Post-Surgery Scoliosis: Understanding Recovery Chances and Symptoms
Postoperative scoliosis? Hello, Dr. Lai. Brief summary of the condition: The patient has undergone two surgeries on the spine at the 2nd and 3rd vertebrae. The first surgery involved the installation of bone screws, but the attempt to install screws on the other side was unsucces...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: According to your description: <..the current curvature of the scoliosis is quite severe, approximately 40 degrees...> This curvature angle is significant and there is still room for treatment. However, I recommend that you bring recent X-rays and MRI scans for a per...[Read More] Post-Surgery Scoliosis: Understanding Recovery Chances and Symptoms
Understanding Lumbar Spine Fractures and Severe Injury Claims
Lumbar spine issues A burst fracture of the second lumbar vertebra with spinal cord injury resulting in paralysis of both lower limbs is considered a severe injury. It is also possible to apply for a major disability card in this case.
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Paralysis of both lower limbs is considered serious. However, whether it qualifies as a "severe injury" or for "application for major illness" requires returning to the original hospital for consultation with the attending physician and reviewing the me...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spine Fractures and Severe Injury Claims
Understanding Leg Pain and Numbness After Overexertion: A Guide
Excessive exercise can lead to foot pain and numbness? My father started experiencing foot pain three months ago after moving over twenty bags of cement from the first floor to the fourth floor while renovating our home. Since he is not very familiar with medical issues, he didn&...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It may be neuropathic pain. If you are concerned, it is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon for further evaluation. Wishing you a speedy recovery. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital[Read More] Understanding Leg Pain and Numbness After Overexertion: A Guide
Managing Sleep Issues with Herniated Discs: Treatment Options Explored
Herniated disc, sleep issues? Hello Doctor, I previously asked about the article <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/173564">#173564</a>. Currently, my condition regarding conservative treatment for herniated discs has improved, and I am now able to fall asl...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: If you feel that conservative treatment is improving your condition, you can continue with it. Taking an additional dose of medication before bedtime can help ensure that the effects last throughout your sleep period, improving your sleep quality. It is also important to m...[Read More] Managing Sleep Issues with Herniated Discs: Treatment Options Explored
Understanding Numbness in the Forearm: When to Seek Medical Help
Numbness in the skin of the forearm? Hello, doctor. About one to two days ago, I noticed that a part of my forearm feels numb. It doesn't hurt, but the sensation in that area of my forearm is tingling, as if the tactile sensitivity has decreased in that specific part. What c...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, it may be a peripheral nerve issue. You can try applying heat and adjusting the position of your elbow and wrist. If you're concerned, you may want to consult a neurologist or a neurosurgeon. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgeon.[Read More] Understanding Numbness in the Forearm: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Seizure Management: When to Seek Neurological Care
Epilepsy issues Hello, doctor. Here's the situation: I had an accident in the third grade, which resulted in hemiplegia and I have epilepsy that is being managed with medication. It has been well controlled, but in the past three months, I have experienced around 10 seizures...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon or neurologist again, informing them of your recent recurrent episodes. Please have the doctor evaluate whether further follow-up with a CT scan or EEG is necessary, and perhaps medication adjustments may also be needed. Best wis...[Read More] Understanding Seizure Management: When to Seek Neurological Care
Abnormal Skin Sensation Below the Knee: Causes and Treatment Options
Abnormal skin sensation in the muscles below the knee? Hello, recently while doing yoga, I experienced a pulling sensation below my knee, followed by persistent pain for several days. Additionally, I have been feeling abnormal sensations in my muscles and skin; in certain areas, ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is suspected that the soft tissues around the knee joint, such as ligaments and tendons, may have been overstretched and are inflamed. It is recommended to consult with a neurosurgeon, orthopedic surgeon, neurologist, or rehabilitation specialist. Wishing you a speedy r...[Read More] Abnormal Skin Sensation Below the Knee: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Nerve Injury Risks from Ultrasound-Guided Injections
Concerns about nerve injury from injections? Hello, doctor. I underwent a nerve hydrodissection injection in both elbows at a private clinic in early August 2021, using ultrasound guidance. After the needle was inserted, I experienced a more intense stabbing pain in my right hand...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Theoretically, there is a high chance that it will gradually improve and disappear. Wishing you a happy Mid-Autumn Festival. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgery[Read More] Understanding Nerve Injury Risks from Ultrasound-Guided Injections
Managing Disc Herniation Pain: Tips for Better Sleep and Comfort
Herniated disc, discomfort is worse when lying down? Hello, doctor. My height and weight are 177 cm and I started rehabilitation at 138 kg, currently around 125.8 kg. I have previously worked in heavy lifting and experienced a pelvic tilt after hitting a pothole while riding a bi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, it seems that your condition has significantly disrupted your daily life, leading to a decline in quality of life. If conservative treatments such as medication, rehabilitation, physical therapy, stretching exercises, rest, and weight loss have not resulted in improvement,...[Read More] Managing Disc Herniation Pain: Tips for Better Sleep and Comfort
Post-Vaccine Neck Pain: Is It Safe to Take Muscle Relaxants?
Vaccination and cervical pain? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if it is appropriate to take muscle relaxants after receiving the AZ vaccine (administered on September 20). A few days ago, I visited a doctor due to neck pain, and the doctor prescribed me Solaxin and Acemet Reta...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: If these medications were effective for you originally and did not cause any side effects, you can take them again if you experience a recurrence of pain and other symptoms. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgeon.[Read More] Post-Vaccine Neck Pain: Is It Safe to Take Muscle Relaxants?
