Understanding Disc Herniation After Tailbone Injury: Symptoms and Treatment
Herniated disc Hello, doctor. Three weeks ago, I fell down the stairs and sustained a coccygeal fracture. Initially, the pain was not severe, and my mobility began to improve. However, since last week, the area above my coccyx in the lumbar region has become very swollen and pain...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Based on your description: "The area around my lower back has become very swollen and painful, and my left leg often experiences sharp pain from my lower back to the sole of my foot... My lower back is sore except when lying down, and my left foot is increasingly numb...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation After Tailbone Injury: Symptoms and Treatment
How Long Should Patients with Intracranial Hemorrhage Be Observed?
Observation period for intracranial hemorrhage? Dear Dr. Lai, I would like to inquire about the observation and management protocols in the hospital. My classmate, a 20-year-old, was involved in a car accident on February 12th around 4 PM. He was conscious upon arrival at the ho...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Intracerebral hemorrhage is most dangerous in the first 8 hours. After that, continuous observation is required for 24-48-72 hours. As time passes, the risk of worsening and expansion of the hemorrhage gradually decreases. It is speculated that your classmate may have had ...[Read More] How Long Should Patients with Intracranial Hemorrhage Be Observed?
Should You Get a CT Scan After a Head Injury? A Guide for Seniors
Head injury Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my mother, who is 63 years old. On the evening of January 30th, she bumped her head against the upper refrigerator door while wiping off the water from the fridge. It made a "thud" sound, and she felt pain for a moment...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: In cases of head trauma, the most rapid changes occur within the first three days. From January 30th to now, it has been a week, and the risk has significantly decreased. However, in elderly individuals over 60, there is a small possibility of chronic subdural hematoma, wh...[Read More] Should You Get a CT Scan After a Head Injury? A Guide for Seniors
Post-Surgery Insights: Understanding Recovery After Disc Herniation Surgery
Postoperative care after disc herniation removal surgery? Hello, doctor. I am 36 years old and have a herniated disc. I underwent decompression surgery about a month ago (simple decompression). The pre-operative MRI is as follows: https://imgur.com/a/cEEz4Dh. My surgeon informed ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: You have many questions after your surgery, but since Dr. Lai did not perform your surgery and I did not personally examine you, I will do my best to respond to you. (A bit of a doctor's curiosity: Who was your surgeon? If you were my patient, I would answer all your ...[Read More] Post-Surgery Insights: Understanding Recovery After Disc Herniation Surgery
Numbness and Tingling in Left Back: Possible Nerve Issues Explained
There is an area on the left side of the back with reduced tactile sensation? Hello Doctor, recently due to changes in my job responsibilities, I often need to lift packages weighing up to 10 kilograms and stand for long periods. After about two weeks of work, I started to feel a...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is speculated that 1. the weight-bearing has caused deep muscle fascia injury and inflammation in the area, and 2. cervical nerve involvement should also be ruled out. It is advisable to rest more, reduce weight-bearing, apply heat to the affected area, and use anti-inf...[Read More] Numbness and Tingling in Left Back: Possible Nerve Issues Explained
Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Disc Surgery
Endoscopic Discectomy Hello, I would like to ask about my condition. I underwent endoscopic discectomy on January 26th, where a portion of the herniated disc at the L5 level was removed due to stenosis. I was able to walk the day after the surgery, but I am experiencing a tinglin...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: You underwent endoscopic disc surgery on January 26th, and it has been about a week since then. You can start taking the discharge medications prescribed by your original surgeon. /// Are these symptoms post-operative complications? How long will it take to recover? Which ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Disc Surgery
Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Discectomy
Endoscopic Discectomy Hello, I would like to ask about my condition. I underwent endoscopic discectomy on January 26th, where a portion of the herniated disc at the L5 level was removed due to stenosis and compression. I was able to walk the day after the surgery, but I am experi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: You underwent endoscopic discectomy on January 26, and it has been about a week since the procedure. You can start taking the discharge medications prescribed by your original surgeon. /// Are these symptoms a result of the surgery? How long will it take to recover? Which ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Discectomy
Understanding Upper Left Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Upper left back pain? I have been experiencing mild soreness in my upper left back for the past few weeks, especially when lying flat. I rarely feel soreness when sitting, standing, or lying on my side, but it does occur occasionally. I think it might be related to a time when I ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is suspected that 1. an injury from cycling has caused deep muscle fascia damage and inflammation in that area. 2. It is also necessary to rule out cervical nerve involvement affecting the Gao Mang point. You should rest more, avoid heavy lifting, apply heat to the affe...[Read More] Understanding Upper Left Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Disc Surgery
Endoscopic Disc Surgery Hello, I would like to ask about my condition. I underwent endoscopic discectomy on January 26th, where the protruding portion of the intervertebral disc at the L5 level was removed due to stenosis and compression. I was able to walk the day after the surg...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: You underwent endoscopic discectomy on January 26, and it has been about a week since the procedure. You can start taking the discharge medications prescribed by your original surgeon. /// Are these symptoms a result of the surgery? How long will it take to recover? Which ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Disc Surgery
Understanding Unexplained Tingling in the Right Pinky Finger
In the past few days, I have been experiencing a strange tingling sensation in my right pinky finger? In the past few days, I have experienced a prickling sensation on the inner side of my right little finger near the joint when I touch it. This sensation occurs only when I touch...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is suspected to be tendonitis or synovitis. It could also be something else. First, try applying some topical anti-inflammatory ointment. Avoid repetitive strain on the right finger. Observe for 1-2 weeks. If there is no improvement, it is recommended to seek medical at...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Tingling in the Right Pinky Finger
