Understanding Headaches and Unexplained Weight Loss: A Neurology Perspective
Headache and weight loss? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing occasional headaches for the past few months, mostly feeling a sense of pressure in my head. Recently, I have been feeling quite uncomfortable, with the pain almost constant throughout the day, primarily concentrate...
Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
Dear, the headache symptoms described may be associated with cervical syndrome and tension-type headaches. Maintaining a good lifestyle can help relax the muscles and reduce the frequency and intensity of pain. Worrying is normal, but try not to let it affect your daily routine. ...[Read More] Understanding Headaches and Unexplained Weight Loss: A Neurology Perspective
Understanding Dizziness and High Blood Pressure in Seniors
Dizziness and discomfort? Hello Doctor: My father is 70 years old. Recently, he caught a cold and had difficulty breathing, leading to a diagnosis of "bronchiectasis." His blood pressure has consistently been around 150-170 (he has never taken antihypertensive medicatio...
Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
Dear Sindy, 1. If the medication is unable to lower your blood pressure, you may ask your original cardiologist to change the medication or adjust the dosage. Some bronchodilators can affect cardiac rhythm, so be sure to bring this up during your appointment for the physician&#x...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and High Blood Pressure in Seniors
Which Medical Specialty to Consult for Autonomic Nervous System Disorders?
Which specialty should one consult for autonomic nervous system disorders? Hello Dr. Lan, After reviewing your academic and professional background, I learned that you have previously (or currently) practiced at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital. Due to issues with my gastr...
Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
Dear Xiaoming, Here are a few points in response: 1. The terms "neurology" and "neuropsychiatry" actually refer to the same specialty, which is neurology. Therefore, you can simply visit the neurology outpatient clinic. 2. Autonomic function testing is div...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty to Consult for Autonomic Nervous System Disorders?
Understanding Left Arm Swelling and Numbness: Possible Causes and Solutions
Swelling in the left arm, with overall soreness and numbness in the entire left hand? Hello Doctor: I have been troubled by arm pain for several days. It started on November 1st, when my left arm began to swell and hurt, and then my entire left hand started to feel numb and weak....
Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
Dear Eillen, if you are experiencing swelling, pain, numbness, or tingling, it is important to consider local inflammation or nerve compression. Have you consulted a neurologist yet? If you haven't, I recommend that you do so immediately.[Read More] Understanding Left Arm Swelling and Numbness: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: When to See a Neurologist
The doctor advised me to be referred to a neurosurgeon for gastrointestinal discomfort? Due to feeling weak during bowel movements, I visited a general clinic twice. However, the physician believes my symptoms do not indicate a problem with the gastrointestinal tract, as my stool...
Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
Dear Xiao Tian, even though dysautonomia of the gastrointestinal tract may be a localized issue, I would recommend undergoing a colonoscopy first before consulting a neurologist, as it would be more meaningful. Best regards, Lan Shengxing.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: When to See a Neurologist
Concerns About Using Cerrnin with Antithrombotic Medications
Issues Related to the Use of Xunli Ning Dear Director Junjian, Hello, my mother is 82 years old and has a history of cardiovascular issues (arteriosclerosis, obstruction, hypertension, etc.). She often experiences dizziness, and her physician has prescribed an antithrombotic med...
Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
Dear Mr. Yuan, past research has confirmed that the combination of aspirin (a thrombolytic agent similar to Ticlopidine) and ginkgo biloba extract (such as Ginkgolide) may actually increase the risk of bleeding, so such combinations are generally not encouraged. Therefore, some p...[Read More] Concerns About Using Cerrnin with Antithrombotic Medications
Persistent Eye Twitching: Causes and Solutions for Lasting Discomfort
Eyelid twitching persisting for more than a month? Dear Dr. Lan, Hello. My left lower eyelid has been twitching continuously for over a month, with an average frequency of more than 100 times per minute. The twitching is localized only to the left lower eyelid. I have researched...
Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
Dear Alice, the continuous twitching of one eyelid should raise the consideration of eyelid spasm. Since it has already affected your daily life, I recommend that you visit a clinic for examination and treatment. Best regards, Lan Shengxing.[Read More] Persistent Eye Twitching: Causes and Solutions for Lasting Discomfort
Struggling with Stair Climbing: Understanding Neurological Issues
Difficulty climbing stairs? Hello, I have been experiencing difficulty going up stairs for the past six months. I often miss steps, especially with my right foot (sometimes my foot extends out but then retracts, and I frequently step on the wrong step). I started counting the ste...
Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
Dear A-Hsin, the situation you described is somewhat abstract and not easy to understand regarding the coordination issues you are experiencing. It involves a wide range of factors, making it difficult to provide a response based solely on this information. I still recommend that...[Read More] Struggling with Stair Climbing: Understanding Neurological Issues
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis: MRI Insights and Next Steps
About Multiple Sclerosis Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing worsening hand tremors, wrist spasms, and a decreased sense of balance. I opted for a self-paid MRI of my brain, which revealed a single white matter lesion. When I asked my attending physician if this cou...
Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
Dear Mr. Chen, the issues you mentioned can be explained in several points: 1. Whether the white spot seen on the MRI corresponds to your symptoms is quite important. MRI scans are very sensitive and often detect lesions that do not produce any symptoms. If there is indeed no co...[Read More] Understanding Multiple Sclerosis: MRI Insights and Next Steps
Persistent Left Calf Discomfort: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Left calf soreness? Hello, Director Lan: My left calf has been constantly sore for 24 hours a day for the past six months. It feels the same whether I am sitting, standing, or lying down. I can exert normal strength without any feelings of weakness. The soreness seems to be locat...
Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
Dear Dennis, the type of pain that comes and goes on its own, regardless of posture, is usually neuropathic pain. If there is soreness fixed on the outer side of the calf without localized tenderness, but rather a vague pain, it resembles what is commonly known as sciatica. You s...[Read More] Persistent Left Calf Discomfort: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders and IBS: A Guide
Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation of the Gut I read an article that mentioned a connection between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and autonomic nervous system dysregulation. I would like to ask if I can "directly" request a consultation with a physician regarding a...
Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
Dear Chris Webber, Autonomic nervous system dysfunction can be detected through two types of tests: SSR (Sympathetic Skin Response) and RRIV (Respiratory Rate Variability). If a neurologist confirms that you have similar symptoms, then arrangements can be made without the need f...[Read More] Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders and IBS: A Guide
Could My Symptoms Indicate Chorea? Understanding Neurological Concerns
Could it be chorea? About a month ago, I started experiencing a sensation in my left wrist that feels like muscle twitching, pulling slightly inward a couple of times. Following that, I began to feel muscle twitches in my eyelids, arms, and back. Last Sunday, while staring at the...
Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
Dear Kevin, The symptoms you described could be indicative of various conditions, but they seem more aligned with myoclonus. Myoclonus that occurs before sleep is mostly a normal physiological phenomenon. To determine whether it is a condition that requires treatment, an electr...[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate Chorea? Understanding Neurological Concerns
Understanding Left-Sided Numbness and Pain: Possible Neurological Issues
Numbness in the left scalp, along with numbness and pain in the left shoulder and arm..? In the past two years, I have occasionally experienced a tingling sensation on the left side of my scalp, similar to the feeling one gets when overly emotional, excited, or exhilarated. Howev...
Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
Hello, Xinling. The symptoms you described below the shoulder are more indicative of peripheral nerve or nerve root pathology, which can be quite complex. More information is needed to clarify the situation. Prolonged computer use and sitting for long periods are already detrimen...[Read More] Understanding Left-Sided Numbness and Pain: Possible Neurological Issues
Understanding Frequent Occipital Pain: Causes and Solutions
Pain in the back of the head? I have been experiencing sharp pain in the back of my head for a long time, but in the past month, the frequency has increased significantly. When I'm not having the sharp pain, I feel a dull discomfort. When the sharp pain occurs, it usually la...
Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
Dear patient, the increased frequency, prolonged duration, and severity of pain in the back of your head are warning signs that warrant further examination for your headaches. I recommend that you visit the hospital for a more thorough evaluation. Please remember to inform your p...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Occipital Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Left Leg Numbness: Causes and Solutions
Numbness and tingling in the left foot? Hello Dr. Lan: I have been experiencing a tingling and numb sensation in my left leg (from my thigh to my foot) for many years. I find it difficult to describe this feeling. Initially, I thought it was just my thigh that was sore, so I woul...
Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
Hello, the symptoms you described may resemble lumbar nerve damage, possibly due to localized vascular or nerve compression. I recommend that you visit a neurology or rehabilitation clinic for an examination to confirm this. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Left Leg Numbness: Causes and Solutions
Unexplained Dizziness: A Three-Year Journey Through Neurology
Dizziness with no identifiable cause? My father has been experiencing intermittent dizziness for about three years. It tends to occur more frequently in the morning and after some physical exertion. He has consulted several hospitals, including both ENT and neurology departments,...
Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
Hello, there are many causes of recurrent dizziness, including issues related to the brain, ears, heart, or autonomic nervous system. Therefore, a comprehensive examination is necessary, as the effectiveness of treatments for these four systems can vary from person to person. In ...[Read More] Unexplained Dizziness: A Three-Year Journey Through Neurology
Understanding Involuntary Finger Tremors and Weakness: A Neurological Perspective
The middle finger experiences involuntary twitching? I started experiencing tremors in my left hand at the age of 19, and recently, over the past month, I've noticed that my body sometimes shakes as well. Although it's not very visible externally, I can feel the tremors...
Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
The symptoms mentioned, including tremors and decreased coordination, are characteristic of movement disorders, and most of the necessary examinations have already been conducted. If a more obvious condition were present, it should have been detected. Therefore, if the symptoms p...[Read More] Understanding Involuntary Finger Tremors and Weakness: A Neurological Perspective
Understanding Muscle Twitches and Pain: Is It ALS?
Muscle twitching and soreness? I experienced muscle twitching at the beginning of last year, and since then, I have frequently had muscle twitching and soreness throughout my body. I am very concerned that it might be ALS. In August of this year, I underwent an electromyography (...
Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
1. No, it cannot. The reason is that the progression of diseases varies; a normal electromyography (EMG) only indicates that the specific muscles tested did not show any typical abnormal changes. However, since the course of motor neuron diseases is quite long, if the sampled mus...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Twitches and Pain: Is It ALS?
Understanding Nerve Conduction Studies: When to Seek Further Testing
Regarding nerve conduction studies? Hello Doctor~~~ Previously, I had a soft tissue indentation in my calf and underwent nerve conduction studies in the neurology department, which showed everything was normal (although it was only for the legs). Today, I noticed a more pronounce...
Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
Hello, the Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) test primarily assesses the function of peripheral nerves. In principle, unless there is a systemic peripheral neuropathy, conducting tests on the upper and lower limbs at different times should not lead to inaccurate results. Regarding ...[Read More] Understanding Nerve Conduction Studies: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Toe Cramps: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Toe twitching Hello doctor, I have a question. My right foot's little toe has been twitching, especially before going to bed at night, for about two years. Recently, I've also felt a sticky sensation between my ring toe and middle toe. The ring toe feels different when ...
Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
Hello, based on your description, the issue seems more related to the peripheral nervous system, specifically involving the sciatic nerve. The symptoms caused by a stroke are not quite consistent with what you've described. However, it is still advisable for you to visit a h...[Read More] Understanding Toe Cramps: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options