Understanding Burst Fractures: Consequences of Falls and Medical Care Challenges
A fall from height resulting in a burst fracture of the first lumbar vertebra? I would like to inquire about a situation involving a patient who fell from the fourth floor. The physician, citing the patient's non-compliance and inability to locate family members, had the hos...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Based on what you mentioned, if you have been injured for over three years and wish to apply for disability, you need to consult the hospital and physician where you received treatment to evaluate whether your medical history and condition meet the criteria. Additionally, ...[Read More] Understanding Burst Fractures: Consequences of Falls and Medical Care Challenges
Chronic Back Pain: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Which department to see? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my long-term back pain (I can't determine if it's my lower back or upper back that hurts). Whenever I exert myself by lifting something upwards or bending forward, I experience pain (sometimes the pain fee...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. Best wishes to you. Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of the Spine Neurosurgery Department, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Chronic Back Pain: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Understanding Sacral Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Sacral cyst? Hello, Doctor Lai. I have been experiencing a feeling of anal heaviness and occasional urges to defecate for nearly a month and a half. During this time, I consulted a colorectal surgeon and underwent a colonoscopy, where I was told I have hemorrhoids (not significan...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. Sacral cysts are classified as meningeal cysts, originating from the membranes surrounding the spinal cord, thus referred to as "intradural meningeal cysts" for this category of diseases. Most intradural meningeal cysts are considered congenital, while some ar...[Read More] Understanding Sacral Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Post-Surgery Numbness in Foot After Tibial Plateau Fracture: Causes and Recovery
Numbness in the foot after surgery for a fracture? Hello Doctor, I underwent surgery for a tibial plateau fracture reduction, and I'm experiencing unexplained numbness in my foot. During the surgery, I received general anesthesia, and while the area around the incision is no...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is recommended to first consult the original surgeon. You may also consider seeing a neurosurgeon. Best wishes to you.[Read More] Post-Surgery Numbness in Foot After Tibial Plateau Fracture: Causes and Recovery
Understanding C1 Vertebral Fractures: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Fracture of the posterior arch of the first cervical vertebra? Hello, Dr. Lai! My father-in-law fell from a height of about three meters at a construction site, landing on the right side of his head. Upon arrival at the hospital, he was diagnosed with intracranial hemorrhage and ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: A posterior arch fracture of the first cervical vertebra, if classified as a stable fracture, can be treated conservatively with a cervical collar. However, if there is nerve compression with significant symptoms and the patient's overall condition is suitable, surger...[Read More] Understanding C1 Vertebral Fractures: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Understanding Mild Numbness in the Left Leg After a Motorcycle Accident
There is a slight numbness in the left leg? Hello, Doctor. On the night of March 14th, I had an accident while riding my motorcycle home after class. I was startled by a motorcycle that made an illegal left turn, which caused me to fall. My estimated speed at the time was around ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: I suspect a possible sprain in the left calf. Let's observe it for 1-2 weeks. If there is no improvement, please seek further evaluation. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgeon.[Read More] Understanding Mild Numbness in the Left Leg After a Motorcycle Accident
Is Surgery Necessary for Sciatica? Exploring Treatment Options
Does sciatica require surgery? Doctor, my father has recently experienced pain and numbness in his leg, making it difficult for him to walk, although he can still move. It seems to happen a lot, but if his posture is incorrect, he feels some tingling and pain. After an MRI, the i...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: If the symptoms are bearable, you can first try rest, medication, exercise, and rehabilitation. If the symptoms are severe and intolerable, surgical treatment may be considered. Some patients may improve with rehabilitation (but this does not mean that the nerve compressio...[Read More] Is Surgery Necessary for Sciatica? Exploring Treatment Options
Understanding Water-Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Back Pain
Water-cooled radiofrequency ablation for lower back pain? Hello Doctor: My mother fell at the end of August last year and was diagnosed with a compression fracture of the first lumbar vertebra. She underwent a cryoablation procedure immediately, and on the same day post-surgery, ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. Water-cooled radiofrequency ablation is primarily used for treating lumbar disc herniation, but it can also be applied in pain nerve block procedures. 2. Low-temperature bone cement is injected into vertebral fractures to accelerate the stabilization of the fracture. Bo...[Read More] Understanding Water-Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Back Pain
Understanding Sudden Calf Tremors: Normal Reflex or Nerve Issue?
There is frequent intense shaking in the lower leg for about 2 seconds, occurring only once every morning? In recent weeks, I have been experiencing a warm sensation in my feet while under the covers, but after waking up from sleep, my feet stretch out and the area below my calve...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, if it has been ongoing for more than two weeks, you should see a neurologist or a neurosurgeon. Best wishes. // Neurosurgery, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Calf Tremors: Normal Reflex or Nerve Issue?
