Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and When to Seek Help
Sciatica Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask if these symptoms are related to sciatica? Can they be treated with rehabilitation alone, or do I need further examinations? If so, which specialist should I see? Thank you! I have pain in the lumbar region, neck and shoulder discomfort...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Your lumbar spine, cervical spine, and knees all need to be examined. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon for evaluation. Physical therapy can be attempted, but whether you can recover through rehabilitation will depend on your condition. Best wishes. // Dr. Lai Ch...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and When to Seek Help
Pregnancy Concerns After Multiple Failed Spine Surgeries: What to Know
I have undergone two surgeries on the lumbar spine at L4-5 and S1, but they have still been unsuccessful. Is it possible for me to become pregnant? Dear Dr. Lai, Hello! Thank you for your hard work. I am the patient who previously visited your clinic; I had a failed lumbar spine...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Sorry for the late reply, I've been busy. 1. Is my body able to handle this? I suggest you first consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist to confirm the presence of the embryo. If it is confirmed, I recommend you: "Be strong as a mother." First, take care o...[Read More] Pregnancy Concerns After Multiple Failed Spine Surgeries: What to Know
Why Does My Left Hand Go Numb When Washing? A Neurological Concern
When demonstrating the handwashing posture, the left half of the palm may experience numbness? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about an issue I've been experiencing. Every time I get home from work and first show the gesture of washing my hands, the left side of my palm b...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is suspected that the nerves in your hand may be compressed. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. Wishing you the best with Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, a neurosurgeon.[Read More] Why Does My Left Hand Go Numb When Washing? A Neurological Concern
Can Microsurgery Help Repair a Severed Wrist Nerve?
The wrist was cut by a metal piece, leaving only a small portion of the nerve intact? I apologize, but I would like to ask about a family member who cut their wrist with a metal piece. The doctor mentioned that one of the nerves is almost completely severed. When we took him to t...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: You should take your family member to the hospital to see a neurosurgeon for an assessment of the extent of the injury and to determine if microsurgery is necessary. Best wishes, Neurosurgeon Lai Chao-Kang.[Read More] Can Microsurgery Help Repair a Severed Wrist Nerve?
Post-Operative Care Challenges for Craniopharyngioma Patients
Postoperative care issues following craniopharyngioma surgery? Hello Dr. Lai, my father underwent surgery for a craniopharyngioma in May and is currently resting at home. His condition is as follows: 1. He is experiencing diabetes insipidus, but the doctor has not prescribed an...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. The diabetes insipidus is excessive; it is recommended to return to the original surgeon for a follow-up. 2. This excessive diabetes insipidus can interfere with the body's fluid and electrolyte balance, leading to potential issues such as shock, which poses a risk...[Read More] Post-Operative Care Challenges for Craniopharyngioma Patients
Post-Traumatic Recovery: Addressing Balance Issues After Spinal Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery for the first lumbar vertebra, subarachnoid hemorrhage? Hello Doctor, I previously had a car accident that resulted in subarachnoid hemorrhage. The doctor said it would absorb on its own, and I was in a coma in the intensive care unit for about two week...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: I personally suggest that both the brain and spine need further evaluation. Please visit the neurosurgery outpatient clinic for a physician's assessment. Wishing you all the best. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang[Read More] Post-Traumatic Recovery: Addressing Balance Issues After Spinal Surgery
Understanding Post-Trauma Walking Instability: Brain vs. Lumbar Spine Issues
Minimally invasive surgery for the first lumbar vertebra, subarachnoid hemorrhage? Hello Doctor, I previously had a car accident that resulted in subarachnoid hemorrhage. The doctor said it would absorb on its own, and I was in a coma in the intensive care unit for about two week...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: I personally suggest that both the brain and spine need further evaluation. Please visit the neurosurgery outpatient clinic for a physician's assessment. Wishing you well. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang[Read More] Understanding Post-Trauma Walking Instability: Brain vs. Lumbar Spine Issues
Is Artificial Disc Replacement Suitable for Mild Scoliosis?
