Persistent Numbness and Pain After Finger Injury: What to Know
Pinching your fingers can cause pain and numbness? Hello Doctor: About a week ago, I accidentally got my left index finger caught in a machine at work. I went to see an orthopedic specialist and had an X-ray, which showed no bone injury. However, the area that was pinched has bee...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: If the orthopedic X-ray shows no signs of fractures, finger movement is smooth, and there is no obvious pallor or bruising, it is likely just a muscle, fascia, or periosteal contusion. It has been a week, so you can try applying heat and using anti-inflammatory ointment. M...[Read More] Persistent Numbness and Pain After Finger Injury: What to Know
Understanding Nerve Block Procedures: Recovery and Pain Management
Nerve block procedure Hello Dr. Lai: My cervical vertebrae C4 and C5 were injured in a car accident in May, and after surgery, I have been experiencing pain and weakness extending from my left shoulder to my fingers, especially in my left middle and ring fingers, which not only h...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: You should consult with your original surgeon and the physician who performed the nerve block to assess whether a repeat MRI is necessary. However, if you wish to seek a second opinion from another physician, it is advisable to bring your MRI and X-ray images. It is best t...[Read More] Understanding Nerve Block Procedures: Recovery and Pain Management
Understanding Nerve Block Procedures: Recovery and Pain Management
Nerve block technique Hello Dr. Lai: My cervical vertebrae C4 and C5 were injured in a car accident in May, and after surgery, I have been experiencing pain and weakness extending from my left shoulder to my fingers, particularly in my left middle and ring fingers, which not only...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: You should consult with your original surgeon and the physician who performed the nerve block to assess whether a repeat MRI is necessary. However, if you wish to seek a second opinion from another physician, it is advisable to bring your MRI and X-ray images. It is best t...[Read More] Understanding Nerve Block Procedures: Recovery and Pain Management
Tight Pants and Blood Circulation: What Symptoms to Watch For
Tight pants may compress blood circulation? Hello, Doctor: Yesterday, I was very tired and fell asleep while wearing my outdoor pants. When I woke up, I noticed that the pant legs were a bit tight. Although there are no bruises or discoloration now, I am very worried about the po...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. If there is indeed limb ischemia, there will be the 5 P symptoms: Pulselessness, Pain, Pallor, Paresthesia, and Paralysis, which are manifestations of limb arterial embolism. 2. Based on your description, I personally judge that it is unlikely to cause the concern you h...[Read More] Tight Pants and Blood Circulation: What Symptoms to Watch For
Why Does Hyperhidrosis Return After Surgery? Understanding Recurrence
Will hyperhidrosis recur after surgery? Hello, doctor. I had surgery for palmar hyperhidrosis about 10 to 20 years ago (it's been so long that I don't remember the exact time), and for over a decade, my hand sweating improved significantly. However, now the sweating has...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. I personally speculate that you likely underwent endoscopic sympathectomy of the axilla years ago. After many years post-surgery, the previously severed nerve fibers may have regrown and resumed conduction. 2. I do not recommend another surgery due to higher risks as...[Read More] Why Does Hyperhidrosis Return After Surgery? Understanding Recurrence
Understanding Neck Issues After Disc Surgery: Pain and Nerve Block Treatment
Neck issues Hello Dr. Lai: I was involved in a car accident in mid-May, and after the accident, I underwent artificial disc replacement surgery at the C4 and C5 levels. Post-surgery, I experienced pain in my neck that radiated to the middle and ring fingers of my left hand, accom...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: You asked three times, so I will respond all at once. 1. You can copy the pre-operative and post-operative X-rays and MRIs and place them here (if you have no privacy concerns) or bring them for discussion during the outpatient visit. 2. Of course, a referral can be made, ...[Read More] Understanding Neck Issues After Disc Surgery: Pain and Nerve Block Treatment
Understanding Neck Issues After Disc Surgery: Pain and Nerve Block Treatment
Neck issues Hello Dr. Lai: I was in a car accident in mid-May, and after the accident, I underwent artificial disc replacement surgery at the C4-C5 levels. Post-surgery, I have experienced soreness in my neck that radiates to the middle and ring fingers of my left hand, accompani...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: You asked three times, so I will respond all at once. 1. You can copy the pre-operative and post-operative X-rays and MRIs and place them here (if you have no privacy concerns) or bring them for discussion during the outpatient visit. 2. Of course, a referral is possible, ...[Read More] Understanding Neck Issues After Disc Surgery: Pain and Nerve Block Treatment
Understanding Finger Pain and Weakness After Neck Injury: A Patient's Journey
Finger soreness and weakness? Hello Dr. Lai, I had an injury to my cervical vertebrae C4 and C5 from a car accident in May. After surgery, I have been experiencing pain and weakness extending from my left shoulder down to my hand, particularly in my left middle and ring fingers,...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: You asked three times, so I will respond all at once. 1. You can copy the pre-operative and post-operative X-rays and MRIs and place them here (if you have no privacy concerns) or bring them for discussion during the outpatient visit. 2. A referral is certainly possible, b...[Read More] Understanding Finger Pain and Weakness After Neck Injury: A Patient's Journey
Should I Consider Minimally Invasive Surgery for Disc Herniation?
