Understanding Tailbone Pain: Is It a Residual Injury or Sciatica?
Spinal issues Hello, two years ago I injured my coccyx twice, but the pain only lasted for two or three days and then gradually improved. However, recently I have been experiencing sudden sharp pain from my coccyx down to my left leg while walking, which causes my leg to feel wea...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It seems to be a problem with the sciatic nerve. I recommend seeing a neurosurgeon. Best wishes to you.[Read More] Understanding Tailbone Pain: Is It a Residual Injury or Sciatica?
Post-Spinal Surgery: Understanding Urinary and Bowel Dysfunction
Post-spinal surgery, there may be difficulties with bowel and bladder function? In June 2017, I went to the hospital for an examination, and the doctor diagnosed me with a herniated disc at the L4 and L5 levels, recommending surgery. The procedure involved removing the damaged di...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Based on what you described: What is my current condition? I would like to understand my situation. Can I know which nerve is damaged? Is there a possibility of recovery? I plan to go to the hospital for further examination, but which department should I start with? Response: 1. ...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Understanding Urinary and Bowel Dysfunction
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Leg Numbness: When to Seek Surgery
Pain extending from the lower back to the hips and legs? Hello Dr. Lai, I have been lifting heavy objects for a long time. Initially, I experienced soreness in my left lower back extending to my hip and leg, with some discomfort in my calf. I cannot sit for long periods, and the...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. Your condition, my speculation: The cartilage originally contained moisture, and when it first ruptured, it was highly hydrated. Over time, it became dry and dehydrated, leading to a reduction in volume. Additionally, the acute pressure from the ruptured cartilage cau...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Leg Numbness: When to Seek Surgery
Understanding Treatment Options for Lumbar Compression Fractures
Compression fracture of the second lumbar vertebra due to a fall? Hello, my mother, born in 1944, had an accident on June 4th when she accidentally stepped into a gap and fell to the ground, resulting in a crush fracture of her second lumbar vertebra due to gravitational impact, ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: A. When performing an MRI, in addition to assessing the degree of vertebral collapse, it is also important to evaluate whether there is nerve compression. B. Generally, if the vertebral height is collapsed by 1/2 and there are symptoms of buttock and leg pain due to nerve ...[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Lumbar Compression Fractures
Understanding Nerve Compression: Tingling Sensation in the Right Shoulder Blade
Numbness in the area of the scapula? I have been experiencing a tingling sensation in the area around my right scapula while sitting this week. However, this sensation does not occur when I stand. Interestingly, if I sit with my back against the chair, I do not feel any tingling;...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is suspected to be cervical nerve compression. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon for an evaluation of the actual condition. Best wishes to you. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang[Read More] Understanding Nerve Compression: Tingling Sensation in the Right Shoulder Blade
Persistent Shoulder Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Shoulder pain? One day I woke up and felt a sensation of stiffness in my shoulder. Previously, this stiffness would resolve in two days, but it has now been four days and it’s still the same. The pain extends to my neck and upper back, and I can’t lower my head; I can only turn m...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is suspected to be cervical nerve compression pathology. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon for an evaluation of the actual condition. Best wishes to you. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang[Read More] Persistent Shoulder Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Should You Seek Medical Attention After a Fall from Height?
Falling from a height of one and a half stories? I went to school to pick something up, but the door was locked. After I got what I needed, I couldn't open the door, so I had to jump down. I intended to prepare myself before jumping, but I lost my footing and fell. My body h...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, if there is a change in consciousness, seizures, or limb weakness following a head injury, immediate medical attention is required. If the symptoms are limited to dizziness and nausea, you can observe for 2-3 days. If there is no improvement, you should seek medical care. ...[Read More] Should You Seek Medical Attention After a Fall from Height?
Understanding Persistent Neck Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Discomfort in the right neck? Hello Dr. Lai, I am currently a university student and have been experiencing tightness in my neck, from the base of my skull to my right shoulder, for about 8 weeks. I am unsure how this injury occurred: 1. It may have originated from a bicycle a...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is still recommended that you bring your previous X-ray and MRI scans. Please visit in person for your consultation with the neurosurgeon. Wishing you all the best.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Neck Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Post-Surgery Nerve Issues: Understanding Toe Mobility After Sacral Fracture
One month ago, there was a major car accident, and surgery was performed on the sacrum. The toes of the left foot are noticeably less responsive? In early April, I was involved in a severe car accident that resulted in a fracture of my sacrum, nearly leaving me paralyzed. I under...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Your description cannot be directly answered. You should first consult the original surgeon. Alternatively, bring your pre-operative and post-operative X-rays, MRIs, and other examination data to consult with another spine specialist. Wishing you the best.[Read More] Post-Surgery Nerve Issues: Understanding Toe Mobility After Sacral Fracture
Post-Surgery Numbness: Understanding Leg Symptoms After Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
After one month of minimally invasive surgery for the slippage and stenosis at the L4-L5 vertebrae, I began to experience numbness in my legs? Hello Dr. Lai: I previously experienced difficulty walking with my right leg due to lumbar spondylolisthesis. At the end of February 2017...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: I suggest you go back and consult the original surgeon. Wishing you all the best.[Read More] Post-Surgery Numbness: Understanding Leg Symptoms After Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Post-Surgery Leg Cramps After Lumbar Disc Herniation: Causes and Solutions
Postoperative leg cramps after herniated disc surgery? Hello, I underwent surgery on the fifth lumbar vertebra and the first coccygeal vertebra about three weeks ago due to a rupture of the intervertebral disc, which caused a herniation that compressed the nerve in my left leg. F...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, it is recommended to first return to the original surgeon for evaluation. If there is no clear improvement, then seek assistance from another neurosurgeon. Wishing you the best.[Read More] Post-Surgery Leg Cramps After Lumbar Disc Herniation: Causes and Solutions
Loss of Sensation in Skin: When to See a Neurosurgeon?
