Post-Concussion Care: When to Seek Further Medical Attention?
Head trauma Hello, doctor: I would like to ask about a head injury I sustained in a car accident a month ago. I had a laceration approximately 4 centimeters long that required sutures. I briefly lost consciousness at the time, and when I woke up, I seemed to have forgotten some t...
Dr. Shao Guoning reply Neurosurgery
Hello: In response to your question, head trauma is often accompanied by symptoms such as headache and dizziness, which are usually temporary. The duration of these symptoms varies depending on the severity of the injury and individual constitution, and they can be alleviated wit...[Read More] Post-Concussion Care: When to Seek Further Medical Attention?
Understanding Brain Tumors: Surgery Success Rates and Risks
Brain tumor Dear Doctor, My father is 53 years old and has been diagnosed with a brain tumor for nearly a year. Since the diagnosis, the tumor has not grown, but the cerebral edema has worsened. His symptoms primarily include headaches, pulsatile tinnitus, tinnitus, unsteady gai...
Dr. Shao Guoning reply Neurosurgery
Hello: In response to your question, meningiomas are, in very rare cases, benign tumors. In other words, they do not metastasize, and as long as they are completely surgically removed, they will not recur. Although meningiomas grow slowly, the brain is encased in the skull, leavi...[Read More] Understanding Brain Tumors: Surgery Success Rates and Risks
Does Scoliosis Pose Risks During Pregnancy? Key Considerations
Does scoliosis pose any risks during pregnancy? Dear Lobster, 1. If your girlfriend becomes pregnant, there may be physical impacts on both her body and the baby. The risks can vary depending on the severity of her scoliosis and overall health. It is essential for her to consult...
Dr. Shao Guoning reply Neurosurgery
Hello: In response to your question, a primary scoliosis with an angle of less than 30 degrees typically does not require surgical correction. If the scoliosis is caused by trauma, the assessment will depend on the location of the injury. Generally, a curvature of less than 30 de...[Read More] Does Scoliosis Pose Risks During Pregnancy? Key Considerations
Understanding Endoscopic Lumbar Disc Surgery: Symptoms and Coverage
Endoscopic lumbar disc surgery Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if there are any symptom limitations for lumbar endoscopic discectomy? Is it covered by health insurance? I have a herniated disc at the L5-S1 level, but it is protruding posteriorly into the spinal canal. The compr...
Dr. Shao Guoning reply Neurosurgery
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Endoscopic lumbar discectomy is covered by health insurance. 2. Your symptoms are typical of sciatic nerve compression; the numbness in your leg is a result of nerve degeneration due to compression. If the compression is severe, the only o...[Read More] Understanding Endoscopic Lumbar Disc Surgery: Symptoms and Coverage
Understanding Nerve Symptoms: What Your Spine and Pain Might Indicate
Regarding this symptom..? Hello Doctor: I am 22 years old, and I would like to ask about something... Recently, I have been experiencing occasional numbness on the left side of my spine. What could this issue be? I'm not sure if it's related to my spine or my kidneys. W...
Dr. Shao Guoning reply Neurosurgery
Hello: In response to your question, numbness is relatively subjective. If it persists continuously (24 hours a day), it indicates a potential issue. If it occurs occasionally, it is usually not a major concern. As for lower back pain, this is a common symptom that can arise from...[Read More] Understanding Nerve Symptoms: What Your Spine and Pain Might Indicate
Understanding Intracranial Hemorrhage: Recovery and Care Insights
Intracranial hemorrhage Hello Dr. Shao: My friend had a motorcycle accident on December 4, 2003, resulting in an intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). He underwent a craniotomy the next day, and a piece of his skull was preserved in cold storage. He had an endotracheal tube and a nasoga...
Dr. Shao Guoning reply Neurosurgery
Hello: In response to your question, I appreciate your deep concern for this patient. It is rare for someone other than close relatives to observe so attentively, and I am truly touched. (1) He has a traumatic brain hemorrhage and has undergone a right craniectomy due to injury...[Read More] Understanding Intracranial Hemorrhage: Recovery and Care Insights
Preventing Neck Strains: Tips for a Healthier Spine
It is common to easily strain the neck? Hello, I have noticed that I frequently strain my neck. When it's mild, I can only have limited neck movement, but when it's severe, I even have trouble getting out of bed. I'm worried that if this continues, it could lead to...
