Essential Tests for Stroke and Dementia in Elderly Patients
Examination items for stroke/dementia in the elderly? Hello, my mother is 73 years old. Last month, she had a cold and visited a clinic near our home for medication. The following afternoon, she went out as usual but did not return home for a long time. In the evening, family mem...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your concern for your mother is truly touching. Based on your description, it seems that your mother is experiencing acute altered mental status (personality changes, slowed movements). Your neurologist is correct; potential causes could include...[Read More] Essential Tests for Stroke and Dementia in Elderly Patients
Understanding Dizziness and Pressure in the Back of the Head
Sometimes there is a feeling of dizziness at the back of the head? Hello Doctor: Recently, I sometimes feel a dull and tight sensation at the back of my head, but I do not experience any headaches. However, I occasionally feel that my eyes are particularly fatigued and that my in...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, based on your description, cervical myofascial pain syndrome should be considered first. Symptoms may include pain, discomfort, muscle stiffness, or a heavy sensation. Symptoms may worsen with changes in weather and can be alleviated after stretching activities, often recu...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Pressure in the Back of the Head
Flashing Lights Behind Closed Eyes: Possible Neurological Causes
Seeing something flashing with closed eyes? Hello doctor, I would like to ask you about something. Recently, when I sleep, I often see flashes of light in front of my eyes, sometimes blue and sometimes transparent. I went to an ophthalmologist, but no abnormalities were found. Th...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: Besides the sensation of light and shadow flickering when closing your eyes, in what other situations might similar symptoms occur? Is it more likely to happen when you are fatigued or have stayed up late? Does it also occur during a midday nap, aside from nighttime sleep?...[Read More] Flashing Lights Behind Closed Eyes: Possible Neurological Causes
Why Does White Blood Cell Count Increase in Encephalitis?
Why do white blood cell counts increase in encephalitis? Hello, doctor! I am currently hospitalized. Initially, I was brought to the hospital with numbness on the left side of my body and altered consciousness, screaming in distress. I was administered two doses of sedatives and ...
Dr. Lan Shengxing Reply:
Hello, this question is more appropriate to ask the attending physician.[Read More] Why Does White Blood Cell Count Increase in Encephalitis?
Understanding Neuromuscular Symptoms: Insights from Brain MRI Findings
Neuromuscular, brain MRI? Hello, doctor. In recent months, I have undergone examinations related to neuromuscular issues at a large hospital, including thyroid tests, EEG, and nerve conduction studies, all of which showed no abnormalities. However, due to the persistence of my sy...
Dr. Lan Shengxing Reply:
Generally, both sides should be symmetrical, but it is possible for one side to be slightly stronger, which can be normal but may also indicate a central nervous system abnormality. This physician is quite responsible and has arranged for tests to rule out brain diseases; we will...[Read More] Understanding Neuromuscular Symptoms: Insights from Brain MRI Findings
Does Napping During Awake EEG Affect Test Accuracy?
Brainwave issues Hello, doctor! I would like to ask if taking a brief nap during a wakefulness EEG test would affect the accuracy of the measurements. Previously, I had a normal wakefulness EEG due to dizziness, but now the cause of my dizziness has not improved. Could that short...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Based on your description, the primary indication for an electroencephalogram (EEG) is epilepsy. Other conditions such as intracranial lesions, stroke, encephalitis, brain tumors, and metabolic brain disorders can currently be assisted in diagnosis through brain imaging. For the ...[Read More] Does Napping During Awake EEG Affect Test Accuracy?
Unexplained Discomfort Behind the Ear and Neck: A Neurology Perspective
Discomfort behind the ear and in the neck of unknown origin? Hello Doctor: About a month ago, I started experiencing a noticeable feeling of pressure in my left ear, similar to the sensation of having water trapped in the ear while showering. In quieter surroundings, I can hear a...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
Left hand weakness is a new symptom; it is advisable to see a neurologist as soon as possible to arrange for further evaluation.[Read More] Unexplained Discomfort Behind the Ear and Neck: A Neurology Perspective
Understanding Sensory Loss: Possible Neurological Causes and Concerns
Feeling numb while doing anything? Doctor, I have recently started experiencing a lack of awareness in everything I do. When it's better, I feel almost normal, but when it's worse, I have no awareness at all, and I can't even hear what others are saying clearly. A ...
Dr. Lan Shengxing Reply:
Dear Guolong, the symptoms you described are difficult to categorize into a specific diagnosis. Please visit a nearby mental health clinic for evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Sensory Loss: Possible Neurological Causes and Concerns
Why Do I Feel Dizzy After Sitting for Long Periods?
Feeling dizzy after sitting for a long time? Hello doctor, about a year ago, I experienced unexplained twitching in my hands and feet while being fully conscious. I was just moving quickly and felt a bit emotionally unstable. At that time, an EEG showed no issues, and it was sugg...
Dr. Lan Shengxing Reply:
The condition you described is likely orthostatic hypotension or a similar disorder. Please consult a cardiologist for evaluation.[Read More] Why Do I Feel Dizzy After Sitting for Long Periods?
Understanding Intermittent Brain Pressure and Limb Weakness: Causes and Solutions
Intermittent feelings of brain pressure accompanied by occasional limb weakness? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about experiencing intermittent feelings of brain pressure throughout the day (without dizziness or headaches). Occasionally, I experience sudden episodes of mild li...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
It may be related to stress and emotional tension, indirectly affecting some systemic but non-specific symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Brain Pressure and Limb Weakness: Causes and Solutions
Is My Headache Getting Worse or Is It Drug Resistance?
