Understanding Back Pain and Thigh Issues After Sports Injury: A Guide
Back pain Hello, doctor. I previously had scoliosis but did not pay much attention to it as there were no special issues. However, two weeks ago, on Saturday, after playing basketball, I started experiencing severe pain in the lower part of my spine the day after, which has conti...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Based on your description, my personal judgment is that the most common issue is likely a herniated lumbar disc compressing the nerves. The lumbar disc is initially injured, causing back pain, but if the disc gradually bulges out due to pressure, it may compress nearby nerves, le...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain and Thigh Issues After Sports Injury: A Guide
Understanding Back Pain: Insights from Neurosurgery Experts
Lower back pain issues? Thank you for your response, Doctor. I have already made an appointment for tomorrow morning, September 2, 104. I would appreciate it if you could examine me, as this symptom has been troubling me for a long time. I have spent a lot of money without any im...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
I hope that the consultation that day was helpful to you. Wishing you peace and good health.[Read More] Understanding Back Pain: Insights from Neurosurgery Experts
Understanding Chronic Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Lower back pain issues? Hello Dr. Lai: I am experiencing significant pain on the right side of my lower back and in the middle, as well as pain in my left hip. This is especially severe in the morning when I wake up; I find it difficult to get out of bed and have to rise slowly. ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Based on your symptom description, it is generally inferred to be a lumbar spine issue. However, the examination of the lumbar spine is not limited to just MRI. Lumbar spine conditions are not solely related to herniated discs; there are several other issues that could als...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Traveling After Brain Surgery: When Is It Safe to Fly?
Postoperative issues following brain surgery? After undergoing brain surgery for subdural hematoma, when is it safe to fly internationally? Thank you.
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, regarding subdural hematoma, if surgery has been performed, when can one fly abroad? Each patient's condition is different, and your primary physician, who is most familiar with your situation, should consult with your original surgeon. Wishing you a safe recovery.[Read More] Traveling After Brain Surgery: When Is It Safe to Fly?
After a Bike Accident: Concerns About Head Trauma and Safety Gear
Assaulted after a car accident? Hello Doctor: Yesterday, on March 30th, while I was riding my bike, a small boy suddenly ran out from the side of the road. To avoid him, I fell off my bike. After I stood up, I was suddenly struck on the head by a family member of the boy. I think...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, based on your description: On March 30, you sustained a head injury from an attack. Currently, you feel okay, and there is no specific pain in your head. The doctor has prescribed medication for dizziness and pain relief. For head trauma, the general management approach ...[Read More] After a Bike Accident: Concerns About Head Trauma and Safety Gear
Understanding Stroke-Related Brain Edema: Treatment Options and Risks
Cerebral edema following a stroke? Hello, my aunt has been hospitalized due to a stroke. A CT scan of her brain shows an area of shadow (edema). When she was first admitted, she was conscious and able to talk to family members, but in the past two days, she has become unconscious...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, based on your description: a. Generally speaking, if a CT scan has confirmed a diagnosis of ischemic stroke, this diagnosis is usually sufficient, and the treatment approach is largely determined. b. To further confirm the area of infarction, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Ima...[Read More] Understanding Stroke-Related Brain Edema: Treatment Options and Risks
Navigating Brain Tumor Surgery: Risks and Expert Care in Taiwan
Brain tumor! Recently, I took my father for a health check-up, and the results revealed a 2.6 cm tumor located beneath the brain, near the pituitary gland, at the back side of the nasal bridge. The doctor mentioned that if it grows larger, it could compress the optic nerve, poten...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
3D computer navigation is similar to having GPS assistance for direction and progress during surgery, which can enhance the precision of delicate procedures. However, it is not suitable for every patient. It is advisable to communicate and discuss with the attending neurosurgeon ...[Read More] Navigating Brain Tumor Surgery: Risks and Expert Care in Taiwan
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Facial Blushing: Options in Taiwan
Surgery for treating facial blushing? Hello, doctor. I have been prone to blushing easily since childhood. I tend to blush during embarrassing situations or when I feel awkward, which causes me significant psychological stress. I often worry about whether I will blush uncontrolla...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
1. Endoscopic sympathetic nerve block is typically performed under general anesthesia. Small incisions of approximately 1 cm are made on both sides of the axilla, through which an endoscope is inserted into the thoracic cavity to block specific sympathetic nerves located at the a...[Read More] Minimally Invasive Surgery for Facial Blushing: Options in Taiwan
Understanding Spinal Fractures and Slips: Surgery Standards and Recovery
Vertebral fracture and spondylolisthesis? The X-ray shows a fracture of the fourth lumbar vertebra and a slippage with an intervertebral space remaining at 0.5 (the normal measurement is 1.6). I have been diagnosed by doctors at Mackay Memorial Hospital and Veterans General Hospi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
1. There are many considerations for surgery; the physician must personally examine the patient and collaborate with relevant imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, and even nerve conduction studies and bone density tests before making a determination regarding the necessity of sur...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Fractures and Slips: Surgery Standards and Recovery
Surgical Options and Risks for Thoracic AV Fistula Embolization in Elderly Patients
Surgical issues related to thoracic vertebral artery and vein embolization? Dear Dr. Lai, My father has been diagnosed with a vascular embolism in the thoracic spine and is scheduled for surgery. However, he is currently 79 years old and has been experiencing weakness in both le...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
I do not fully understand the question you raised. Are you referring to your father's thoracic arteriovenous malformation? Did the physician recommend that a neuroradiologist arrange for embolization treatment, or did the physician suggest directly performing a surgical rese...[Read More] Surgical Options and Risks for Thoracic AV Fistula Embolization in Elderly Patients
Can Deep Brain Stimulation Improve Neural Circuits Beyond Parkinson's?
