Understanding Chronic Subdural Hematoma and Epilepsy After Brain Injury
The patient sustained a brain injury from a car accident and has been hospitalized for nearly six months, during which they have been continuously taking antiepileptic medication for treatment. MRI scans have revealed multiple issues. Could the physician please provide an explana...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello Mr. Li: Brain hemorrhage often has epilepsy as a sequela. The duration of medication depends on the frequency of seizures. Whether chronic subdural hematoma requires surgical treatment also depends on the symptoms. It is recommended to visit a neurosurgery outpatient clinic...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Subdural Hematoma and Epilepsy After Brain Injury
Understanding Abnormal EEG Results in a 3-Year-Old: What Parents Should Know
Abnormal EEG findings in a 3-year-old child? A 3-year-old boy in our family was hospitalized around November 2023 due to fever and experienced two episodes of febrile seizures within three hours. A few weeks after discharge, an EEG was performed, and the doctor noted a small abno...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello Mr. Hsieh: Pediatric neurologists typically aim to minimize the use of antiepileptic medications unless epilepsy has significantly impacted the child's daily life. After all, antiepileptic drugs can lead to cognitive decline in children's learning abilities. It is...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal EEG Results in a 3-Year-Old: What Parents Should Know
Uncontrollable Limb Movements: When to See a Neurologist?
Involuntary limb movements? Hello Dr. Jiang, on the morning of May 23rd, I experienced uncontrollable, forceful movements of my limbs while in a semi-conscious state. I struggled to stay awake but could not control the movements of my limbs, and my fingers felt weak. After much e...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Dear Ms. Enid, You mentioned experiencing "uncontrollable vigorous movements of the limbs while in a semi-conscious state." Your symptoms may warrant consideration of extrapyramidal syndrome or focal epilepsy. Extrapyramidal syndrome is typically caused by medication a...[Read More] Uncontrollable Limb Movements: When to See a Neurologist?
Understanding Myoclonic Jerks in Children with EMAS Epilepsy
Involuntary muscle spasms? Hello Doctor: My child is currently 3 years old and was diagnosed with EMAS epilepsy at the age of 2. However, physical examinations (EEG, MRI) and genetic blood tests have not revealed any underlying cause. He is currently taking Depakine and Keppra fo...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Dear Ms. Yang, You mentioned that "the attending physician discussed that the muscle twitching while awake is not considered an epileptic seizure... Does muscle twitching while awake count as a focal seizure in epilepsy?" Caring for a child can be very stressful and ch...[Read More] Understanding Myoclonic Jerks in Children with EMAS Epilepsy
Understanding Involuntary Muscle Jerks During Sleep: Causes and Concerns
Involuntary twitching Hello doctor, recently I have been experiencing sudden body jerks while sleeping at night, especially when I am about to enter deep sleep. The jerks happen multiple times and in different areas, sometimes in my fingers, sometimes in my toes, and sometimes in...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Dear Ms. Elsa, You mentioned that "when entering deep sleep, I experience multiple jerks in different areas, sometimes in my fingers, sometimes in my toes, and sometimes in my hands, accompanied by a sensation of rapid heartbeat and palpitations, which causes me to wake up....[Read More] Understanding Involuntary Muscle Jerks During Sleep: Causes and Concerns
Managing Post-Seizure Muscle Pain: Tips for Relief and Recovery
Muscle soreness throughout the body after a seizure? I have epilepsy due to the development of the amygdala, and I have been taking 500 mg of Depakote and 500 mg of Keppra for a long time. Sometimes I experience focal seizures, and I have a generalized seizure approximately once ...
Dr. Chen Weida Reply:
Hello! In response to your inquiry regarding post-seizure care, it is recommended to rest in a quiet environment, preferably with the company of friends or family. They can assist in keeping a detailed record of the seizure's duration and characteristics for your physician&#...[Read More] Managing Post-Seizure Muscle Pain: Tips for Relief and Recovery
Understanding Abnormal Brain Discharges: Causes and Treatment Options
Abnormal electrical discharge in the brain? Recently, it feels like there is abnormal electrical activity in my brain. I have been consistently taking my epilepsy medication (morning and evening), but my face feels numb. Why is that?
Dr. Huang Hongling Reply:
Hello, there are many causes of facial numbness, and it is not necessarily due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It is recommended to visit a neurology clinic for further evaluation![Read More] Understanding Abnormal Brain Discharges: Causes and Treatment Options
Can Epilepsy Patients Safely Supplement with 5-HTP for Sleep?
