Understanding Unexplained Lumbar Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Unexplained lumbar pain? Hello, doctor. Recently, my entire spine has been very stiff and painful, and I also experience a penetrating pain in both sides of my pelvis. Sometimes, due to abdominal pain, when I bend over to walk, I feel a painful sensation of bone rubbing against b...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon, especially one who specializes in spinal issues. 2. Best wishes to you. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of the Spine Neurosurgery Department at Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Lumbar Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding L5-S1 Nerve Root Disorders: When to Seek Surgery
L5-S1 radiculopathy Hello, I am a patient with a herniated disc. At the end of 2014, I underwent an MRI and nerve conduction studies, which confirmed that my L4-L5 disc was herniated and compressing the nerve fibers. After surgery, my symptoms of leg numbness and weakness did not...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Based on what you described: After enduring for more than two years... (the lower back pain only occurred in the first six months, and later gradually evolved into numbness and weakness in the legs) but the numbness makes it difficult to sit or stand, and the quality of sl...[Read More] Understanding L5-S1 Nerve Root Disorders: When to Seek Surgery
Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation and Nerve Root Compression
Is there a nerve root compression issue due to cervical intervertebral disc herniation? Hello Doctor: I currently have a problem with cervical disc herniation. After undergoing an MRI and follow-up consultation, it has been confirmed that I have a herniated disc. However, I still...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: According to what you mentioned, the report states... 1. Can the signal intensity of the cervical cord be determined solely from the MRI images? 2. Are there nerve roots within the dural sac? 3. If there is compression on the dural sac and it is a central herniation, can i...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation and Nerve Root Compression
Understanding Disc Herniation and Ankylosing Spondylitis: Can They Coexist?
Herniated disc. Ankylosing spondylitis? I injured myself in the first year of junior high school, and since then, I have experienced lower back pain for about seven years. Later, I was diagnosed with a herniated disc, which is pressing on a nerve. Can the nerve become damaged? Ad...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, based on what you mentioned: 1. "If a herniated disc compresses a nerve, will the nerve die?" Answer: It depends on the location and severity of the nerve compression. If the compression is severe or prolonged, it may lead to nerve damage. It is advisable to obta...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation and Ankylosing Spondylitis: Can They Coexist?
How to Diagnose Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: A Patient's Guide
How is autonomic nervous system dysfunction diagnosed? - Follow-up question? On Friday, I suddenly felt a painful cramping sensation in my heart, which extended slightly to the inner side of my arm and lasted for five minutes. I was scared I was having a myocardial infarction, so...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. Currently, there are no definitive medical tests that can confirm autonomic nervous system dysfunction. To make this diagnosis, it is typically necessary to rule out other conditions through various tests, leading to the conclusion of "autonomic nervous system dysf...[Read More] How to Diagnose Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention for Symptoms
Back problems Experiencing itching, burning, and stabbing pain in the back, along with occasional全身刺痛 (generalized tingling or pain) that occurs every couple of days, and requiring a fan for relief, may indicate an underlying issue. It could be related to conditions such as neuro...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is recommended to first consult a dermatologist. If there is no resolution, then see a neurologist. Wishing you all the best.[Read More] Understanding Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention for Symptoms
Is It Safe to Return to School After a Head Injury?
Is it appropriate to attend classes after being discharged from a head injury? Is it appropriate to attend classes after being discharged from a head injury?
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: We need to assess your injury condition. Please consult with your original neurosurgeon from your hospitalization for further details. Wishing you well. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital[Read More] Is It Safe to Return to School After a Head Injury?
Post-Surgery Recovery: Managing Pain and Exercise After Lumbar Disc Surgery
Herniated disc Hello Dr. Lai, I weigh 73 kg and am 175 cm tall. Two months ago, I underwent traditional surgery for a lumbar disc herniation at the L4-L5 level and had a dynamic stabilizer implanted. The pressure on my left leg has resolved, and the incision has healed well. I ha...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Your description is very thoughtful. However, please discuss these details with your original surgeon during your follow-up appointment. Wishing you all the best.[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery: Managing Pain and Exercise After Lumbar Disc Surgery
Understanding Lumbar Cysts: Symptoms, Surgery, and Recovery Insights
Lumbar cyst? Last July, an MRI revealed a cyst in my lumbar spine. At that time, the doctor did not indicate any specific issues, only stating that it was congenital. Recently, I have been experiencing a dull ache on the left side, and since last year, I have had pain in the top ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. Your symptoms: <..Recently, there has been a sensation of soreness on the left side, and since last year, after sitting for a long time, I experience pain in the left foot when I stand up, which improves after walking for a while...> This may not necessarily be ca...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Cysts: Symptoms, Surgery, and Recovery Insights
Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: Symptoms and Solutions
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction can cause persistent numbness in the limbs and scalp? At the beginning of January, while working at my computer, I suddenly experienced a sharp pain in my heart, followed by numbness in my limbs. If I didn't get up and move around, I felt...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: You may consider further evaluation of the brain and cervical spinal cord. Wishing you well.[Read More] Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: Symptoms and Solutions
Unexplained Right Leg Numbness in a 70-Year-Old: Seeking Answers