Dr. Shao Guoning reply Neurosurgery
Hello: In response to your question, you may be experiencing degenerative changes in your cervical spine, which could be causing recurrent neck pain. It is recommended that you visit a neurosurgery outpatient clinic for a physical examination and X-ray imaging. The physician will...[Read More] Preventing Neck Strains: Tips for a Healthier Spine
Understanding Compensatory Sweating After Hyperhidrosis Surgery
Postoperative complications of hyperhidrosis surgery? I underwent surgery for hyperhidrosis on September 17, but I have been experiencing excessive sweating in areas that previously did not sweat, such as my back, chest, and inner thighs. I am wondering if this compensatory sweat...
Dr. Shao Guoning reply Neurosurgery
Hello: In response to your question, compensatory hyperhidrosis is unavoidable; this is a significant drawback of surgery for palmar hyperhidrosis. However, over time, the body gradually adapts, leading to a reduction in compensatory hyperhidrosis and an adjustment to generalized...[Read More] Understanding Compensatory Sweating After Hyperhidrosis Surgery
Understanding Sciatica: When to Seek Medical Attention for Pain Relief
Sciatica Hello, doctor: I previously visited a physician in Changhua who diagnosed me with right-sided sciatica. Initially, I underwent physical therapy, but gradually, due to time and financial constraints, I stopped attending sessions. On September 28th, starting around 10 AM, ...
Dr. Shao Guoning reply Neurosurgery
Hello: In response to your question, you have typical sciatica. It is recommended that you consult a specialist in neurology or neurosurgery. A lumbar CT scan or MRI should be performed for an accurate diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: When to Seek Medical Attention for Pain Relief
Understanding Hyperhidrosis: Treatment Options and Risks Explained
Hyperhidrosis of the feet I have been suffering from palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis for many years. Recently, when I consulted a doctor, he explained that conventional surgery is not effective in addressing plantar sweating. He recommended high-frequency thermal therapy, which ...
Dr. Shao Guoning reply Neurosurgery
Hello, in response to your questions: 1. The simultaneous treatment of palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis is performed through endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy targeting the second and third thoracic sympathetic ganglia, with a 100% cure rate for palmar hyperhidrosis, while the ...[Read More] Understanding Hyperhidrosis: Treatment Options and Risks Explained
Understanding Severe Hand Sweating: Treatment Options and Recovery Time
I have severe hyperhidrosis of the hands? Hello, Vice Dean. My palmar hyperhidrosis is inherited from my father. Compared to others, mine seems to be more severe because my hands sweat continuously even with a slight increase in temperature or just a little exercise. I have looke...
Dr. Shao Guoning reply Neurosurgery
Dear A-Mao, In response to your question, you can go home on the same day as the surgery for palmar hyperhidrosis. Within the first two days post-surgery, you may experience chest tightness and pain, which will gradually lessen. After the surgery, you should avoid raising your a...[Read More] Understanding Severe Hand Sweating: Treatment Options and Recovery Time
Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Treatment Options After 12 Years of Symptoms
Wrist tunnel syndrome Numbness in the fingers has been present for 12 years, starting during pregnancy. The doctor mentioned that it could return to normal after giving birth. How should it be treated?
Dr. Shao Guoning reply Neurosurgery
Hello: In response to your question, carpal tunnel syndrome, commonly known as "housewife's wrist," is caused by the thickening of the flexor retinaculum, which compresses the median nerve, leading to symptoms of hand numbness and weakness. Diagnosis relies on clin...[Read More] Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Treatment Options After 12 Years of Symptoms
Managing Scoliosis: Home Rehabilitation Tips During COVID-19
Scoliosis Hello, Dr. Shao. I would like to ask about rehabilitation for my scoliosis. Due to the current SARS situation, it is inconvenient for me to go to the hospital for rehabilitation. During this period, what can I do to prevent my scoliosis from worsening, and how can I all...
Dr. Shao Guoning reply Neurosurgery
Hello: In response to your question, rehabilitation for scoliosis can only alleviate back pain and cannot correct an established curvature. Swimming can strengthen the back muscles and help prevent the worsening of scoliosis in later years. The degree of curvature is important, a...[Read More] Managing Scoliosis: Home Rehabilitation Tips During COVID-19
Understanding Numbness in Big Toes After Hiking: Causes and Solutions
After hiking, my big toe is numb? I have a question to ask you... Two weeks ago, I went hiking (for about ten hours). Although my legs were sore and painful the next day, they improved after a few days. Now I can walk freely, but I still feel a bit of numbness in both of my big t...