Partial loss of sensation on the skin surface? Hello, about a week ago, I started experiencing a patch of skin on the right side of my body near the pelvis that has no sensation (similar to hand numbness, but only very superficial). In the days leading up to the onset of symptoms...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, are you referring to the area around the waistband? If so, it is possible to experience numbness in that region. I recommend consulting a neurosurgeon or a neurologist. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang.[Read More] Loss of Sensation in Skin: When to See a Neurosurgeon?
Understanding Pain in the Back of the Head: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Head issues Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the issue of pain in the back of my head. Two days ago, after waking up, I experienced pain in the right occipital region (from the level of the ear towards the center of the back of the head on the right side) when I hiccu...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is recommended to have a cervical spine examination. Consultation with a neurosurgeon. Best wishes to you. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgeon.[Read More] Understanding Pain in the Back of the Head: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Hemiplegia After Skull Removal Surgery: Causes Explained
Absence of the left cranial bone? A family member was in a car accident and underwent surgery to remove the left side of the skull. Initially, the right side of the body was immobile, but now the left side of the body is immobile. What could be the reason for this?
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: You should take your family back to see the original surgeon for a follow-up examination. Wishing you all the best.[Read More] Understanding Hemiplegia After Skull Removal Surgery: Causes Explained
Is a Bump on the Neck Normal When Tilting Back?
Neck issues? Hello, doctor. When I tilt my head back, I can feel a protrusion at the back of my neck that feels like cartilage, and it only appears when I tilt my head back. Is this normal? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, you should be able to feel the posterior edge of the seventh cervical vertebra. However, please consult a physician for a proper diagnosis. Best wishes from neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang.[Read More] Is a Bump on the Neck Normal When Tilting Back?
Choosing Between Traditional and Minimally Invasive Surgery for Sciatica
Surgical Issues Related to Sciatica Three months ago, I suddenly started experiencing pain at work, which requires lifting heavy objects. I went to Asia University Hospital for an MRI, and they told me that my fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae and the fifth lumbar vertebra are co...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Lumbar nerve compression is causing your sciatica, leading to pain and discomfort. If you are not satisfied with the pain relief from conservative treatment, it is indeed time to consider more aggressive treatment options. 1. Radiofrequency ablation: This can provide tem...[Read More] Choosing Between Traditional and Minimally Invasive Surgery for Sciatica
Understanding Neck Mobility After C3-C7 Fusion Surgery
Cervical spine range of motion I would like to ask: Generally speaking, after undergoing fusion of the cervical vertebrae C3, C4, C5, C6, and C7, what is the typical range of motion? I would like to know.
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, I suggest you consult with the physician who will be performing your surgery.[Read More] Understanding Neck Mobility After C3-C7 Fusion Surgery
Understanding Finger Pain: Causes and Treatments for Nerve Issues
Hand issues? Hello, doctor. This morning when I woke up, I noticed that the tip of my right index finger has a tingling sensation whenever I touch it lightly. It's not very painful, but it feels like a sharp prick whenever it comes into contact with something. Could there be...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
You are repeating the question; I have already responded to it.[Read More] Understanding Finger Pain: Causes and Treatments for Nerve Issues
Understanding Finger Pain: Causes and Solutions for Nerve Issues
Hand issues? Hello, doctor. This morning when I woke up, I noticed that the tip of my right index finger has a tingling sensation whenever I touch it lightly. It's not very painful, but it feels like a sharp prick whenever it is touched. Could there be an issue with my finge...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: If there are no open wounds, redness, swelling, or pain, try applying a warm compress and observe for 3-5 days. If there is no improvement, consult a neurologist or neurosurgeon. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgeon.[Read More] Understanding Finger Pain: Causes and Solutions for Nerve Issues
Understanding Neck Pain During Rotational Movements: Causes and Solutions
Neck rotation causes pain? I would like to ask, when I tilt my head to the left or right, I don't feel any pain, but when I rotate my head, especially during physical education classes, I experience pain on the left side when turning to the back left. Additionally, I have no...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, it is suspected to be a cervical spine issue, possibly related to your posture during activities. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgery outpatient clinic for some examinations. Best wishes. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Changhua Hospital[Read More] Understanding Neck Pain During Rotational Movements: Causes and Solutions