Understanding Spinal Nerve Compression Surgery: Risks, Recovery, and Self-Care
Surgery for spinal nerve compression? Dear Dr. Hsiao, My mother-in-law recently experienced nerve pain in the back of her foot and went to the hospital for an examination. The X-ray showed a small dark area in her spine, and the doctor informed us that her spinal nerves are bein...
Dr. Xiao Furen reply Neurosurgery
1. With current technology, the success rate should be quite high, but there is still a possibility of neurological sequelae. 2. It is also possible to try rehabilitation first. 3. There are many reasons, including both congenital and acquired factors. 4. To reduce spinal l...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Nerve Compression Surgery: Risks, Recovery, and Self-Care
Understanding Disc Dehydration: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Intervertebral disc dehydration Hello, doctor. I have been suffering from a herniated disc for about 5 to 6 years. Last month, I had an MRI, and the neurosurgeon said that my L5 intervertebral disc is herniated. Due to the long duration, that disc appears completely white on the ...
Dr. Xiao Furen reply Neurosurgery
Generally speaking, intervertebral disc degeneration and dehydration make it easier for the disc to herniate. Once the herniated portion occurs, it is generally difficult to reposition it, even with chiropractic adjustments or rehabilitation. However, these methods can sometimes ...[Read More] Understanding Disc Dehydration: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Dizziness: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Dizziness Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I accompanied the victim to the hospital for a follow-up appointment. He described his symptoms over the past week as dizziness, a feeling of pressure in his head, occasional numbness in his fingers, and stiffness in his neck. The doctor recomm...
Dr. Xiao Furen reply Neurosurgery
These questions are better addressed directly with the physician during the outpatient visit. If the CT scan shows no issues and the symptoms are just dizziness and headaches, symptomatic treatment with medication should suffice, and one should be able to return to normal work. H...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Herniated Discs: Treatment Options and Surgery Risks
Lumbar disc herniation Hello Dr. Hsiao! I live in Macau, and my boyfriend has recently undergone an MRI, which confirmed that he has a herniated disc. He is 30 years old and experienced sudden severe lower back pain at the beginning of this year, which worsened to the point of we...
Dr. Xiao Furen reply Neurosurgery
1. Surgery may not be necessary if symptoms are mild. 2. It depends on the symptoms. 3. There are options available. 4. Microsurgery is an option, but it still carries risks. 5. If you have health insurance, the costs are not too high. 6. There is still a small percenta...[Read More] Understanding Herniated Discs: Treatment Options and Surgery Risks
Understanding Concussions: Symptoms, Recovery Time, and Care Tips
About concussions? Your question: Hello doctor, last Thursday I was riding my motorcycle and collided with a 24-year-old woman. She was taken to the emergency room, and there was no external bleeding. The emergency physician performed an X-ray and indicated that there were no sig...
Dr. Xiao Furen reply Neurosurgery
In general, the prognosis for young individuals with a concussion is usually good. The severity of the concussion is typically assessed based on the neurological status at the time of evaluation. If hospitalization is not required, it is likely not severe. The patient may experie...[Read More] Understanding Concussions: Symptoms, Recovery Time, and Care Tips
Postpartum Back Pain: Causes and Solutions for New Moms
Postpartum lower back pain? Hello Doctor: I am a first-time mother of twins and had a cesarean section. My babies are now 11 months old, but since they were 5 months old, I have been experiencing lower back pain every night that prevents me from turning over in bed; I can only sl...
