Post-Spinal Surgery: Addressing Leg Stiffness, Weakness, and Tightness
Post-spinal surgery, experiencing stiffness and weakness in the legs, along with muscle tightness? Hello Dr. Lai! I have rheumatoid arthritis and underwent L4-L5 spinal surgery (with Romeo clamps and health insurance screws) in June 2022 due to pain from slippage. I had another s...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: What you mentioned is all possible, and the treatment options can be considered. However, the key recommendation is to have your doctor arrange for a follow-up MRI for a detailed evaluation, and then plan the subsequent treatment strategy. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, D...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Addressing Leg Stiffness, Weakness, and Tightness
Understanding Nerve Compression and Surgery Risks in Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical osteophytes compressing nerve edema? Consulting a physician: My mother is experiencing sharp pain in the right side of her back and stiffness in her neck and shoulders. Aside from these symptoms, there are no other issues. However, to clarify the cause of these problems,...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: You are correct, and the doctor is also correct; this is actually a matter of risk assessment and probability (high probability events vs. low probability events). 1. MRI confirms that the nerve is being compressed, causing your mother's symptoms, which is the reali...[Read More] Understanding Nerve Compression and Surgery Risks in Cervical Spondylosis
Understanding Post-Concussion Symptoms: Headaches and Focus Issues
Head-related consultation? Hello, doctor. Four years ago (during middle school), I slipped and fell while running in a hurry, hitting the back of my head. Since then, I've experienced some mild migraines and difficulty concentrating. Is this considered a normal aftereffect? ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. If you started experiencing symptoms such as migraines and difficulty concentrating immediately after the impact, it may be a post-concussion syndrome. However, it is uncommon for these symptoms to persist for more than three months. 2. If you developed the aforemention...[Read More] Understanding Post-Concussion Symptoms: Headaches and Focus Issues
Managing Neck Pain and Chest Discomfort: Insights from Neurosurgery
Chest pain, back issues? Last week, I visited a neurosurgeon and underwent an MRI. The report is as follows: **Summary Imaging Findings** Multiplanar multisequence MRI of the cervical spine without contrast enhancement shows: - **Alignment**: Grade I retrolisthesis at C4-5 ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Please describe your symptoms to the rehabilitation physician and provide the aforementioned cervical spine MRI report or images to the doctor. Ask for their opinion and request to arrange a rehabilitation program, which will generally focus on cervical traction. Best wish...[Read More] Managing Neck Pain and Chest Discomfort: Insights from Neurosurgery
Managing Post-Car Accident Symptoms: Effective Treatments for Pain Relief
Post-traumatic sequelae from a car accident? I was involved in a car accident in mid-July last year when I was stopped at a red light and was rear-ended. At that moment, my knees hit the trunk of the car, resulting in a blunt injury to my lower back. The next day, my knees were b...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. Lower back pain and leg numbness are suspected to be related to lumbar spine conditions. 2. There is a herniation at the fifth lumbar intervertebral disc, and water-cooled radiofrequency treatment could be considered. However, it is recommended to seek medical attention...[Read More] Managing Post-Car Accident Symptoms: Effective Treatments for Pain Relief
Understanding Complications of L3 Spinal Surgery: A Patient's Journey
Misplacement of L3 pedicle screw in lumbar spine surgery? Hello, doctor. My father is 72 years old. Preoperative X-rays showed signs of scoliosis and spondylolisthesis, with complaints of inability to walk for long periods due to lower back pain and numbness in his legs when sitt...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. Postoperative follow-up shows that the original symptoms have not improved and have worsened after surgery. If imaging reveals that a steel screw has penetrated the nerve canal, there are no other options but to adjust and perform another surgery (unless the patient is ...[Read More] Understanding Complications of L3 Spinal Surgery: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Shoulder and Neck Sounds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Shoulder and neck sound concerns? Recently, I've been experiencing occasional cracking sounds at the junction of my shoulder and cervical spine. Sometimes, even when I move my shoulder or take a deep breath, I hear noises, but it doesn't happen when I only move my neck....
