Understanding Finger Numbness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Finger numbness issue? Hello, doctor. Following up on my previous question, I saw a neurologist who arranged for an MRI of my cervical spine due to suspected cervical issues. I went to the emergency room where the doctor only performed blood tests and said they couldn't hand...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, the doctor suspects that you may have a cervical nerve condition. If your current symptoms have improved, then let's wait for the MRI report! Wishing you a speedy recovery. By Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang.[Read More] Understanding Finger Numbness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Unexplained Finger Pain: Understanding Possible Causes and Solutions
Unexplained pain in the fingers occurring in different locations? Hello Doctor, I don't have any significant health issues, but I've been feeling quite tense and stressed lately. I've started to notice unexplained pain in my fingers that occurs in different locatio...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, there are several possible reasons, but please do not speculate. I recommend that you see a doctor in person for a thorough evaluation. Wishing you a speedy recovery. By Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgeon.[Read More] Unexplained Finger Pain: Understanding Possible Causes and Solutions
Is Golf Safe for Patients with Lumbar Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis Doctor, I would like to ask if it is suitable for me to play golf with my lumbar vertebrae 3, 4, and 5 having a slippage. Are there other exercises that are more appropriate for someone with lumbar spine issues? Thank you.
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Lumbar spondylolisthesis may not necessarily present with symptoms. If you play golf and do not experience any lower back pain during the activity, it may not be necessary to refrain from it. Suitable exercises for the lumbar spine include stretching, pull-ups, swimming, a...[Read More] Is Golf Safe for Patients with Lumbar Spondylolisthesis?
Understanding Hand Numbness: When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention
Numbness in the hands? Hello doctor, on Wednesday I experienced a tingling sensation in my hands that felt like an electric shock. Now only the fingertips of both hands are numb, and when I wash my hands, it feels like I'm being shocked. Even touching things causes numbness....
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, general finger numbness may be related to peripheral circulation, peripheral nerves (such as the median nerve or ulnar nerve), cervical spine issues, or even brain conditions. It is essential for a physician to assess your symptoms comprehensively to make an initial diagno...[Read More] Understanding Hand Numbness: When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention
Understanding Right Shoulder and Neck Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Right shoulder and neck pain? I would like to ask the doctor. I'm not sure if it's because I got water in my ear after showering a few days ago, but I kept shaking my head to the left, and the next day I felt pain at the junction of my right shoulder and neck, as if it ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: The initial assessment suggests a deep muscle fascia strain in the shoulder and neck area, leading to inflammation. It is also important to consider possible compression of the cervical nerves. It is recommended to wear a cervical collar at home, apply heat (switch to ice ...[Read More] Understanding Right Shoulder and Neck Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Post-Spinal Surgery Pain: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
Postoperative pain after spinal surgery I have rheumatoid arthritis and after undergoing L4-L5 spinal surgery last July, I still experience soreness, numbness, pain, stiffness, tightness, and weakness from my right hip to my calf, and I still need a walker. Is this a phenomenon o...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Your condition of neural adhesion is just one possible cause. There may be other reasons as well. I recommend that you bring your pre-operative and post-operative X-rays and MRI for an in-person consultation. If it is not convenient for you to come to Changhua Hospital, pl...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery Pain: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
Post-Surgery Concerns: AVM Patients and Birth Control Risks
Postoperative care for arteriovenous malformation (AVM) surgery? Hello Dr. Lai, I discovered an arteriovenous malformation two years ago and recovered well after surgery. I took a contraceptive pill the day before yesterday; the last time I took one was over 20 years ago when I f...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Oral contraceptives can increase blood viscosity, which poses a potential risk for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular occlusion. Regarding patients with arteriovenous malformations, there are sporadic case reports in the literature, but they do not constitute a significant...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: AVM Patients and Birth Control Risks
Post-Discectomy Pain: Understanding Recovery and Future Risks
Postoperative care for herniated disc surgery? I apologize, I had spinal disc surgery three months ago, where only part of the disc was removed and nothing was implanted. Sometimes I still experience pain in my buttocks, and when sitting, if my back is not straight and my head is...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. Your condition may indicate that the nerves have not fully healed. It is also possible that scar tissue is adhering to the nerves, or it could be a sign of recurrence. Of course, there may be other reasons as well. I recommend that you bring your pre-operative and pos...[Read More] Post-Discectomy Pain: Understanding Recovery and Future Risks
Which Specialist to Consult for Persistent Ear and Facial Numbness?
If you are experiencing numbness behind the ear, which specialist should you consult? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing numbness behind my ear for several days. I feel numbness on my ear and the nearby scalp when I wear glasses or a mask. I usually wash my hair by leaning fo...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is suspected that the issue may be related to the cervical spine, facial or oral occlusion, ear, or neuromuscular fascia. A doctor needs to evaluate and differentiate these conditions in person. You may want to first consult with a neurologist or a neurosurgeon. Best wi...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Persistent Ear and Facial Numbness?
Which Specialist Should You See for Ear and Facial Numbness?
If you are experiencing numbness behind the ear, which specialist should you consult? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing numbness behind my ear for several days. I feel numbness on my ear and the surrounding scalp when I put on glasses or a mask. I usually wash my hair by lea...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is suspected that the issue may be related to the cervical spine, facial or oral occlusion, ear, or neuromuscular fascia. A doctor needs to conduct a personal examination to differentiate these conditions. You may want to first consult with a neurologist or a neurosurge...[Read More] Which Specialist Should You See for Ear and Facial Numbness?
