Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion Techniques: What You Need to Know
Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion Hello, Director Lai! I have rheumatoid arthritis, and my wound healing and bone density are okay. However, I have some instability and collapse in my L4 and L5 vertebrae. The doctor mentioned that the oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) is not ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello Ms. Amin: You inquired about OLIF last month, and now you are asking about other surgical options for the L4-5 spondylolisthesis. You might be experiencing decision fatigue! I understand your hesitation. In fact, rheumatoid arthritis combined with L4-5 spondylolisthesis is ...[Read More] Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion Techniques: What You Need to Know
Understanding Post-Surgery Numbness After Lumbar Disc Surgery
Hello, doctor? I underwent a discectomy for a herniated disc on May 27, and I have a stabilizer installed. Before the surgery, I experienced numbness in both feet, but now, 20 days post-operation, my feet are still numb. Is this normal? Will it get better? My doctor prescribed B1...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, I suggest that in this post-surgery situation, you should consult your original surgeon for further evaluation. Since you chose him initially, it's important to trust his expertise. Additionally, you have not provided any pre-operative imaging or post-operative images...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Numbness After Lumbar Disc Surgery
Understanding Back Pain, Chest Tightness, and Spinal Compression Symptoms
Lower back pain, chest tightness, dizziness, spinal compression? Hello doctor, after undergoing an iliac vein catheter examination in early April, I began to experience discomfort in my lower back and buttocks. The back pain worsened, and about two months ago, while stretching my...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, the preliminary assessment suggests issues related to the spine and autonomic nervous system. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon (spine neurosurgeon) for further evaluation and to arrange for examinations. Best wishes from Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Chief of Spine Neurosu...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain, Chest Tightness, and Spinal Compression Symptoms
Recovery Timeline After C5-6 Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery
C5-6 artificial intervertebral disc replacement surgery? Hello, I have been experiencing numbness and pain in my left thumb and index finger. After visiting the doctor, X-rays and an MRI revealed severe foraminal stenosis on the left side with bone spurs compressing the nerve roo...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: You can start with observation, medication, and follow-up for one month. If there is no improvement, please consult the original surgeon. Best wishes from Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Department of Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Recovery Timeline After C5-6 Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery
Understanding Arachnoid Cysts: Treatment, Growth, and Symptoms Explained
MRI of the brain revealed the presence of a cyst? Hello Doctor, I had a brain MRI at the end of March, and the report indicated a suspected arachnoid cyst or mega cisterna magna in the posterior fossa of the cerebellar tonsils. 1. What treatment options are available for this...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
1. Arachnoid cysts are generally asymptomatic. When symptoms do occur, they can vary from person to person. They may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or seizures. Other symptoms depend on the location of the cyst and its pressure on the spinal cord or brain. These ...[Read More] Understanding Arachnoid Cysts: Treatment, Growth, and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Latest Minimally Invasive Treatments
Spinal instability due to spondylolisthesis? Hello, Director Lai. I am an RA. MRI shows L4-5 spondylolisthesis with spinal instability, herniated disc compressing the nerve, and narrowing of the intervertebral space. Symptoms include lumbar pain, right lower limb neuropathic pain...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. The OLIF procedure you mentioned is relatively novel, and its advantages are generally as you described. However, it should be noted that OLIF accesses the spine from the anterolateral approach and employs an indirect decompression technique, which means it may not ac...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Latest Minimally Invasive Treatments
Understanding Post-Surgery Pain: Insights on Spine Surgery Recovery
Spinal surgery Hello Doctor: My father has been experiencing pain and numbness in his legs, which radiates from his lower back to the soles of his feet. He was diagnosed at the hospital with degeneration of the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae, causing nerve compression. He subs...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Based on your description, high-frequency thermal coagulation therapy can be considered; however, the patient needs to come in for an evaluation. Additionally, it is recommended to bring recent MRI and X-ray images from the original hospital, copied onto a disc. Best wishe...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Pain: Insights on Spine Surgery Recovery
Understanding Spine Surgery: Managing Pain and Recovery Challenges
Spinal surgery Hello Doctor: My father has been experiencing pain and numbness in his legs, which radiates from his lower back down to the soles of his feet. After being diagnosed at the hospital, it was determined that the degeneration of the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae wa...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Based on your description, high-frequency thermal coagulation therapy can be considered; however, the patient needs to come to the clinic for an evaluation. Additionally, it is recommended to bring recent MRI and X-ray images from the original hospital, copied onto a disc....[Read More] Understanding Spine Surgery: Managing Pain and Recovery Challenges
Post-Surgery Nerve Pain: Understanding Scar Tissue Impact and Treatment Options
Surgical excision of the area behind the knee? Doctor, I have been experiencing numbness and pain in my calf for a year after surgery! During this time, I have undergone rehabilitation and received medication injections, but there has been no significant improvement. Recently, I ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: I recommend that you consult with a pain specialist or a neurosurgeon to arrange for a series of tests such as nerve conduction studies and electromyography. After that, an assessment can be made regarding the possibility of further treatments, such as pain nerve block pro...[Read More] Post-Surgery Nerve Pain: Understanding Scar Tissue Impact and Treatment Options
Post-Surgery Complications: Persistent Pain and Numbness After Spinal Surgery
Postoperative condition not improved after posterior ligament surgery? Hello Doctor: I underwent surgery due to calcification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in my cervical spine, specifically at the C3-4-5 levels, where an artificial disc was placed at the C4 level. It ha...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: I am not the doctor who performed your original surgery. I would like to help you, but your description is too brief for a professional assessment. I recommend that you first consult with the surgeon who performed your initial procedure. If you do not receive the explanati...[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications: Persistent Pain and Numbness After Spinal Surgery
Navigating the Challenges of Neurological Care: A Patient's Journey
A long journey to seek medical care? Dear Dr. Lai, As previously mentioned (<a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/177636">#177636</a>), the patient's mother wishes to transfer to a nearby hospital for medication due to safety concerns. However, the patie...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: A trusting relationship between doctors and patients is essential. Your convenience and peace of mind are the most important. It is a great decision that you have been seeing the same doctor at the children's hospital for many years. Wishing you all the best with Dr. ...[Read More] Navigating the Challenges of Neurological Care: A Patient's Journey
Risks and Aftereffects of Craniopharyngioma Surgery: What to Expect
Surgical issues Is the risk of surgery high for a craniopharyngioma after a craniotomy? What are the potential postoperative complications?