MRI shows intervertebral disc herniation? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if there are two clearly protruding discs that are affecting the nerves, but the cartilage has not yet ruptured, should minimally invasive surgery be considered from the beginning? Current status: I have ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. An MRI is needed to assess the situation. 2. However, if you feel that your symptoms are manageable and do not affect your quality of life, you can initially try conservative treatment, including rest, a back brace, medication, and rehabilitation therapy, followed by co...[Read More] Should I Consider Minimally Invasive Surgery for Disc Herniation?
Understanding Spinal Laminectomy and Internal Fixation Surgery
Laminectomy with internal fixation surgery? I suffered a thoracic vertebra fracture due to a car accident, which caused a dislocation that compressed the nerves. I underwent surgery for laminectomy and internal fixation. I have the following questions: 1. Can the internal fixatio...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. If the fracture and bone screws have healed and fused, it may be considered for removal. However, if there are no specific discomforts, it is usually not necessary to remove them intentionally. 2. After laminectomy, it will certainly affect the stability of the spine, w...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Laminectomy and Internal Fixation Surgery
Understanding Thoracic Disc Herniation: Risks, Recovery, and Treatment Options
Thoracic intervertebral disc herniation Hello doctor, I have been experiencing upper back pain and left anterior chest pain for six months. I consulted with a neurosurgeon at a large teaching hospital and underwent an MRI, which showed a herniated disc at the T4-T5 level compress...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, thoracic disc surgery is relatively risky. If your original physician is not confident, you may consider bringing your MRI to consult with another neurosurgeon. Wishing you the best.[Read More] Understanding Thoracic Disc Herniation: Risks, Recovery, and Treatment Options
Post-Surgery Complications After Cervical Spine Injury: What to Expect
Cervical spine surgery complications? While stopped at a red light, I was struck from behind by a truck, resulting in injuries to my cervical spine at levels C4 and C5. I underwent cervical spine surgery and had metal screws inserted. After the surgery, I received traditional Chi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: You have repeated questions, so I will answer them here. 1. If you have improved after surgery, it indicates that your nerves were severely damaged before the procedure. You will need to be patient, take medication, and undergo rehabilitation, with follow-up from your ph...[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications After Cervical Spine Injury: What to Expect
Understanding Whiplash Injuries: Recovery After Car Accident Neck Surgery
Cervical spine surgery due to a car accident? Over two months ago, I was hit directly from behind by a truck while waiting at a red light. After initial treatment for my external injuries, I was about to go home, but I started experiencing persistent pain in my neck. The orthoped...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: You have repeated your question, so I will answer it here. 1. If you have improved after surgery, it indicates that your nerves were more severely damaged before the procedure. You will need to be patient and continue with medication and rehabilitation, while your physicia...[Read More] Understanding Whiplash Injuries: Recovery After Car Accident Neck Surgery
Post-Surgery Concerns After Herniated Disc Surgery: What to Expect
Postoperative Issues Following Disc Herniation Surgery Hello Dr. Lai: Previously, I experienced soreness in my hips and legs, as well as numbness in my feet. I recently underwent surgery for a herniated disc and had a support device implanted. For the first two to three days post...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is still recommended that you consult your original surgeon, as they can provide you with the most comprehensive explanation. Best wishes to you. // Dr. Lai, Changhua Hospital[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns After Herniated Disc Surgery: What to Expect
Can I Dance with Spondylolisthesis? A Guide for Patients