Dr. Shao Guoning reply Neurosurgery
Hello: In response to your question: If you've been walking for too long and are experiencing numbness in your feet, there are two possible reasons. One is nerve compression, which occurs when the superficial nerves in your back are compressed due to prolonged walking, leadi...[Read More] Understanding Numbness in Big Toes After Hiking: Causes and Solutions
Understanding High-Frequency Thermal Coagulation in Neurosurgery
The therapeutic principle of "high-frequency thermal coagulation" involves the application of high-frequency electrical currents to generate heat in targeted tissues. This heat causes coagulation of proteins and destruction of cellular structures, leading to tissue necr...
Dr. Shao Guoning reply Neurosurgery
Hello: In response to your question: The dorsal branch of the spinal nerve innervates the adjacent joints and intervertebral discs after exiting the spinal cord. A herniated intervertebral disc can cause referred pain when it does not compress the nerve root, often due to irritat...[Read More] Understanding High-Frequency Thermal Coagulation in Neurosurgery
Understanding Thoracic Scoliosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Thoracic scoliosis Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about a health check my company conducted previously. The report indicated that I have "thoracic scoliosis." What is "thoracic scoliosis" and how should it be treated? Additionally, I have another question. ...
Dr. Shao Guoning reply Neurosurgery
Hello: In response to your question, scoliosis tends to undergo significant changes during adolescence, while it is less likely to progress in adulthood. Surgical intervention is only considered for severe cases of scoliosis; mild curvature typically requires only regular health ...[Read More] Understanding Thoracic Scoliosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Is Sleeping Position Causing Numbness in My Pinky Fingers?
Numbness in the little finger? Doctor, I have recently been experiencing numbness in my little fingers while sleeping. If I lie flat on a carpet for a nap with my hands positioned under my abdomen (below the navel), could this be compressing the nerves in my hands?
Dr. Shao Guoning reply Neurosurgery
Hello: In response to your inquiry, numbness in the little finger may be due to nerve compression or circulatory issues. Compression of the cervical nerves, ulnar nerve at the elbow, or median nerve at the wrist can all lead to finger numbness. A consultation with a neurologist o...[Read More] Is Sleeping Position Causing Numbness in My Pinky Fingers?
Understanding Gamma Knife Treatment for Brain Vascular Conditions
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery I have a cerebrovascular condition (an unclear black mass approximately 1-2 cm in size in the left hemisphere) that was discovered in the early 2000s after my first seizure, through an MRI. The physician determined that it is not a brain tumor, but it cou...
Dr. Shao Guoning reply Neurosurgery
Hello: In response to your question: Your lesion is likely a cavernous angioma, which can cause spontaneous bleeding and lead to seizures. The primary treatment is surgical resection. Stereotactic radiosurgery is less effective for this condition compared to arteriovenous malform...[Read More] Understanding Gamma Knife Treatment for Brain Vascular Conditions
Desperate for Relief: A Young Girl's Struggle with Post-Surgery Pain
Incurable pain - please save me!!! Doctor: Hello! I am a 22-year-old girl experiencing weakness. Since undergoing surgery for a herniated disc on April 1st of this year, I feel like my life has turned black and white. Why is that? After the surgery, I have been experiencing signi...
Dr. Shao Guoning reply Neurosurgery
Hello: In response to your question: Your situation is unfortunate, but such cases are not common. Typically, young women with sciatica are treated conservatively, and surgery is only considered if there is a herniated disc that cannot be managed otherwise. Even after surgery, sc...[Read More] Desperate for Relief: A Young Girl's Struggle with Post-Surgery Pain
Understanding Neurological Symptoms: From Excitement to Dizziness
Absence seizure? For the past two months, my mental state has not been very good. Sometimes I feel overly excited or exert myself too much, and thinking about past events makes my head uncomfortable. When it's severe, I experience dizziness and unsteadiness while walking. I ...
Dr. Shao Guoning reply Neurosurgery
Hello: In response to your question, your symptoms do not resemble those of a stroke; rather, they indicate autonomic nervous system dysregulation. It seems that you are experiencing fatigue from a demanding lifestyle and prolonged stress. It is important to learn how to relax. E...[Read More] Understanding Neurological Symptoms: From Excitement to Dizziness