Could you please provide more details about scoliosis and artificial intervertebral discs? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if I have two herniated discs in my cervical spine and my doctor has recommended artificial disc replacement. If I also have a mild scoliosis, would it be...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Generally, scoliosis has less impact on the cervical spine, but if you need to implant an artificial disc in the cervical spine, you should consider whether you choose 1. mobile or 2. fusion type. If you opt for the mobile type, greater attention must be paid to the implan...[Read More] Is Artificial Disc Replacement Suitable for Mild Scoliosis?
Understanding Disc Herniation: Severity, Treatment Options, and Surgery
The severity of a herniated disc and the decision to undergo surgery? Hello Doctor, earlier this year I experienced muscle tightness in my back (with a forward protrusion on the right side). During the Lunar New Year, I began to have lower back pain and numbness in my legs (with ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. The nucleus pulposus at the L5-S1 level can be absorbed, but if left untreated for a long time, it will degenerate, become dehydrated, and harden, making it more difficult to manage later. Additionally, the intervertebral height will gradually decrease, which can lead...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: Severity, Treatment Options, and Surgery
Understanding Right-Sided Scalp Numbness: Causes and Concerns
Numbness on the right side of the head? I have recently noticed that a specific area on the right side of my scalp occasionally experiences sudden numbness, but it resolves within a few seconds. This happens at least 10 times a day. Doctor, what could be wrong with me?
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It's hard to say, but generally, it shouldn't be a serious issue. I recommend seeing a doctor in person, either a neurologist or a neurosurgeon. Best wishes to you. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Right-Sided Scalp Numbness: Causes and Concerns
Is Nerve Block Therapy Effective for L4-L5 Disc Herniation Pain?
Intervertebral Disc Herniation Nerve Block Procedure Hello, is it appropriate to use nerve block therapy for nerve compression caused by an L4-L5 intervertebral disc herniation (resulting in numbness and pain on the outer thigh and calf, as well as lower back pain when extending ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. Most patients can be suitable, but it still depends on the individual patient and MRI or other examinations to make a judgment. 2. There should be improvement in numbness, but it also depends on the degree of compression and damage; if the injury is severe, the effectiv...[Read More] Is Nerve Block Therapy Effective for L4-L5 Disc Herniation Pain?
Understanding Numbness in the Ring and Pinky Fingers: Causes and Self-Care Tips
Numbness in the ring finger and little finger? Hello doctor, I started feeling numbness in my little finger and ring finger yesterday. Today, in addition to the numbness in those fingers, I also feel a sensation of numbness in the palm below them and along the inner side of my ar...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It may be ulnar nerve neuropathy or another condition. You can start by applying a warm compress to the affected area and performing arm swinging exercises. If there is no improvement after one week, please consult a neurosurgeon. Best wishes from Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neuros...[Read More] Understanding Numbness in the Ring and Pinky Fingers: Causes and Self-Care Tips
Understanding Facial Pain: Possible Causes and Treatments
Cervicogenic headache Hello doctor, on the morning of May 8th, I woke up with a tingling sensation on the right side of my face. It hurts when I touch it, and there is also pain on the right side when I open my mouth. By the evening, the pain has persisted and now I also feel pai...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is recommended that you consult a neurologist to determine if you have migraines or trigeminal neuralgia. Wishing you well from Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Facial Pain: Possible Causes and Treatments
Is Heat Therapy Safe for Neck Pain and Nerve Compression?
Neck heat therapy issues? Hello Doctor, I am currently 37 years old and experiencing neck and shoulder pain with numbness in my hands. I have been undergoing rehabilitation since December of last year, and in April, I had an MRI at the hospital which showed a herniated disc at th...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. Rehabilitation may improve your symptoms (neck and shoulder pain, hand numbness). However, it will not fundamentally resolve the issue of the herniated disc at the C5-6 level compressing the nerve by about one-third. 2. Heat therapy should not be too hot (over 45 degree...[Read More] Is Heat Therapy Safe for Neck Pain and Nerve Compression?