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Brain tumor surgery carries certain risks. I want to help you, but the information you provided is too brief for a professional neurosurgeon. I recommend that you have a thorough discussion with your surgical team preparing for the brain tumor surgery. The issues you are f...[Read More] Risks and Aftereffects of Craniopharyngioma Surgery: What to Expect
Understanding Cervical Spine Issues: Symptoms, Rehabilitation, and Diagnosis
Cervical spine issues, cervical rehabilitation? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my condition. Around October last year, I experienced back pain and weakness associated with a cold. After recovering from the cold, my symptoms improved, but then I started to feel a series o...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is suspected that you may be experiencing symptoms of cervical nerve compression. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon to discuss the possibility of arranging an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) examination. If you experience severe weakness in your limbs, loss o...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Issues: Symptoms, Rehabilitation, and Diagnosis
Can You Undergo Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Surgery? Key Considerations
Surgical Issues in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Doctor, I previously asked about my carpal tunnel issue. If I decide to have surgery (I am currently undergoing rehabilitation), I have recently been experiencing pain that extends from my wrist to my arm. Today, I received an injection a...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Your question: <Can both hands be operated on at the same time?> My answer: Under health insurance, both hands can be operated on simultaneously. However, you need to evaluate your work/rest schedule and your private insurance coverage. Since you are only 25 years ol...[Read More] Can You Undergo Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Surgery? Key Considerations
Dealing with Stiff Fingers After Motorcycle Accident: When to See a Neurosurgeon?
After a motorcycle accident, the fingers became stiff after healing from the injury? My injured right middle, ring, and little fingers are currently stiff and unable to bend normally, and the tender tissue that has grown is painful. Should I see a neurosurgeon, or do I need to pu...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: After a motorcycle accident, your fingers are stiff and unable to bend normally after healing. I recommend the following: 1. Consult a hand surgeon (usually affiliated with plastic surgery or orthopedics) to evaluate whether there are issues such as joint, ligament, or ten...[Read More] Dealing with Stiff Fingers After Motorcycle Accident: When to See a Neurosurgeon?
Can You Undergo Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Surgery? Key Considerations
Surgical Issues in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Doctor, I previously inquired about my carpal tunnel issue. If I decide to undergo surgery (I am currently in rehabilitation), I have recently been experiencing pain extending from my wrist to my arm. Today, I received an injection and co...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Your question: <Can both hands be operated on at the same time?> My answer: Under health insurance, both hands can be operated on simultaneously. However, you need to evaluate your work/rest schedule and your private insurance coverage. Since you are only 25 years ol...[Read More] Can You Undergo Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Surgery? Key Considerations
Understanding Surgery Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: What You Need to Know
Surgical Issues in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Consulting a physician: If I have carpal tunnel syndrome but the symptoms are not yet severe (such as muscle atrophy, instability when holding objects, etc.), can I consider surgery? Both of my hands are affected (last year, nerve conduct...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Generally, conservative treatment is recommended, which includes adequate wrist rest, medication, physical rehabilitation, heat therapy, and wrist protection. However, if you do not experience any improvement and nerve conduction studies show abnormalities, surgery can be ...[Read More] Understanding Surgery Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: What You Need to Know
Finger Numbness After Archery: Is It a Sign of Nerve Injury?
Numbness in the fingers after archery? Hello Doctor, I previously injured my right hand fingers while archery without wearing a finger tab (it was very painful at the time, somewhat like the sensation of eating a radish). After returning home, the tip of my middle finger started ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is suspected that you may have strained the internal tendons and fascia of your finger, leading to inflammation. It is recommended to rest your finger for 3-7 days and apply heat to the area. Monitor your condition. If there is no improvement after 1-2 weeks, you may co...[Read More] Finger Numbness After Archery: Is It a Sign of Nerve Injury?
Spinal Fracture and Spinal Cord Injury Disability Assessment Guidelines
Assessment of Disability Due to Spinal Fractures and Spinal Cord Injury I previously underwent spinal surgery at your hospital and spent about a month in inpatient rehabilitation. After that, I have been hospitalized for rehabilitation at other hospitals for approximately 10 mont...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: For general agricultural labor insurance disability assessment or the physical and mental disability handbook, it is required to wait 6 months to 1 year post-surgery, depending on the condition, before applying. I suggest you: 1. First, apply for a diagnosis certificate/me...[Read More] Spinal Fracture and Spinal Cord Injury Disability Assessment Guidelines
Understanding Inner Thigh Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Inner thigh swelling and pain? The family member has been experiencing thigh swelling and pain for the past two to three months. Initially, the discomfort began while riding a motorcycle, where prolonged riding would cause a tingling sensation in the inner thigh. The most intense...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Based on your description: ........ the inner side feels like there is a lump, and it feels warm and tight; sitting or lying down doesn't hurt much, but pressing on the lump makes walking very painful........ It is suggested to first rule out a lump in the thigh (lymp...[Read More] Understanding Inner Thigh Pain: Causes and Treatment Options