Can a person with spondylolisthesis dance or exercise? Hello, doctor. I have a condition of spondylolisthesis at the L4 and L5 vertebrae due to a car accident, and I occasionally experience lower back pain that requires pain medication. I would like to know if I can practice bell...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. For the slippage of the 4th and 5th vertebrae, if the structures in that area are unstable, excessive bending, vibration, and heavy lifting may further loosen the structures. Therefore, you should avoid these activities. 2. As for dancing and similar activities, I perso...[Read More] Can I Dance with Spondylolisthesis? A Guide for Patients
Post-Spinal Surgery: Persistent Pain and Numbness in Right Knee
After spinal surgery, there is pain and numbness in the right knee? My father underwent surgery on his spine from vertebrae 1 to 5 in mid-May due to nerve compression caused by bone spurs, and the doctor informed us that there was already nerve damage. If surgery was not performe...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, as you mentioned: "The symptoms of soreness and numbness in the right knee have not improved, extending to sharp pain in the thigh muscles." It is advisable to discuss with your original surgeon whether further examination is necessary. Wishing you all the best.[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Persistent Pain and Numbness in Right Knee
Understanding Right L5 Radiculopathy: Treatment Options Beyond Rehab
L5/S1 disc herniation I previously visited Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, where a neurosurgeon requested an electromyography (EMG) test, diagnosing me with right L5 radiculopathy. The doctor advised me to undergo physical therapy, but after completing 30 sessions over three months...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: After such a long time of rehabilitation without improvement, I recommend considering an MRI and X-ray to assess the degree of nerve compression. If necessary, it may be time to consider invasive treatments, such as lumbar pain block procedures or even minimally invasive l...[Read More] Understanding Right L5 Radiculopathy: Treatment Options Beyond Rehab
Improving Shoulder Asymmetry and Recovery After Left Arm Fracture
Left arm fracture, left shoulder is lower, and the person has not regained consciousness for two months, with the left hand constantly pressing against the left chest? I have a left arm fracture, and my left shoulder is lower than the right. I was injured two months ago and have ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Based on what you described: 1. When I stand straight and have someone look at me, they notice that my shoulders are uneven, with one higher than the other. 2. Additionally, I have been told that my left breast is smaller than my right, and I need a different cup size when...[Read More] Improving Shoulder Asymmetry and Recovery After Left Arm Fracture
Understanding Spinal Fusion Surgery: When to Consider It for Young Patients
Spinal fusion surgery Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing frequent lower back pain whenever I stand or sit for long periods. Recently, I was diagnosed with a dissociation between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the first sacral vertebra, as well as spondylolisthesis (grade 1 to ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Based on what you mentioned, 1. I am 21 years old this year, but my condition is not severe; I do not experience numbness in my hands or feet, just some back pain when standing or sitting for long periods. I would like to ask the doctor if, given my situation, it would be ...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Fusion Surgery: When to Consider It for Young Patients
Understanding Lumbar Disc Rupture: Surgery and Future Pregnancy Considerations
Herniated disc Hello Dr. Lai, I have been diagnosed by an overseas physician with a severe L4 disc rupture that requires surgery. I would like to ask: 1) After the surgery to remove the herniated disc material, what methods can be employed to prevent the remaining disc from furth...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Based on your description: 1) After surgically removing the compressive mass, what methods can be employed to prevent the remaining intervertebral disc from further rupturing and causing recurrent compression? 2) Considering future pregnancy, which places significant strai...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Disc Rupture: Surgery and Future Pregnancy Considerations