Understanding Tightness and Numbness in the Right Arm: A Neurological Perspective
Numbness and tightness in the right arm? Hello, doctor. My father had shingles five years ago, and after five years, he started experiencing numbness in his palm, which then progressed to tightness in his right arm. The tightness seems to move around the back of his right arm, si...
Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
Abnormal conduction of sensory nerves (functional abnormalities) may lead to clinical symptoms, while neurophysiological examinations can only assess structural abnormalities such as those caused by inflammation, compression, injury, degeneration, and other pathological changes.[Read More] Understanding Tightness and Numbness in the Right Arm: A Neurological Perspective
Post-Concussion Symptoms: Headaches, Dizziness, and Insomnia Explained
Symptoms of headache, dizziness, and insomnia following a concussion? Hello Doctor: I had a car accident in March, which resulted in a concussion and a lump on the upper back of my head. Since being discharged from the hospital, I have been experiencing intermittent headaches and...
Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
Symptoms of a concussion include headache, dizziness, confusion, tinnitus, nausea, blurred vision, poor balance, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating. If the symptoms are mild, normal activities and exercise can typically resume after rest. However, if there has been memory ...[Read More] Post-Concussion Symptoms: Headaches, Dizziness, and Insomnia Explained
Persistent Tinnitus: When to See a Neurologist for Help
There is a constant sound of cicadas in my ears? I have been experiencing a constant cicada-like sound in my ear for over two weeks. I have seen an otolaryngologist, but it hasn't helped. I'm unsure about what further medical examinations to pursue. Should I first consu...
Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
It is recommended to avoid: noise, using headphones, and explosive sounds in daily life. You may visit an otolaryngologist to check for hearing loss and a neurologist for brainstem auditory evoked potential testing.[Read More] Persistent Tinnitus: When to See a Neurologist for Help
Can My Daughter with Basilar-Type Migraine Take Coenzyme Q10?
Can patients with basilar-type migraine take Coenzyme Q10? My daughter is 16 years old and in her second year of high school. She has experienced occasional dizziness since the sixth grade, and the situation worsened during her third year of junior high. In her first year of high...
Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
There is no evidence to recommend the use of Coenzyme Q10 for the treatment of migraines. Patients with migraines should consider preventive medication under the following circumstances: (1) experiencing two or more attacks per week, (2) attacks lasting longer than 48 hours, (3) ...[Read More] Can My Daughter with Basilar-Type Migraine Take Coenzyme Q10?
Understanding Insomnia After a Fall: Seeking Solutions for Recovery
The issue of insomnia caused by falls? Dear Dr. Lin, My mother recently had a fall while riding her bike, resulting in multiple abrasions and 13 stitches on her right lower leg. She also feels some tightness in her neck and experiences dizziness. Since the fall, she has been exp...
Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
Sleep medications generally have an effect duration of about 6 hours. Taking them too early may lead to waking up too soon. It is recommended to take the medication 6 to 8 hours before the desired wake-up time. (If you plan to go to bed earlier, it is advisable to refrain from ta...[Read More] Understanding Insomnia After a Fall: Seeking Solutions for Recovery
Understanding Mild Insomnia: When to Consult a Neurologist
Mild insomnia? Hello Doctor, at the beginning of the year, I prepared for the judicial examination for a while and experienced continuous mental stress for six months, staying up late until three or four in the morning every day. After the exam in August, I noticed that I have di...
Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
It is likely that sleep disturbances are caused by high levels of stress. It is recommended to undergo a sleep study or establish a regular sleep schedule and adhere to it, along with incorporating moderate and regular exercise.[Read More] Understanding Mild Insomnia: When to Consult a Neurologist
Understanding Persistent Leg Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Muscle pain? I frequently experience pain in my right thigh and calf, with severe pain when I first sit down or stand up. I often have cramps, mild pain when walking on flat surfaces, and more intense pain when climbing stairs. This condition has persisted for two months. My job ...
Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
It may be chronic muscle inflammation related to long-term poor posture; a small portion could be due to bone or ligament issues. It is recommended to consult a rehabilitation specialist or a sports medicine physician for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Leg Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Sudden Abdominal Enlargement: Possible Neurological Concerns
Sudden abdominal distension? My father-in-law is 48 years old and had a stroke two years ago. Recently, his abdomen has noticeably increased in size, but he has normal bowel movements and drinks water regularly. He also has a habit of exercising and occasionally enjoys a drink in...
Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
A distended abdomen with normal bowel movements indicates that the intestines are functioning properly. However, it may be necessary to consider the possibility of cirrhosis leading to ascites or fat accumulation. It is recommended to arrange for an abdominal ultrasound examinati...[Read More] Sudden Abdominal Enlargement: Possible Neurological Concerns
Understanding Top-of-Head Pain: Causes and Risks Explained
Headache on the top of the head? Hello, sometimes I experience headaches, specifically at the top of my head. I'm not sure what it could be. I also have mild numbness on one side of my face. Is there a risk of stroke? Additionally, regarding the facial nerve, is the mild num...
Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
Facial numbness on one side may be due to 1. trigeminal nerve dysfunction, 2. mild stroke, 3. atypical facial pain, 4. multiple sclerosis, 5. cellulitis or viral infection (such as herpes zoster), among many possible diagnoses. The headache may or may not be related. It is recomm...[Read More] Understanding Top-of-Head Pain: Causes and Risks Explained
Unexplained Dizziness and Nausea: Possible Neurological Causes
Unexplained dizziness with nausea? I have been experiencing frequent dizziness, nausea, and a feeling of pressure in my head this week, making it difficult to concentrate on anything. When I lie in bed and look at the ceiling, I feel somewhat dizzy. I'm not sure what might b...
Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
To differentiate between dizziness and vertigo, true vertigo refers to the sensation of the surroundings spinning, which is most commonly associated with issues in the inner ear's semicircular canals. On the other hand, symptoms such as a heavy head, lightheadedness, visual ...[Read More] Unexplained Dizziness and Nausea: Possible Neurological Causes
Understanding Facial Asymmetry: Is It a Stroke or Something Else?
Facial asymmetry? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing a tingling and swelling sensation on one side of my face. When I relax, I notice that my eye and mouth appear uneven, but my arms and legs are normal with no abnormalities. I can close my eyes and mouth, and i...
Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
The main symptoms of facial nerve paralysis include facial asymmetry, inability to close the eyelids, tearing, taste disturbances, a sensation of food stagnation in the mouth, and difficulty drinking without spilling. The affected side may appear droopy, and the eye may appear mi...[Read More] Understanding Facial Asymmetry: Is It a Stroke or Something Else?
Two Weeks of Unexplained Headaches: Seeking Medical Advice and Insurance Coverage
Continuous headaches for two weeks, yet unable to receive treatment covered by health insurance? Dear Dr. Lin, I have been experiencing persistent, unexplained pain in the right posterior part of my head for two consecutive weeks. I visited a neurologist who conducted an EEG and...
Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
An electroencephalogram (EEG) showing no abnormalities indicates that approximately 80% of the cortical areas of the brain are functioning normally. However, certain conditions or lesions in specific areas of the brain, such as those near the pituitary gland, cerebellar lesions, ...[Read More] Two Weeks of Unexplained Headaches: Seeking Medical Advice and Insurance Coverage
Post-Surgery Nerve Pain: Understanding Causes and Recovery Strategies
Nerve pain after hip surgery? Hello Doctor, my mother underwent hip joint surgery on her right leg three weeks ago. Post-surgery, she has been unable to move her toes, and there is no sensation in the bottom of her foot. This week, while she has gradually regained some slight fee...
Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
The sensation of electric shock pain occurring every few seconds is likely a symptom of neuropathic pain. The inability to move the toes and the lack of sensation in the soles of the feet may indicate nerve compression symptoms. Hip joint surgery typically does not easily damage ...[Read More] Post-Surgery Nerve Pain: Understanding Causes and Recovery Strategies
Understanding Left Facial Tightness and Leg Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
Tightness in the left side of the face? Hello, doctor. A month ago, I noticed varicose veins in my left leg, which appear somewhat purple. Now, when I walk, certain areas hurt, particularly above the ankle and on the outer thigh, which feels swollen and painful. It seems to be mo...
Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
Lower limb venous thrombosis is associated with prolonged sitting or lying down. In the case of acute embolism, it can cause severe pain and swelling in the affected area, particularly worsening with limb movement. There may be twitching and a tight sensation around the left eye ...[Read More] Understanding Left Facial Tightness and Leg Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Muscle Twitches: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Muscle twitching Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing numbness in my hands and feet, as well as muscle twitching, so I consulted a neurologist. The doctor performed nerve conduction studies and an EEG, which showed normal brain activity. However, the nerve conduction ...
Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
Certain diseases can cause irregular muscle twitching throughout the body, such as benign fasciculation syndrome or motor neuron disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Benign fasciculation syndrome does not present with other symptoms but is often associated with anxiety disord...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Twitches: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Understanding Uncontrollable Head Tremors: Is It Parkinson's Disease?
Head Hello Doctor: I would like to ask, I have been experiencing head shaking since childhood (around the age of 7), but I am not aware of it myself; I only realize it when others point it out. It has continued to this day. I would like to know if this is related to "Parkins...
Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
This condition may be essential tremor, with half of the cases potentially having a genetic component. Aside from the shaking, there are no other symptoms, and it can persist for many years without change. Treatment primarily involves anxiolytics or medications to reduce heart ra...[Read More] Understanding Uncontrollable Head Tremors: Is It Parkinson's Disease?
Understanding Muscle Cramps in Limbs: A Guide for Patients with Hyperthyroidism
Muscle cramps in the joints of the limbs? Hello Dr. Lin: I have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and have been on medication for nearly five months. However, for the past month or two, I have started experiencing sharp pain in my limbs and joints (specifically in the armpits a...
Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
Pain in areas related to posture or angle is more akin to muscle pain, and it is important to monitor for any signs of muscle weakness that may affect daily activities. Sometimes, hyperthyroidism may be associated with other autoimmune diseases that lead to muscle inflammation; i...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Cramps in Limbs: A Guide for Patients with Hyperthyroidism
Understanding Sleep Disruptions: Unexplained Muscle Twitches and Anxiety
Inability to nap? A few days ago, while I was napping with my head on the table, my girlfriend placed her hand on my knee. In a semi-conscious state, I suddenly felt a twitch in the inner part of my right thigh, near the genital area. At first, I didn't think much of it, but...
Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
This involuntary twitching may be related to decreased peripheral nerve inhibition and subsequent discharges as one is about to fall asleep, or it may be associated with nerve stimulation due to posture during napping. If this phenomenon occurs during normal sleep as well, it is ...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Disruptions: Unexplained Muscle Twitches and Anxiety
Effective Strategies to Reduce Frequent Headaches in College Students
Frequent headaches? Hello Doctor, I am a college student. I have suffered from headaches since childhood, and it continues to this day. In addition to experiencing headaches before and after my menstrual period, I also get headaches if my hair is not dried properly. I frequently ...
Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
Ways to reduce the frequency of headaches: 1. Regular exercise 2. Maintain a normal sleep schedule 3. Avoid excessive stress 4. Avoid certain specific foods: cheese, chocolate, red wine, excessive caffeine, etc. 5. Avoid over-reliance on pain medications 6. Regularly take prevent...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Reduce Frequent Headaches in College Students
Understanding Monthly Headaches: Causes and When to Seek Help
Headache issues? Hello Doctor: I experience headaches for several days each month, during which I feel like crying and have the urge to vomit. I initially thought it was related to eye pressure, so I have been regularly following up with an ophthalmologist. However, the ophthalmo...
Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
If the headaches are recurrent and of the same nature, they may be vascular headaches. However, if the headaches have occurred recently within the past month, it is necessary to check for any intracranial diseases.[Read More] Understanding Monthly Headaches: Causes and When to Seek Help