Post-Discectomy Recovery: Understanding Symptoms and Timeline for Healing
Postoperative care for herniated disc surgery? I have a problem with disc compression, experiencing lower back pain, tightness in my left leg, and numbness in my left toes. Six months ago, I underwent a lumbar disc decompression surgery (L5-S1) without fixation or implant, just p...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: As you mentioned, it has been six months. If there is limited improvement, please ask the physician to arrange another MRI evaluation. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of Spine Surgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Post-Discectomy Recovery: Understanding Symptoms and Timeline for Healing
Understanding Endoscopic Nerve Resection for Spinal Arthritis Relief
Endoscopic Spinal Nerve Resection Surgery I was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis in my spine. The doctor informed me that undergoing this surgery could improve my condition by about 80%. However, since it is an out-of-pocket procedure and quite expensive, I cannot afford the...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. First, let me correct your statement; it is not "nerve resection," but rather "nerve decompression." The endoscopic spine surgery involves a smaller incision and uses an endoscope as a visual and working channel to remove the structures that compre...[Read More] Understanding Endoscopic Nerve Resection for Spinal Arthritis Relief
Exploring Non-Surgical Treatments for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Lumbar spondylolisthesis Hello, Doctor. I was in a car accident on May 19, and my bones healed by June 30. I started experiencing numbness and pain in my legs from my waist to my thighs, calves, and feet, along with frequent soreness in my lower back. I then visited a neurosurgeo...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Lumbar spondylolisthesis with nerve compression, if it causes severe pain, difficulty walking, or even paralysis and bowel or bladder incontinence, requires early surgical intervention. If the symptoms are milder, conservative treatment options may be attempted, such as lu...[Read More] Exploring Non-Surgical Treatments for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Understanding Indentations in the Skull: When to Seek Medical Advice
The bones of the skull are slightly concave? Hello doctor, over the past few days, I noticed a section of bone near the left ear at the back of my head that feels like it has a slight indentation (about three centimeters long). I would like to know if this is a normal phenomenon....
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello! It is suspected to be caused by congenital factors or during the growth and development period of childhood. If you have concerns, please consult a neurosurgeon or an otolaryngologist for a physical examination and assessment. Best wishes to you. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Chan...[Read More] Understanding Indentations in the Skull: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Left Back Numbness: Causes and Treatment Options
Numbness near the left back, specifically in the area of the "Huang" point? Hello, doctor. I have had a habit of slouching since childhood, and I tend to support my head with my left hand while sitting. About two years ago, one morning after waking up and engaging in no...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: In addition to the condition of the cervical spine, it is advisable to further evaluate upper limb nerve conduction studies (NCS) and the thoracic spine to rule out other concurrent lesions. Best wishes // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Changhua Hospital[Read More] Understanding Left Back Numbness: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Its Connection to Tailbone and Abdominal Discomfort
Lumbar pain, perianal pain, and cramp-like pain in the lower abdomen? Hello, doctor. Whenever I experience discomfort in my lower back, I also feel sharp pain in my coccyx and my lower abdomen (the triangular area between my legs), along with cramping pain that radiates to my rig...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is suspected to be a condition of the lumbar spine. It is recommended to consult a specialist in spinal neurology and arrange for a series of examinations, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to identify the lesion. Best wishes to you. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Chan...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Its Connection to Tailbone and Abdominal Discomfort
Understanding Persistent Lumbar Pain: When to Seek Further Treatment
Lumbar pain has made it difficult to sit, and there has been no improvement for over a week? Hello Doctor, I previously experienced sudden lumbar pain and had imaging done, where the doctor indicated that my muscles were too tight, leading to inflammation. However, each time, I w...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is suspected that there may be degeneration of the lumbar intervertebral disc. You have already consulted with orthopedic and rehabilitation specialists. If you do not see improvement and are still experiencing discomfort that is difficult to tolerate, please consider s...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Lumbar Pain: When to Seek Further Treatment
Understanding Left Neck Pain: Causes and Rehabilitation Strategies
Left-sided cervical pain? Yesterday morning, I stretched and heard a "pop" near my neck. Since then, turning my head backward or moving it up and down has caused significant soreness and limited mobility. I can feel a muscle on the left side of my neck, extending from t...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is suspected that there is a strain in the cervical facet joints, along with inflammation of the surrounding muscles and ligaments. It is recommended to wear a cervical collar to allow the cervical spine to rest. For the first three days, apply ice if there is severe pa...[Read More] Understanding Left Neck Pain: Causes and Rehabilitation Strategies
Understanding Pain in the Little Toe: Possible Causes and Concerns
Thumb issues Hello doctor, recently my right little toe has been experiencing cramping pain, but it looks normal without any redness or swelling. I don't have any other discomfort in my body, and the other toes are not cramping, only the right little toe. What could be the p...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It should not be serious. It is suspected to be fatigue of the small toe muscles and tendons, with mild inflammation. Self-assessment: Are your shoes too tight or are you wearing high heels? This can cause pressure on the toes. If so, switch to flat cushioned shoes. You ca...[Read More] Understanding Pain in the Little Toe: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Cervical Disc Replacement: Costs, Vaccination, and Recovery Tips
Cervical spine surgery I am scheduled for artificial disc replacement surgery next week, but I found limited information online. I have a few questions: 1) Out-of-pocket expenses: I currently know that the artificial disc itself is an out-of-pocket expense, but are there any ot...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. There are both self-pay and National Health Insurance options for cervical spine items, and you can also include what you mentioned. It is recommended that you discuss this with your actual surgeon, as other doctors may not be aware of what has been discussed between yo...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Disc Replacement: Costs, Vaccination, and Recovery Tips