Deep brain stimulation issues? Can deep brain stimulation improve neural circuits in the brain? It seems that it is only applicable for Parkinson's disease; can this therapy be used for conditions like anorexia nervosa? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
1. "Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)" has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease and dystonia. In Taiwan, there are a few medical centers with complete medical teams and expensive equipment capable of performing the...[Read More] Can Deep Brain Stimulation Improve Neural Circuits Beyond Parkinson's?
Exploring Pulsed Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Needling for Pain Relief
Pulsed radiofrequency electromagnetic needle, thermal coagulation therapy? Hello Dr. Lai, my right wrist has been in pain since I was injured on September 15, 2011. It still hurts and I cannot lift heavy objects. I often feel nerve pain. Can pulsed radiofrequency electromagnetic ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Based on your description, if there are no fractures, the injury likely involves the surrounding tissues of the wrist and ankle joints, such as cartilage, ligaments, muscles, and tendons (of course, peripheral nerves may also be affected). The primary treatment is usually ...[Read More] Exploring Pulsed Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Needling for Pain Relief
When Is Surgery Necessary for Herniated Discs? Understanding Your Options
Herniated disc Hello, Doctor. About 4 to 5 years ago, I accidentally strained my lower back, and since then, I have frequently experienced lower back pain. I have been managing it with over-the-counter pain medications, but recently, after starting night shifts (I work in nursing...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, Nurse: Based on your description, it appears to be lumbar spine pathology (commonly Herniated Intervertebral Disc, HIVD) compressing the nerve, leading to sciatica. 1. In general, if the lumbar HIVD is not severe, it is managed with conservative rehabilitation along with a...[Read More] When Is Surgery Necessary for Herniated Discs? Understanding Your Options
Post-Surgery Concerns: Understanding Nerve Recovery After L4/L5 Disc Surgery
Follow-up issues related to L4/L5 disc protrusion? Dear Doctor: I underwent minimally invasive lumbar discectomy surgery for a herniated disc at the L4/L5 level at Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital on November 26. It has been a week since the surgery, and I have noticed occasi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
1. The timing may vary depending on your constitution, the initial condition, and post-care. Please consult your original physician. 2. Vitamin B complex can assist in recovery. 3. You may try heat therapy as part of your rehabilitation treatment. Wishing you a speedy recovery.[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: Understanding Nerve Recovery After L4/L5 Disc Surgery
Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms After Minimally Invasive Lumbar Discectomy
Minimally invasive lumbar discectomy (for herniated disc at L4/L5) Dear Doctor: I underwent minimally invasive lumbar discectomy surgery for a herniated disc at the L4/L5 level at Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital on November 26. It has been a week since the surgery, and I hav...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, sir. What your doctor said is correct: the surgery only relocates the stones that are compressing the nerves; the damage caused by nerve compression has not yet recovered. We refer to this as nerve decompression. The recovery status depends on the extent of the initial ner...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms After Minimally Invasive Lumbar Discectomy
Understanding the Difference Between Intracranial Pressure and Venous Sinus Pressure
Increased venous sinus pressure Is elevated intracranial pressure the same as elevated cerebral venous sinus pressure? Thank you!
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Increased pressure in the cerebral venous sinuses is one of the causes of elevated intracranial pressure. It is often due to obstruction of cerebral venous outflow, leading to increased pressure in the intracranial venous sinuses and altering intracranial pressure. The underlying...[Read More] Understanding the Difference Between Intracranial Pressure and Venous Sinus Pressure