Understanding Calf Pain: Causes and Solutions for Students
Dull pain in the calf? Hello, doctor. I am a student, and during this summer vacation, I spend most of my time studying, but I make sure to engage in at least 20 minutes of exercise each day (such as dancing, jogging, or basic strength training). My diet and sleep are also normal...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Your discomfort is in the knee and ankle joint areas, which is suspected to be due to strain on the ligaments and tendons, related to your reported poor posture. It is recommended to improve your posture, perform warm-up exercises before physical activity, apply heat to th...[Read More] Understanding Calf Pain: Causes and Solutions for Students
Understanding Nerve Pain in the Back: Causes and Treatment Options
Nerve pain in the back muscles? Approximately 12 to 13 years ago, I started working as a home-based worker, frequently lifting heavy boxes and climbing three flights of stairs (often making dozens of trips). I also spent long hours sitting in the same position. About 8 years ago,...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is suspected to be a cervical nerve pathology. It is recommended to bring your previous MRI results and consult a neurosurgeon. Wishing you a speedy recovery. By Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Department of Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Nerve Pain in the Back: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Stroke and Spinal Cord Injury in ICU Patients
Currently in the intensive care unit, experiencing a stroke affecting the right side of the body, with spinal cord injury? Hello, currently in the intensive care unit, the patient has suffered a stroke affecting the right side of the body, with right pupil dilation and cerebellar...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: If a malignant tumor has invaded the brain, including the cerebrum and cerebellum, and there is unilateral pupil dilation, along with a craniotomy for decompression already performed... the patient's condition is actually quite pessimistic, and the chances of recovery...[Read More] Understanding Stroke and Spinal Cord Injury in ICU Patients
Understanding Thoracic Disc Herniation and Scoliosis: What You Need to Know
Thoracic disc herniation and scoliosis? Hello Doctor, three years ago I was diagnosed with a tumor in my thoracic spine during examinations for another specialty, which was confirmed as a benign hemangioma through MRI. Recently, a follow-up MRI showed no changes in the hemangioma...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. As we age, natural aging will occur. 2. Avoid slouching, bending over to lift heavy objects, keep your head up and chest out, engage in more stretching exercises, or consider activities like hanging from a pull-up bar or swimming, or consult a physical therapist for per...[Read More] Understanding Thoracic Disc Herniation and Scoliosis: What You Need to Know
Understanding Thigh Nerve Pain: Causes and Solutions
Thigh nerve pain Hello doctor, for the past two weeks, I have been experiencing soreness, numbness, and pain in my left buttock extending to the outer thigh. Could you help me understand what this might be? Thank you.
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is suspected to be sciatica. This symptom is often caused by lumbar spine lesions compressing the nerves. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. Wishing you a speedy recovery. By Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Thigh Nerve Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Recovery Time After Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery
Questions about cervical spine surgery and artificial discs? I would like to ask about my recent cervical disc herniation. I am considering undergoing a self-funded artificial disc replacement surgery. Considering the recovery time, I would like to know, doctor, how long it typic...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: If your preoperative symptoms do not include walking issues, but rather pain and numbness in the shoulders and upper limbs, as my postoperative patients, you can attempt to get out of bed and walk on the same day. Once the wound is clean (approximately one week), you can r...[Read More] Understanding Recovery Time After Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery
Returning to Intense Sports After Lumbar Disc Surgery: Key Considerations
Lumbar disc herniation surgery Hello, doctor. I underwent a microdiscectomy for L5-S1 herniated disc at the end of June this year. I am an athlete, and I would like to know how long after the surgery I can engage in intense physical activity. Should I give up my specialty to avoi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, the usual duration is three months. Even afterwards, it is important to avoid bending and lifting heavy objects. However, adjustments should be made based on the patient's objective pathology and subjective willingness. Wishing you a speedy recovery. By Dr. Lai Chao-K...[Read More] Returning to Intense Sports After Lumbar Disc Surgery: Key Considerations
Returning to Intense Sports After Lumbar Disc Surgery: Key Considerations
Lumbar disc herniation surgery Hello, doctor. I underwent a microdiscectomy for L5-S1 herniated disc at the end of June this year. I am an athlete, and I would like to know how long after the surgery I can engage in intense physical activity. Should I give up my specialty to avoi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, the usual duration is three months. Even afterwards, it is important to avoid bending and lifting heavy objects. However, adjustments may be made based on the individual’s objective pathology and subjective willingness. Wishing you a speedy recovery. By Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, ...[Read More] Returning to Intense Sports After Lumbar Disc Surgery: Key Considerations
Post-Spinal Surgery: Understanding Unilateral Ankle Edema and Numbness
Postoperative edema below the ankle in one leg after spinal surgery? My father developed an abscess between the 5th and 7th vertebrae that was compressing the nerves during the Lunar New Year. He underwent surgery and drainage of the abscess, and after being discharged, he has be...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: There are several possible speculations: 1. The original spinal nerves may have been damaged prior to surgery, resulting in incomplete recovery postoperatively. 2. There may be local peripheral nerve or vascular lesions in the foot's fascia. 3. There could be poor blo...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Understanding Unilateral Ankle Edema and Numbness
Understanding Lumbar Disc Rupture and Its Impact on Disability Claims
Lumbar intervertebral disc herniation at L3, L4, and L5 - surgery was performed to install a lumbar stabilizer? Hello, doctor. I have a question. I underwent surgery for a herniated disc at the lumbar levels L3, L4, and L5 due to a car accident (it has been a year and a half sinc...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. After your injury and surgery, your recovery has not been ideal. This may be due to the severity of the injury prior to surgery. If you wish to reassess whether there is room for adjustment in your treatment, you can obtain copies of your medical records and MRI/X-ray i...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Disc Rupture and Its Impact on Disability Claims