Concerns About Delayed Brain Hemorrhage in a Toddler After a Fall
A 1 year and 5 month old baby fell and hit their head, and currently cannot put weight on their left foot properly? Hello Doctor: My baby girl (1 year and 5 months) fell on the afternoon of April 9th and has been unable to stand normally since then. When she tries to stand, her l...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: CT scans involve radiation, so please return to Taiwan for a consultation. It is best to visit a large hospital that is a medical center with a pediatric neurosurgery department. Wishing you well, Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang.[Read More] Concerns About Delayed Brain Hemorrhage in a Toddler After a Fall
Should You Continue Rehab for Herniated Discs? Expert Insights
Should I continue rehabilitation for a herniated disc? Hello, doctor. I am 177 cm tall and weigh 70 kg. In March of this year, I visited a neurologist. Initially, the straight leg raise test, X-rays, and nerve conduction studies showed no issues. On March 29, I had an MRI, and du...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: I have reviewed your MRI images, and there is indeed a condition present. Your questions are: 1. Based on my MRI, what is the likelihood of recovery through rehabilitation? 2. Why might my symptoms worsen after the first rehabilitation session? 3. If I want to continue reh...[Read More] Should You Continue Rehab for Herniated Discs? Expert Insights
Understanding Lumbar Pain: When to Seek Neurosurgery Consultation
Lumbar spine issues I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Initially, you thought your lower back pain was related to your menstrual cycle, but later you felt that something was not right as the pain persisted. You haven't experienced any falls or collisions, and you&#...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, please schedule another consultation with a neurosurgeon. May I ask if an MRI can be performed? It would be best to consult a neurosurgeon with a specialization in spinal disorders. Best wishes to Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, the Director of Spine Neurosurgery at Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Pain: When to Seek Neurosurgery Consultation
Managing C7 Vertebra Fracture: Sleep Positions and Recovery Tips
Fracture of the seventh cervical vertebra? If the seventh cervical vertebra is fractured due to a car accident and treated with a soft cervical collar without surgery, it is important to follow specific guidelines for sleeping and daily activities. 1. **Sleeping Position**: It ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
1. Side-lying, sleeping on the side - please wear a cervical collar as well. 2. For a normal person, fracture healing generally takes about 3 months. Therefore, wearing a cervical collar for 3 months is the safest option, so hospitalization for 3 months is not feasible. Thus, p...[Read More] Managing C7 Vertebra Fracture: Sleep Positions and Recovery Tips
Understanding Disc Herniation: Rehab Options and Surgical Solutions
Intervertebral disc rupture Recently, an MRI revealed a rupture of the L5-S1 intervertebral disc. I have a few questions for the doctor: 1. Is it appropriate to undergo rehabilitation with lumbar traction therapy for a ruptured disc? Could this worsen the protrusion? 2. If surgic...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. You may consider rehabilitation with lumbar traction, but a professional physician's evaluation is necessary. 2. It is possible to only excise the herniated portion, but preoperative assessment of the damage and stability is required to prevent future recurrence, i...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: Rehab Options and Surgical Solutions
Post-Operative Symptoms After Anterior Cervical Discectomy: What to Expect?
Inquire about the postoperative sequelae of anterior cervical discectomy? Hello Doctor: My father is currently in his 50s and has experienced an inability to move his neck up and down or side to side. After visiting the hospital, the doctor recommended surgery, and he underwent p...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: A few individuals may suggest starting rehabilitation first. Wishing you all the best. // Dr. Chao-Kang Lai, Department of Spine Surgery[Read More] Post-Operative Symptoms After Anterior Cervical Discectomy: What to Expect?