Understanding Thigh Nerve Compression: Treatment Options and Relief Strategies
Treatment options for femoral nerve compression? Hello Doctor, my mother has been experiencing a sensation of pressure and tingling in the groin area of her right thigh at night for the past four years. She often wakes up in the middle of the night feeling numb and needs to stand...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, There is often a feeling of pressure and a crawling sensation in the groin area, and I frequently wake up with numbness in the middle of the night. 1. It could be due to neuropathic groin pain. 2. It may also be caused by compression of the lumbar nerves. However, a scan...[Read More] Understanding Thigh Nerve Compression: Treatment Options and Relief Strategies
Managing Hyperhidrosis: Exploring Anticholinergic Medications and Alternatives
Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) Hello, Doctor! 1. I have been experiencing palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis for a long time. Currently, I am managing my hand sweating with iontophoresis, but it seems to have compensated with sweating all over my body and feet. I have tried t...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: If you cannot coexist peacefully with hand sweating, you may consider trying medication short-term if you can accept the side effects. After that, reassess and decide whether to pursue long-term management. Wishing you well, Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang. 1. Glycopyrrola...[Read More] Managing Hyperhidrosis: Exploring Anticholinergic Medications and Alternatives
Understanding Thumb Joint Pain: Causes and Specialist Recommendations
Hand issues Hello, doctor. Since last night, I've been experiencing a sharp pain in the joint of my left thumb whenever it comes into contact with cold water, but there is no pain with warm water. The painful area is only at the inner joint of the thumb, and there is not muc...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Inflammation of the fascia and tendons within the joint, as well as neuritis, may occur. If your finger movement is normal, it is recommended to apply heat and observe for 1-2 weeks. If there is no improvement, seek medical attention. You may consult a neurosurgeon, Dr. La...[Read More] Understanding Thumb Joint Pain: Causes and Specialist Recommendations
Understanding Chest and Abdominal Tightness: When to Seek Medical Help
The chest and abdomen feel like they are being constricted by a rope? Hello Doctor: 1. In early September, I experienced a sensation of being bound by a rope under my left rib cage (upper left abdomen), which later spread to the right side, and I began to feel a constricting se...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is suspected to be a spinal nerve issue. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. Best wishes to you. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang[Read More] Understanding Chest and Abdominal Tightness: When to Seek Medical Help
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Treatment Options Explored
After undergoing two spinal surgeries, if you experience a slippage of the L4-L5 vertebrae seven years later, what treatment options are suitable for minimally invasive surgery? Hello Doctor: My mother underwent spinal surgery years ago due to complications from a car accident, a...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. There is a slippage at the L4-L5 vertebrae with a fracture. Additionally, there have been two spinal surgeries, and the screws have been removed. Without support, the lumbar region is definitely more unstable and uncomfortable. 2. If you have tried medications and rehab...[Read More] Minimally Invasive Surgery for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Treatment Options Explored
Is Surgery the Right Choice for Your Herniated Disc?
Is surgery suitable for a herniated disc? Hello, Director. I have undergone several imaging examinations as follows: 1. After performing deep squats on July 15, 2018, I was unable to stand the next day. Whenever I stood up, I felt significant discomfort in my right posterior hi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. I have reviewed your imaging, and there is indeed nerve compression. If you are young and have already tried conservative rehabilitation treatment without satisfactory results, you may consider minimally invasive surgery to directly relieve the pressure on the nerve. ...[Read More] Is Surgery the Right Choice for Your Herniated Disc?
Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery and Sympathetic Nerve Issues
Cervical spine surgery (sympathetic nerve) Hello Dr. Lai: I fell from a ladder and injured my cervical spine, which has resulted in back pain, headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, blurred vision, palpitations, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, memory loss, anxiety, gastroin...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. If you have undergone surgery at another hospital and have not experienced any improvement after 4 months, you can undergo an MRI examination for evaluation; there is no such thing as "only X-rays." 2. Your symptoms may be caused by cervical spinal cord nerve ...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery and Sympathetic Nerve Issues
Understanding C2 Vertebra Issues: Impacts on Arm Circulation and Treatment Options
Cervical vertebra 2 (C2) Hello Dr. Lai, I previously raised a question regarding my right arm feeling poor blood circulation (#140649). Thank you for your response. On October 16, I was struck from behind by a taxi, and when I fell, I landed on my hands. I went to the emergency r...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. What you mentioned: "There is an old fracture at the second cervical vertebra, but it has healed; however, the ligaments may have become lax." Generally speaking, if there is ligament laxity at C2, the symptoms often include occipital pain. Additionally, laxit...[Read More] Understanding C2 Vertebra Issues: Impacts on Arm Circulation and Treatment Options
Understanding Post-Procedure Pain After Bone Cement Surgery
Issues After Bone Cement Procedure Hello, I would like to ask about my grandmother. A few days after her vertebroplasty surgery, she experienced back soreness, and after a few more days, she still feels nerve pain in her back. What could be the reason for this? Shouldn't the...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: There are many types of spinal disorders in the elderly, and the spine consists of several vertebrae, not just one type of treatment like vertebroplasty. It is recommended to return for a follow-up examination. Wishing you all the best.[Read More] Understanding Post-Procedure Pain After Bone Cement Surgery
Understanding Arm Circulation Issues After a Car Accident: What to Do Next
Poor blood circulation in the right arm? Hello, doctor. I was hit by a taxi from the right rear on October 16 and fell to the ground, supporting myself with both hands. At the time of the incident, I only felt pain in my right thigh and calf. After an X-ray at the emergency room ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It may be a cervical nerve issue. I recommend consulting a neurosurgeon. Best wishes to you. // Director of the Spine and Neurosurgery Department at Changhua Hospital, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang.[Read More] Understanding Arm Circulation Issues After a Car Accident: What to Do Next
Understanding Neck Stiffness and Dizziness After a Fall: What to Do?
Stiff neck Hello, I accidentally slipped backward five days ago and have been experiencing persistent dizziness. In the past two days, I've also noticed tingling in my scalp, and my shoulders and neck feel a bit stiff, making me hesitant to move. Is this a normal phenomenon?...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: If you may have an injury to your cervical spine, you can try neck protection, heat therapy, and applying analgesic ointment. If there is no improvement or if the condition worsens, it is advisable to consult a neurosurgeon for evaluation. Wishing you well, Dr. Lai Chao-Ka...[Read More] Understanding Neck Stiffness and Dizziness After a Fall: What to Do?