Post-Surgery Neck Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Solutions
Cervical spine surgery pain issues? On December 28, 2021, due to degeneration of the C5-C6 and C6-C7 intervertebral discs causing nerve compression, symptoms such as arm numbness, finger numbness, and arm pain prompted cervical spine surgery. After undergoing two surgeries to rep...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is suspected that the inflammation is caused by blood accumulation, but other causes cannot be ruled out. It is recommended that you consult with the surgeon who originally performed your operation as soon as possible. Please also ask him to follow up with imaging studi...[Read More] Post-Surgery Neck Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding the Risks of Multiple Concussions and Cognitive Decline
Multiple concussions Hello Doctor, I have experienced five mild concussions over the past two years, with the most recent one occurring in mid-November. Since my third concussion in March, I have been experiencing ongoing issues with attention, judgment, and memory. A CT scan sho...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Repeated head injuries can potentially cause subtle brain damage and may lead to functional impairments in the brain, which may not be visible on a CT scan. A CT scan provides information to the physician regarding the presence of bleeding, brain tumors, or other condition...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Multiple Concussions and Cognitive Decline
Managing Arteriovenous Malformations: Patient Care and Future Concerns
Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) Dear Dr. Lai, Thank you for your response. I would like to provide some clarification. The patient has been suffering from the condition since their teenage years and has always been cared for by their mother. Currently, the mother drives the pat...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. If it is not possible to copy the recent CT scan disc due to the passage of time and there are no EEG report records, you can provide old discharge summaries or recent outpatient records to Changhua Hospital. You may also request the original treating physician to write...[Read More] Managing Arteriovenous Malformations: Patient Care and Future Concerns
Head Injury and Neck Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Head injury and neck and shoulder soreness? 1. Two weeks ago, I hit my head on the shoe cabinet door when I lifted it, and it hurt so much that I couldn't stand. I didn't apply ice at the time. Although I feel much better now, I suddenly lost my balance while walking th...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. After a head injury, the first three days are the most critical. It is recommended to observe at home for at least three months, especially during the first three weeks. If symptoms such as persistent headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, mental status changes, altered...[Read More] Head Injury and Neck Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding Swelling at the Back of the Head: When to See a Specialist
A swollen area? You should see a neurologist for a lump on the back of your head that feels like a collection of fluid and changes shape and position when pressed.
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon first. Wishing you well from Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Swelling at the Back of the Head: When to See a Specialist
Post-Microdiscectomy: Persistent Numbness in Buttocks and Feet Explained
Numbness in the buttocks and soles of the feet after minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery? Dear Director Lai, Hello! My mother is 71 years old and has been experiencing worsening symptoms of numbness, pain, and limping in her legs due to L4-5 spondylolisthesis. She underwent ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: After decompression surgery, lower limb pain improves more quickly, while numbness takes longer to resolve (numbness: indicates that the nerves were already damaged prior to surgery). It is advisable to increase the dosage of vitamin B and medications for blood circulation...[Read More] Post-Microdiscectomy: Persistent Numbness in Buttocks and Feet Explained
Understanding Lumbar Fractures: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Medical Consultation for Fracture of the Fifth Lumbar Vertebra I am experiencing unexplained pain and numbness in my thigh. An initial X-ray examination at the hospital suggests a fracture of the fifth lumbar vertebra, and further MRI imaging is needed for confirmation. Since I a...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: What you referred to as a "fracture of the fifth vertebra" is likely a "vertebral arch fracture." If that is the case, it is generally congenital for someone your age, but it may also be combined with acquired injuries, strain, or poor posture. If you a...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Fractures: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding Scalp Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
The scalp feels tender to the touch? Last week, I felt pain on the lower left side of my scalp that felt similar to a pimple in size and sensation, but there was no visible redness or pimple; it was just painful to touch. It was slightly swollen and disappeared after 2 to 3 days,...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, it is suspected to be scalp folliculitis or something else. As you mentioned, it could be triggered by excessive stress. If it persists, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist or a neurosurgeon for confirmation. Best wishes. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgeon.[Read More] Understanding Scalp Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding the Longevity and Strength of Titanium Spinal Implants
Regarding the service life of titanium alloy cervical spine plates and screws? Hello, Director Lai. I underwent spinal instrumentation surgery nearly a year ago, during which three titanium alloy plates and six screws were implanted. From the X-ray images, the titanium alloy plat...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Titanium alloy has become the most advanced medical material that can be found, mass-produced, and is economically viable, while being compatible with human bone, durable, and strong. Titanium alloy plates and screws are not absorbed by the body. If the plates and screws s...[Read More] Understanding the Longevity and Strength of Titanium Spinal Implants
Managing Arteriovenous Malformations: Patient Transfer and Medication Queries
Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) Hello Dr. Lai, I am the grandson of one of your former patients. About 12 years ago, my grandparent underwent surgery for an arteriovenous malformation at Children's Hospital. After stopping medication, they experienced seizures, so they have...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. The medication you mentioned, Keppra, is available at Changhua Hospital as well, so you can pick it up nearby if you wish. 2. Please prepare the following documents from the original hospital: the <discharge summary> from the year of your surgery and the <diagn...[Read More] Managing Arteriovenous Malformations: Patient Transfer and Medication Queries