My father is 70 years old and experiences numbness in his right foot, but various tests have not revealed any underlying cause? Dear Doctor, My father is 70 years old and has been experiencing gradual numbness in his right foot for about two years (the left foot has not shown an...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. It is recommended to further evaluate whether it is a cerebrovascular accident (stroke) or a condition affecting the upper cervical and thoracic spinal cord nerves. Consider if there is room for further treatment. Best wishes. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Department of Neurosu...[Read More] Unexplained Right Leg Numbness in a 70-Year-Old: Seeking Answers
Managing Lumbar Compression Fractures: Tips for Comfort and Mobility
Compression injury of the fifth lumbar vertebra. Discomfort from prolonged sitting, tightness in the knees, and susceptibility to lower back pain? Hello, Doctor. Two months ago, I sustained a compression injury to my fifth lumbar vertebra due to a sports injury. After two months ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. You have had a lumbar spine injury, which likely has some residual effects that may cause discomfort. It’s a matter of how much you can tolerate. If you wish to improve further, you can consult a spine neurosurgeon to evaluate whether you are a candidate for surgery, re...[Read More] Managing Lumbar Compression Fractures: Tips for Comfort and Mobility
Can X-rays Diagnose Herniated Discs? Understanding Back Pain and Symptoms
After the X-ray, it is uncertain whether there is a herniated disc? Two years ago, after intense exercise, I felt significant discomfort in my left lower back, making it difficult to stand for long periods. After an X-ray, the doctor advised me to undergo physical therapy for my ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, 1. Your symptoms suggest that you may have a herniated lumbar disc compressing the sciatic nerve. 2. X-rays can help to infer whether there is a herniated lumbar disc, but confirmation should primarily be done through MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). I recommend consul...[Read More] Can X-rays Diagnose Herniated Discs? Understanding Back Pain and Symptoms
Understanding Potential Aftereffects of Sports Injuries: When to Seek Help
I fell while playing ball, landing on my lower back first? Hello, doctor. Recently, while playing basketball, I lost my balance while going for a rebound and fell directly onto my lower back, landing on my buttocks near the spine. I had an X-ray done the same day, and the bones w...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Based on what you described, there may be some facial twitching. Additionally, you experience persistent dry heaving and a lack of appetite upon waking up. Pressing on the back of your neck on the affected side also induces nausea. You also had a headache two days ago... I...[Read More] Understanding Potential Aftereffects of Sports Injuries: When to Seek Help
Does Spinal Surgery Affect Walking Stability After Six Months?
Does spinal surgery involving the insertion of metal implants affect walking later on? Hello doctor, I had surgery six months ago, but I wasn't involved in a car accident that affected my legs. However, I am currently experiencing instability while walking. I have also been ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Is your injury related to the L1 vertebra? If it's just a bone injury, it should heal within six months. However, if there is damage to the spinal cord or nerves, it may take longer. Please discuss this with your original surgeon! Wishing you the best.[Read More] Does Spinal Surgery Affect Walking Stability After Six Months?
Understanding Visual Disturbances After Intracranial Hemorrhage
Visual sequelae Recently, a family member experienced intracranial hemorrhage due to an accident. In addition to symptoms of dizziness and headache, they also have visual discomfort in the right eye and difficulty seeing at a distance. The impact occurred at the lower right poste...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: According to what you mentioned, "the ophthalmologist said there are no structural neurological issues..." Based on medical principles: "Visual conduction pathway: visual field → retina → optic nerve → optic chiasm → optic tract → lateral geniculate nucleus ...[Read More] Understanding Visual Disturbances After Intracranial Hemorrhage
Managing Post-Concussion Headaches: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Mild concussion with headache? Hello Doctor: Last week, I collided with someone at school and fell, hitting my head on the ground. I lost consciousness afterward and was taken to the nurse's office by my teacher and classmates. After waiting for my family to arrive, they too...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
It is recommended to return to the original hospital for examination and consultation. Best wishes from the neurosurgery department.[Read More] Managing Post-Concussion Headaches: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Understanding Right Lower Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Right lower back pain? Hello, doctor. I have severe pain on the right side of my lower back near the spine, which radiates down to my groin, and sometimes I also experience pain in my right thigh and calf. I'm not sure if it's related to my kidneys or if I've strai...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, you can consult a neurosurgeon. Wishing you well.[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Winter Foot Sweating and Cold Feet: Common Concerns and Solutions
In winter, I experience sweaty feet while my feet feel very cold; it gets worse when I don't wear socks? Hello Dr. Lai, I have a condition where I sweat from my hands regardless of the season, but I only experience foot sweating in the winter. During the summer, my feet rema...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, your situation is quite rare and must be very troubling for you. I would advise against surgery because compensatory sweating, if it occurs, could be even more distressing for you. Topical treatments and medications are available, and your physician may suggest trying them...[Read More] Understanding Winter Foot Sweating and Cold Feet: Common Concerns and Solutions
Post-Surgery Considerations for Lumbar Spine: When to Remove Hardware?
Regarding issue #116219, after undergoing surgery on the first lumbar vertebra, is it necessary to perform minimally invasive surgery to remove it after one year? Hello Dr. Lai: First of all, thank you for being willing to respond to my questions. You are truly knowledgeable and ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, 1. Generally, there is no need to remove the hardware, but if, for example, the screws have loosened, or if they are too rigid and causing discomfort, or for other reasons as determined by the physician, they can be removed. 2. Typically, if it is confirmed that the bo...[Read More] Post-Surgery Considerations for Lumbar Spine: When to Remove Hardware?