The issue with drug efficacy has become even more serious? Hello, doctor. I've been experiencing headaches for almost three weeks now! They are persistent, varying only in intensity. At first, it felt like someone was pressing down hard on my head, and now it feels like my h...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the symptoms of tension-type headache are: (1) Typically bilateral, located in the occipital and parietal-temporal regions, sometimes with a widespread pain area. The nature of the pain is dull, aching, with a sensation of pressure and tightness,...[Read More] Is My Headache Getting Worse or Is It Drug Resistance?
Understanding Postural Dizziness: Causes and Treatment Options
Positional vertigo Hello, doctor! About two years ago, one night I suddenly felt dizzy and experienced vertigo when getting out of bed. The hospital diagnosed it as an ear-related issue, and I had continuous vertigo for about four days. In the following two months, I experienced ...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
Postural vertigo may gradually improve, but it can recur after some time due to underlying microstructural issues. Therefore, the diagnosis should be confirmed through clinical symptoms and physical examination. Aortic valve insufficiency may lead to dizziness; however, I persona...[Read More] Understanding Postural Dizziness: Causes and Treatment Options
Right-Sided Occipital Headache and Dizziness: Causes and Solutions
Right-sided occipital headache with dizziness? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing pain on the right side of my occipital region when lightly pressed for several years. I had a car accident when I was younger, which resulted in a concussion in the back of my head. Until three ...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
If it were previous symptoms along with the examination results, a general physician would typically consider just monitoring the situation. However, the pain, dizziness, and fainting that occurred this time, as well as any potential brief loss of consciousness, definitely requir...[Read More] Right-Sided Occipital Headache and Dizziness: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Dizziness: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Regarding the issue of dizziness? Hello, Doctor! About a year ago, I experienced dizziness and consulted a neurologist. The doctor conducted a series of physical tests and an EEG, indicating that there were no issues. The dizziness lasted for about a month before improving. Howev...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, based on your description, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) should be considered first. The symptoms are characterized by brief episodes of dizziness related to changes in head position, such as bending over, tilting back, lying down, getting up, turning over, o...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Abnormal Brain Waves in Children: Is It Epilepsy?
The child's EEG shows abnormal discharges? Hello Doctor: My child is currently 1 year and 6 months old. At around 1 year and 3 to 4 months, I noticed that my child had episodes of trembling upon waking up. We took him to the National Taiwan University Hospital in Yunlin for ...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
If you have not taken medication and do not have any clinical symptoms, you can return to the clinic and inform your physician. They will likely perform another EEG to assess the brain's electrical activity to confirm the diagnosis. If epilepsy is indeed present and not cont...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Brain Waves in Children: Is It Epilepsy?
Early Signs of Parkinson's Disease: Understanding Symptoms and Diagnosis
Early-stage Parkinson's disease? Hello Dr. Lan: I have noticed that my hands have been trembling involuntarily since last year. Initially, I felt that both hands were shaking, but the tremors were very slight. However, since this had never happened before, I became quite anx...
Dr. Lan Shengxing Reply:
Dear Aaron, the likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease at your age is low, and the symptoms you described do not resemble the early signs of Parkinson's disease. Additionally, you did not mention any reactions after taking medication. I personally recommend that y...[Read More] Early Signs of Parkinson's Disease: Understanding Symptoms and Diagnosis
Understanding Left-Sided Head Pain and Possible Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Pain on the left side of the head and both sides? I have undergone a CT scan, EEG, and MRI of the brain, all of which showed no issues. However, I had a cervical X-ray that indicated degeneration. I also visited a doctor in Taichung who suggested that it could possibly be fibromy...
Dr. Lan Shengxing Reply:
Dear Ayu, the headache on both sides is not related to your left hand. The symptoms of headache sometimes require more patience in treatment, as there is no quick solution. Please cooperate well with your physician.[Read More] Understanding Left-Sided Head Pain and Possible Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Understanding Dizziness, Headaches, and Nausea: Neurological Insights
Dizziness, headache, nausea, and blurred vision? Hello, I occasionally experience blurred vision, dizziness, and pain in the right occipital region and temple. I feel nauseous but can't vomit, and then the left side of my body gradually becomes numb. I have previously injure...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the symptoms resemble those of a migraine, which can last from 4 to 72 hours. The characteristics of the headache include unilateral pain that feels throbbing or pulsating, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, as well as sensitivity to light...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness, Headaches, and Nausea: Neurological Insights
Understanding Side Effects of Nicametate Citrate 50mg: A Patient's Experience
The side effects of Nicametate Citrate 50 mg may include gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Other potential side effects Since October 2015, I have experienced involuntary body jerks that wake me up during sleep, leading to insom...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
Based on the process you described, it seems to be a side effect of the medication. Generally, when we prescribe this medication to patients, the experience is relatively straightforward, and only a few have reported side effects similar to yours. Typically, these side effects re...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Nicametate Citrate 50mg: A Patient's Experience
Why Are Antiepileptic Drugs Prescribed for Insomnia?
Why is it necessary to take anticonvulsants for insomnia? Hello, Dr. Lan. I have insomnia and visited a neurologist who prescribed me 0.5 mg of Clonazepam and 500 mg of Calcium Carbonate. I found out that Clonazepam is an anticonvulsant medication. I had a car accident last Decem...
Dr. Lan Shengxing Reply:
Dear Mr. Tsai, the symptoms you described may be indicative of a parasomnia, specifically a type of sleep disorder known as sleep movement disorder. Mild forms of sleep movement disorder are not epilepsy, but to determine whether your symptoms are related to epilepsy, an EEG (ele...[Read More] Why Are Antiepileptic Drugs Prescribed for Insomnia?