Post-Surgery Weakness in Left Leg: Seeking Recovery Strategies
The left foot is still weak after surgery? Hello Doctor: My father has a history of stroke. From April to early May, he experienced weakness in his left leg and fell, which led him to seek medical attention at several hospitals. The evaluations showed no significant issues, and t...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: I understand your anxiety and encourage you to continue with rehabilitation. However, I do not have your father's relevant medical history, treatment progress, or imaging. For detailed information, I recommend that you consult the original surgeon. Wishing for a speed...[Read More] Post-Surgery Weakness in Left Leg: Seeking Recovery Strategies
Post-Surgery Back Pain: Understanding Ongoing Discomfort After Disc Surgery
Postoperative back pain persists for one to two years? Hello, doctor! My mother is 59 years old. Two years ago, she suffered from severe lower back and leg pain, and no pain medication was effective. The doctor diagnosed her with a herniated disc compressing the nerves, and after...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. The report you provided indicates: L3-4 and L4-5 lumbar disc bulging, and L5-S1 disc herniation with compression of the dural sac... this suggests the presence of nerve compression. 2. I recommend that you copy the disc and bring the MRI images (not just the text) for t...[Read More] Post-Surgery Back Pain: Understanding Ongoing Discomfort After Disc Surgery
Understanding the Causes of Arm Numbness Upon Waking Up
The causes of waking up with numbness in the arm? Hello, Doctor! Recently, I have noticed that sometimes while sleeping, I unconsciously raise one arm above my head (resting it on the pillow behind my head rather than pressing it underneath). When I wake up, the entire arm feels ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. It is suspected that you may have issues related to cervical nerve, shoulder and neck, or even brachial plexus, which could lead you to unconsciously sleep in this position to relieve pressure in those areas. This posture can affect blood circulation in the shoulder a...[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Arm Numbness Upon Waking Up
Post-Surgery Numbness in Feet: Causes and Recommended Actions
The occurrence of foot numbness after bone cement surgery, with the numbness gradually spreading from the toes upwards, could potentially be related to the surgery. It is important to assess whether this numbness is due to nerve compression, vascular issues, or other postoperativ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. It is suspected that there is a lesion in the spinal nerves. 2. Why was a spinal neurosurgeon not chosen to address the spinal fracture issue initially? 3. Seeking consultation from another specialty after experiencing discomfort post-surgery may cause some confusion fo...[Read More] Post-Surgery Numbness in Feet: Causes and Recommended Actions
Can Long-Term Eyewear Use Cause Skull Indentation?
Skull issues Is it true that wearing glasses for a long time can cause a depression in the skull? I started wearing glasses at the age of 14, and in recent years, due to the pandemic, I have been wearing goggles all day, which are made of plastic. I feel a pressure on the sides o...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is unlikely that there is a depression in the skull. It is suspected to be a depression in the subcutaneous tissue. If you have any doubts, please seek medical attention. Let a doctor confirm with X-rays or a CT scan. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgery.[Read More] Can Long-Term Eyewear Use Cause Skull Indentation?
Understanding EMG and Nerve Conduction Study Results for Back Pain
Report Interpretation Hello doctor, the attached image is an electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction study report. I would like to ask you to review it for any issues. Currently, my symptoms include persistent pain in the lower back, which sometimes radiates to the soles of m...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. Based on your symptom description, it is suspected that lumbar spine lesions are causing sciatica. 2. Your nerve conduction study report suggests a possible peripheral neuropathy in both lower limbs, which does not appear to be consistent with lumbar nerve pathology. 3....[Read More] Understanding EMG and Nerve Conduction Study Results for Back Pain
Post-Spinal Surgery: Addressing Leg Numbness and Mobility Issues
Postoperative foot numbness and inability to walk after minimally invasive spinal surgery? Hello doctor, my family member underwent minimally invasive surgery on the lumbar spine from the third to the fifth vertebrae over a month ago, and they are experiencing complete paralysis ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: The situation of your family sounds unfortunate. The original surgeon will have the best understanding of the preoperative and intraoperative conditions. However, it is essential to patiently cooperate with rehabilitation. Wishing for a speedy recovery from Changhua Hospit...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Addressing Leg Numbness and Mobility Issues
Understanding Post-Surgery Incontinence After Spine Surgery
Postoperative incontinence after spinal surgery? My father had surgery at the end of February and is currently undergoing rehabilitation. However, he still experiences weakness in both legs, and from late April to early May, he has been experiencing fecal incontinence. I would li...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: What were the symptoms before the surgery? After the surgery, did the original symptoms improve? Are there any new symptoms? For the post-operative condition, it is advisable to consult the original surgeon! Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Incontinence After Spine Surgery
Understanding Coccyx Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Pain below the coccyx? There is pain when pressing on the area below the coccyx, and sitting also causes pain, while lying down or standing feels more comfortable. There was no external impact or injury, and I have been sitting for long periods. The pain has persisted for 3 days,...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: If your pain has not worsened and is still bearable, rest and observe for two weeks. If there is no improvement, make an appointment with a specialist: neurosurgery, spine surgery, orthopedics, or rehabilitation medicine. If symptoms worsen and the pain becomes unbearable,...[Read More] Understanding Coccyx Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Head Injury in Toddlers: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Fall
Follow-up after a 3-year-old child falls and hits their head? A 3-year-old child (100 cm) fell and hit their head yesterday morning at 9 AM. There were no external injuries or swelling. The child cried for over an hour while clinging to their mother, but then returned to normal p...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: The first 72 hours after a head injury are the most critical; as time passes, the risk decreases. If a child is alert, has normal vision, is active, and can eat and play without any specific complaints, they can be monitored further. However, if there is confusion, unstead...[Read More] Head Injury in Toddlers: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Fall