particularly sensitive? Recently, I have been feeling a lightness in my left leg every day. Compared to my right leg, it feels particularly sensitive, with intermittent sensations that are neither painful nor numb. It feels like my left leg is const...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It may be a lumbar nerve issue. I recommend consulting with a neurosurgeon. Best wishes to you at Changhua Hospital, Neurosurgery Department, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang.[Read More] Understanding Left Leg Nerve Sensitivity: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Post-Surgery Recovery After Cervical Spine Surgery
Cervical conization surgery Hello, doctor. On April 2nd of this year, I experienced sudden dizziness and fainting for a few seconds after sleeping in a poor position in a car, due to congenital cervical spinal canal stenosis combined with bone spurs. I was diagnosed in China with...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is recommended to see a neurosurgeon after returning to Taipei and request an MRI of the cervical and thoracic spine to assess the status of nerve conduction. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgeon.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Recovery After Cervical Spine Surgery
Post-Surgery Challenges: Understanding Nerve Compression After Cervical Decompression
After cervical decompression surgery, the condition fluctuates? Due to a fall while hiking, my father experienced cervical spinal cord compression. He underwent cervical decompression surgery on May 18. Initially, after the surgery, he was able to sit up from the hospital bed ind...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: The so-called situation is that the intervertebral discs between the cervical vertebrae C6 and C7 collapsed, and the vertebrae collapsed backward, causing nerve compression. The doctor mentioned that this could be due to osteoporosis or a bacterial infection... There is in...[Read More] Post-Surgery Challenges: Understanding Nerve Compression After Cervical Decompression