Dr. Xiao Furen reply Neurosurgery
Is five months referring to five months of pregnancy or five months postpartum? Your symptoms sound more like a muscle/fascia issue, possibly caused by holding the baby. It is advisable to consult a physician in an outpatient setting for diagnosis and treatment.[Read More] Postpartum Back Pain: Causes and Solutions for New Moms
Understanding Coccyx Injuries: Surgical Risks and Recovery Insights
Coccygeal injury I'm sorry!! I didn't finish asking my question. If surgery is performed, will the consequences be very serious? Is there a risk of death? Thank you @@
Dr. Xiao Furen reply Neurosurgery
Why do you need surgery on your coccyx? If a coccygectomy is to be performed, the risk should not be high, but no one can guarantee that the mortality rate is zero.[Read More] Understanding Coccyx Injuries: Surgical Risks and Recovery Insights
Understanding Symptoms of L5-S1 Disc Herniation and Nerve Compression
L5-S1 disc herniation... may I ask a few questions? I have a herniated disc at L4-L5 and have undergone decompression surgery for a herniated and ruptured disc at L5-S1 that is compressing the nerves. Dr. Hsiao, I have recently noticed that I am completely unable to exert force w...
Dr. Xiao Furen reply Neurosurgery
Have you considered surgery for the L5-S1 level? A herniated disc could potentially be causing your symptoms, but without examining the patient and reviewing imaging, I cannot make a definitive diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Symptoms of L5-S1 Disc Herniation and Nerve Compression
Understanding Sudden Lower Back Pain and Weakness: A Patient's Guide
Could you please provide more details about the pain in your lower back and spine? Doctor, I have been experiencing sudden sharp pain and weakness in my lower back and spine when I bend over or stand up straight in the mornings for the past few days. The day before yesterday, whi...
Dr. Xiao Furen reply Neurosurgery
What you can do is to avoid putting additional strain on your lower back or spine, refrain from lifting heavy objects, and be mindful of your posture (such as bending over, which should be avoided if possible). Rest for a few days and see if medications or heat therapy help; some...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Lower Back Pain and Weakness: A Patient's Guide
Do All Coccyx Injuries Require Surgery? Understanding Treatment Options
Coccygeal injury Is surgery always necessary for a coccyx injury?
Dr. Xiao Furen reply Neurosurgery
Not necessarily, most do not need it.[Read More] Do All Coccyx Injuries Require Surgery? Understanding Treatment Options
Understanding Strong Reflexes: Neurological Concerns After a Car Accident
Strong reflexes Hello Doctor: A year ago, I was involved in a car accident, after which I experienced symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and rapid muscle twitching, but I did not seek follow-up care. About 4 to 5 months later, I began to feel numbness in the left side of my brai...
Dr. Xiao Furen reply Neurosurgery
Based solely on your description, it is indeed difficult to diagnose; part of it may be post-concussion syndrome. As for what the original physician meant, it would be best to ask him directly for clarification, as I cannot speculate. I recommend returning to your original physic...[Read More] Understanding Strong Reflexes: Neurological Concerns After a Car Accident
Understanding Pituitary Tumors: Post-Surgery Complications and Recovery
Pituitary adenoma Hello Doctor, my husband was diagnosed with a pituitary tumor after experiencing weakness and numbness on the right side of his body in August of last year. The tumor was located above the brainstem, and the doctor informed me that it is classified as a benign t...
Dr. Xiao Furen reply Neurosurgery
In medical terms, it is a benign tumor, but clinically it is considered a malignant tumor (as it poses a life-threatening risk when the tumor compresses the brain tissue)... This description does not sound like a typical pituitary adenoma, so it is advisable to consult the origin...[Read More] Understanding Pituitary Tumors: Post-Surgery Complications and Recovery
Do Unremoved Stitches in Head Wounds Cause Infections? Expert Insights
Can leaving sutures in a head wound too long lead to wound infection? Hello Doctor: My family member had a head injury from a car accident in December 2004, which required four stitches. Recently, we discovered that there is still a protruding stitch about 0.3 cm at the site of t...
Dr. Xiao Furen reply Neurosurgery
It is recommended to return to the outpatient clinic for evaluation; if possible, it is better to remove it.[Read More] Do Unremoved Stitches in Head Wounds Cause Infections? Expert Insights
Does Frequent Head Trauma Affect Intelligence and Memory?
Frequent head trauma can affect cognitive function? Hello, doctor. I often get into fights with my sister. She hits me very hard on the center of my head, and as a result, the area where I was hit hurts a lot. Will this affect my intelligence? Will my memory get worse? Will I bec...