Head Injury from Bumping: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Head trauma - impact injury Doctor, I have a question. This afternoon (February 28), while I was organizing my home, I squatted down to look for something. When I stood up, I forgot there was something above me and instinctively stood up, resulting in a significant impact on the ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: You experienced an incident on February 28, and today is March 1, which means it has been nearly 24 hours. If your symptoms persist, especially if you have severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, seizures, or weakness in your limbs, you should see a doctor as soon as possible....[Read More] Head Injury from Bumping: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Should You Remove Spinal Fixation After Six Months of Healing?
Intervertebral disc fixation The intervertebral disc has been removed, and an artificial disc and internal fixation have been placed. It has been in place for six months and has not fully healed. Should the internal fixation be removed?
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. The information you provided is too brief. It is recommended to bring the original pre- and post-operative MRI and X-rays. After the consultation, a reassessment should be conducted to determine why healing has not yet occurred. Is it necessary to remove the original in...[Read More] Should You Remove Spinal Fixation After Six Months of Healing?
Best Pillows for Herniated Discs: Finding Comfort and Support
What type of pillow is recommended for a herniated disc? Hello Director Lai, I have been dealing with cervical disc herniation for 18 years. Back then, I experienced constant pain while awake, but after a year of rehabilitation, the pain disappeared. I have been very mindful of m...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: According to evidence-based medicine, when selecting a pillow, the key points are for back sleeping or side sleeping: 1. The area between the head, neck, and shoulders should have proper support (there should be no gaps, and the neck should not be suspended). 2. The cervic...[Read More] Best Pillows for Herniated Discs: Finding Comfort and Support
Understanding Spinal Fusion Surgery: Risks and Benefits for Seniors
Evaluation of Spinal Fusion Surgery Hello, doctor. My mother is 71 years old and has chronic diseases. Currently, she experiences difficulty walking for extended periods, accompanied by lower back pain and numbness in both legs. She has undergone X-rays and an MRI, and the doctor...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Spinal disorders that compress nerves can cause symptoms such as aching, cramping, numbness, weakness, and limping. While these conditions are not life-threatening, they can significantly impact quality of life and dignity. In severe cases, they may lead to impaired mobili...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Fusion Surgery: Risks and Benefits for Seniors
Post-Surgery Recovery Insights for Lumbar Disc Herniation Treatment
Postoperative care after disc herniation surgery? 1. Disease Name: Lumbar Disc Herniation at the L4-L5 Level 2. Surgery Name: Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy 3. Reason for Surgery: To relieve nerve compression On December 27, the surgery was performed due to a right low...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: After your surgery, your original symptoms have improved, and the wound has healed, which indicates a good recovery. Please continue to use lumbar support for protection. If you are still concerned, feel free to schedule an earlier follow-up appointment. Best wishes, Dr. C...[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery Insights for Lumbar Disc Herniation Treatment
Post-Surgery Pain Management: Understanding Discomfort After Disc Surgery
Hello Dr. Lai: Issues after intervertebral disc herniation surgery? Dear Director Lai, I apologize for taking up your time with this lengthy message, but I would like to know what the next steps should be. 1. After waking up from surgery, I experienced pain in my left lower bac...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. After lying flat for an extended period, the compressed nerves can become more vulnerable. Under certain conditions, poor blood circulation in the surrounding area may trigger pain and numbness, which is not uncommon. You can apply warmth through heat packs, adjust yo...[Read More] Post-Surgery Pain Management: Understanding Discomfort After Disc Surgery
Understanding Disc Herniation: When to Seek MRI for Back Pain Relief
Herniated disc Hello doctor, I have been experiencing persistent lower back pain, which is so severe that it even hurts to walk. My shoulders and neck are also very tense, and when I feel discomfort in my neck, it can lead to headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Additionally, I have...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: You may have nerve compression in your cervical spine and also have lesions in your lumbar spine. If you have already tried conservative treatment along with injection therapy without improvement, it is recommended to consider scheduling an MRI for further evaluation. Best...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: When to Seek MRI for Back Pain Relief
Post-Surgery Pain After Lumbar Disc Herniation: What to Expect?
Postoperative care for herniated disc surgery? Hello Doctor, I underwent traditional surgery for an L4-L5 herniated disc at the beginning of November, without the use of a spacer. Postoperatively, my calf pain improved, but in early January, I suddenly experienced persistent shoo...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: After your decompression surgery in November, there was improvement, but in January, you experienced a recurrence of symptoms. I would like to speculate that it may be a relapse; of course, adhesions or other reasons are also possible. I recommend that you return for a fol...[Read More] Post-Surgery Pain After Lumbar Disc Herniation: What to Expect?
Understanding Irregularities in the Occipital Region: A Neurosurgical Perspective
Regarding the issue of irregularities in the occipital region? Hello, doctor. About a month ago, I noticed some irregularities in the center of the back of my head (specifically at the intersection of a line extending horizontally from the upper part of my ear and a line extendin...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. As your previous orthopedic doctor mentioned, it should be a normal skull. 2. A CT scan has also been performed, and if the doctor determines it to be normal, you can feel more at ease. 3. If you are still concerned, consider consulting a neurosurgeon for another evalua...[Read More] Understanding Irregularities in the Occipital Region: A Neurosurgical Perspective
Post-Surgery Exercise Guidelines for Cervical Spine Fusion
Postoperative exercises for cervical spine surgery? Hello, doctor. I had a car accident at the beginning of September and underwent a spinal fusion surgery for the displacement of my sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae. I would like to ask how long after the surgery it would be ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It has been 3 to 4 months since your surgery in September. Theoretically, fusion should have occurred by now. If you were my patient, I would encourage you to return to normal activities and engage in exercise. However, since you are not my patient, I recommend consulting ...[Read More] Post-Surgery Exercise Guidelines for Cervical Spine Fusion