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, it is suspected that the joint connecting the shoulder to the cervical spine is producing abnormal sounds. This may be due to being underweight, lack of exercise, and insufficient flexibility. The noise during movement could be attributed to a lack of synovial fluid, simil...[Read More] Understanding Shoulder and Neck Sounds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Post-Operative Recovery Timeline for Trigeminal Neuralgia Surgery
Postoperative Recovery Period for Trigeminal Neuralgia Decompression Surgery Hello, doctor. I underwent craniotomy for severe trigeminal neuralgia and it has been about one month since the surgery. I still experience occasional dizziness and unsteadiness while standing, but I hav...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Generally speaking, if the surgical wound is clean and the stitches are removed, one can gradually return to daily activities. More stable healing typically occurs around three months. However, the details of postoperative recovery can vary individually. You should consult...[Read More] Post-Operative Recovery Timeline for Trigeminal Neuralgia Surgery
Understanding Foot Pain: When to See a Neurosurgeon or Other Specialist
Foot pain issues? Hello, Doctor. This morning when I woke up, I experienced a sharp pain in the area of the inferior extensor retinaculum, especially within the first hour after getting up. Currently, the pain occurs occasionally. I would like to know if I should see a neurosurge...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, it is recommended to initially consult with a neurosurgeon, orthopedic surgeon, or rehabilitation specialist. Best wishes to you. By Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgery Department, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain: When to See a Neurosurgeon or Other Specialist
Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and When to Consider Surgery
Herniated disc I have already seen a rehabilitation specialist. I am 20 years old and have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis at a specific lumbar vertebra, which is compressing the nerve, leading to sciatica. Currently, I am undergoing stretching exercises and electrical therap...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: If you have already made efforts in rehabilitation and your symptoms have not improved, it is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. Bring your MRI scans for evaluation to see if other treatments can be considered, such as lumbar nerve block or minimally invasive spine sur...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and When to Consider Surgery
Understanding Minimally Invasive Surgery for Disc Herniation: Key Insights and FAQs
Hello Director Lai: I would like to ask you for educational information regarding my herniated disc? Hello Director Lai, thank you for taking the time to respond. Considering economic factors and my limited understanding of medical terminology, I am reaching out to you online for...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: A. I see that you are seriously researching this topic, but you might be overwhelmed by the vast amount of information available online, leading to confusion. Many young internet users face similar challenges, getting misled by technical jargon and certain medical advertis...[Read More] Understanding Minimally Invasive Surgery for Disc Herniation: Key Insights and FAQs
Understanding Possible Causes of Lower Back Pain in Young Adults
Possible Causes of Lower Back Pain Hello Doctor: I am 19 years old and have ankylosing spondylitis. Previously, I only experienced pain in my buttocks, and I have been stable on Salazopyrin. However, in the past six months, I have been experiencing pain in the spinal area behind ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: I have reviewed your condition and recommend that you visit a hospital to see a specialist in neurosurgery or orthopedics. You should get an X-ray first to assess whether there is a fracture, which will allow for appropriate treatment. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neuro...[Read More] Understanding Possible Causes of Lower Back Pain in Young Adults
Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery: Key Considerations for Recovery
Cervical spine spinal cord injury, laminectomy decompression surgery, discectomy, mobile artificial intervertebral disc? The mother is 62 years old and has diabetes, but it is uncertain whether she has osteoporosis. She fell off her bike on the road and was urgently taken to the ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: A. The principles of surgical treatment for cervical spinal cord injury are 1. Decompression 2. Reconstruction. You have already undergone posterior decompression (without fixation), but if your symptoms have not improved and follow-up MRI shows significant anterior compre...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery: Key Considerations for Recovery
Post-Surgery Nerve Pain: Understanding Persistent Foot Numbness and Back Pain
Persistent leg numbness and occasional lower back pain after disc rupture surgery? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask on behalf of my husband: He underwent minimally invasive surgery for a herniated disc. Before the surgery, he experienced significant pain and numbness, but afte...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Postoperative pain has improved relatively quickly, but the numbness is indeed more difficult to recover from. If you are not satisfied with the answers from your original physician, and while postoperative pain has improved, you still feel residual symptoms of numbness, w...[Read More] Post-Surgery Nerve Pain: Understanding Persistent Foot Numbness and Back Pain
Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Surgery
Dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) Hello Doctor: My mother underwent a transarterial embolization procedure for tinnitus at the end of August. The procedure was performed near the area below her ear, with access from the groin up to the neck. Immediately after waking up from the ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon to evaluate the spinal cord or sympathetic nerves in the head and neck region for any lesions. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Surgery
Natural Birth After Disc Surgery: Is It Safe for Pregnant Women?
Natural delivery after surgery for herniated disc in pregnant women? Hello, Doctor: I am currently over 7 months pregnant. In early August of this year, I underwent surgery for a herniated disc at the L4-L5 level due to nerve compression, where only the protruding portion was rem...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. You should be able to have a natural delivery (please consult with your obstetrician). 2. An epidural for painless labor should also be possible (please consult with your anesthesiologist). 3. If you continue to experience discomfort in your lower back and legs after de...[Read More] Natural Birth After Disc Surgery: Is It Safe for Pregnant Women?
Understanding Head Trauma: Long-Term Effects and Concerns
Head trauma Hello, Doctor. Two years ago, I was struck on the head by a metal pipe while working. At that time, I was unsure if there was any issue, so I went to an orthopedic doctor for an X-ray, and the doctor said there was no fracture in the skull. After two months, I saw a n...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. According to medical principles, head trauma should be monitored for 3 months. If there is no further deterioration, the injury is considered stable. 2. If there is indeed intracranial hemorrhage, it will typically resolve and be absorbed within 1-2 months (similar to h...[Read More] Understanding Head Trauma: Long-Term Effects and Concerns
Understanding Leg Numbness: When to See a Neurosurgeon
Numbness in both feet? I've been experiencing numbness while sitting these past few days, and when lying down, my legs become even more numb, making it difficult to sleep. Should I see a neurosurgeon?
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Sure. Wishing you well.[Read More] Understanding Leg Numbness: When to See a Neurosurgeon
Post-Discectomy Concerns: Recurring Numbness and Hip Pain Explained
Questions after intervertebral disc decompression? Hello, doctor! About two years ago, I underwent a simple lumbar discectomy, where only the herniated portion of the disc was removed. When I initially reviewed the MRI, the doctor mentioned that the nerve was severely compressed,...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is suspected that the likelihood of a protrusion recurrence is high. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon for evaluation and to arrange an MRI. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Post-Discectomy Concerns: Recurring Numbness and Hip Pain Explained
Understanding Cauda Equina Syndrome: Recovery, Surgery, and Treatment Options
Cauda equina syndrome Hello Doctor, I fell from the fourth floor on August 13, resulting in cauda equina syndrome, with compression at vertebrae 7 and 12, as well as a pelvic fracture and bilateral crush fractures of the feet. The doctor initially mentioned a minimally invasive p...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. Cauda equina syndrome is a severe neurological injury. An MRI is needed to assess where the affected segments are and to determine if there are conditions for surgical decompression and spinal reconstruction. 2. If surgery is indicated, it should be performed as earl...[Read More] Understanding Cauda Equina Syndrome: Recovery, Surgery, and Treatment Options