Dr. Xiao Furen reply Neurosurgery
1. Even minor head injuries, when repeated, can affect cognitive function, especially in children where the impact is more pronounced. 2. Please do not hit the head again. 3. If symptoms persist, please consult a physician for evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Does Frequent Head Trauma Affect Intelligence and Memory?
Post-Discectomy Concerns: When to Seek Further Medical Advice?
Postoperative follow-up for spinal disc decompression surgery? Hello Dr. Hsiao: Regarding what you mentioned about lifting heavy objects, I have been very careful and have not done so since my surgery. I have continuously used pain medication, heat therapy, and rehabilitation tre...
Dr. Xiao Furen reply Neurosurgery
1. Perhaps the original surgeon has a better understanding of your condition, so continuing follow-up visits with them may be more beneficial. It's also fine to seek a second opinion from another physician, but there's no need to repeatedly consult different doctors. ...[Read More] Post-Discectomy Concerns: When to Seek Further Medical Advice?
Understanding Post-Discectomy Pain and Its Connection to Degenerative Arthritis
Inquire about issues following the implementation of spinal disc decompression surgery! I am nineteen years old. I underwent a discectomy at the age of eighteen, but recently I have been experiencing significant spinal pain. An MRI revealed that my spine is showing signs of bone ...
Dr. Xiao Furen reply Neurosurgery
It should be noted that a herniated disc is also considered a part of degeneration. Trauma or surgery can indeed accelerate the degenerative process. Maintaining the lumbar spine can involve obtaining educational materials from the hospital or searching online for posture and exe...[Read More] Understanding Post-Discectomy Pain and Its Connection to Degenerative Arthritis
Understanding Vegetative State: Insights and Hope for Recovery
Vegetative state? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you a question. I have a friend who was in a car accident and suffered a brain injury. Currently, he is unable to take care of himself and relies on a feeding tube for nutrition. He cannot eat, walk, talk, or manage his bowel a...
Dr. Xiao Furen reply Neurosurgery
1. If it is possible to know that someone is calling him, although his IQ is like that of a child, he should not be considered a vegetative state. As for whether he will recover and to what extent, that is uncertain. 2. Regarding care issues, assistance can be sought from the s...[Read More] Understanding Vegetative State: Insights and Hope for Recovery
Understanding Brain Tumor Symptoms: What You Need to Know
What are the symptoms of a brain tumor? Hello Dr. Hsiao: What are the obvious symptoms if someone has a brain tumor? For the past month or two, I've been feeling something unusual with my scalp; it's not pain, but rather a tingling sensation. Sometimes it occurs on the ...
Dr. Xiao Furen reply Neurosurgery
The symptoms of brain tumors are very diverse, but it is rare for them to present as scalp numbness; facial numbness is more common. If you are concerned, it is advisable to consult a specialist for an examination.[Read More] Understanding Brain Tumor Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Understanding Facial Depression: A Neurosurgical Perspective
Facial depression Depressed long-standing.
Dr. Xiao Furen reply Neurosurgery
Please consult a physician to determine whether the indentation is due to a skin condition or muscle atrophy. If it is the former, consider consulting a plastic surgeon; if it is the latter, further examination may be necessary.[Read More] Understanding Facial Depression: A Neurosurgical Perspective
Understanding Post-Sleep Lower Back Discomfort: When to Seek Advanced Imaging?
Soreness in the lower back after waking up? Hello, doctor. After I wake up, I often feel soreness in my lower back, though it's not painful. This has been going on for a long time. Should I go to a major hospital for a CT scan, MRI, or other imaging studies? Which one would ...
Dr. Xiao Furen reply Neurosurgery
1. Please first consult a physician for a medical history assessment and physical examination, and it is not always necessary to immediately undergo high-tech imaging tests, as health insurance may not cover them. Additionally, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) typically costs at ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Sleep Lower Back Discomfort: When to Seek Advanced Imaging?