Can patients with epilepsy supplement with 5-HTP? Hello Doctor, my mother has epilepsy and is currently prescribed one "Xanax" at bedtime. Since developing epilepsy, she has been dreaming every night and usually remembers her dreams upon waking. Although her daytime ene...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello, Xiao K: Sleep disorders and frequent dreaming are commonly caused by age-related central nervous system degeneration. Symptomatic treatment with medication may be used, but there are other possible underlying causes. It is recommended to visit a neurology outpatient clinic...[Read More] Can Epilepsy Patients Safely Supplement with 5-HTP for Sleep?
Post-Surgery Memory Loss: When to Seek Help After Brain Tumor Removal
Recurrent amnesia after brain tumor surgery? Hello Dr. Tsai, my older brother was diagnosed with a brain tumor in the fifth grade (he is currently 29 years old) and underwent immediate surgical resection. Post-surgery, he occasionally experienced transient amnesia and dizziness, ...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello: Post-operative residual epilepsy is a common sequela of brain tumors. The aforementioned symptoms may be attributed to seizure activity, and it is recommended to visit a neurology outpatient clinic.[Read More] Post-Surgery Memory Loss: When to Seek Help After Brain Tumor Removal
Understanding Partial Epilepsy: Treatment, Triggers, and Lifestyle Tips
Focal epilepsy Hello, Doctor. I was diagnosed with focal epilepsy over a month ago. My first seizure occurred while I was exercising and sweating heavily; I suddenly felt like my right hand was being electrocuted, then I collapsed and experienced generalized convulsions. A week l...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello, Yiyi: During the initial treatment of epilepsy, it is essential to have regular outpatient follow-ups to adjust the medication dosage until the condition stabilizes. It may take some time to observe the efficacy of the medication and make adjustments, so please be patient ...[Read More] Understanding Partial Epilepsy: Treatment, Triggers, and Lifestyle Tips
Can MRI Detect Epilepsy Four Days After Seizure? Insights from Neurology
Can a test detect epilepsy four days after a seizure? I would like to ask you, during my first seizure, it occurred in the morning. The precursor was a feeling of fear, and then I lost consciousness. When I woke up, I was sitting on the sofa with a bump on my head. However, about...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello: During the first seizure, the physician will arrange for blood tests and brain imaging studies to diagnose the underlying cause of epilepsy. Typically, blood tests are completed immediately upon presentation, checking for any abnormalities in blood components. The purpose ...[Read More] Can MRI Detect Epilepsy Four Days After Seizure? Insights from Neurology
Exploring the Link Between Mitochondrial Diseases and Myasthenia Gravis
The relationship between mitochondrial diseases and myasthenia gravis? In April 2021, I noticed that my right eye had unilateral esotropia. After an ophthalmological examination, the doctor referred me to the neurology department for further evaluation. Since then, I have been re...
Dr. Peng Shiwei Reply:
You should discuss your concerns directly with your attending physician. If necessary, you can also bring a family member along for the medical evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Exploring the Link Between Mitochondrial Diseases and Myasthenia Gravis
Understanding Sleep-Related Muscle Twitches and Anxiety Disorders
Teeth clenching and facial muscle twitching upon falling asleep? Hello Dr. Jiang: I have been experiencing anxiety and autonomic nervous system dysregulation for the past six years. During severe episodes, I take half a Xanax for relief. In recent years, I have noticed that somet...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello Ms. Cocoa: You mentioned that "the eyelid nerves and even the facial nerves at the corners of the mouth are twitching involuntarily... the teeth are clenching involuntarily, and after clenching, the facial muscles (near the cheekbones) also start to twitch significantl...[Read More] Understanding Sleep-Related Muscle Twitches and Anxiety Disorders
Sudden Loss of Consciousness and Fever After Head Injury: What to Do?
Sudden loss of consciousness leading to a fall, with the head striking the floor, followed by persistent fever? Hello Doctor, last night I stood up from a chair and suddenly felt dizzy, then lost consciousness and fell to the ground, hitting my head on the floor. When I regained ...
Dr. Wu Mukhan Reply:
Hello, sudden dizziness accompanied by altered consciousness can be dangerous, as it may be caused by conditions such as cerebrovascular disease, epilepsy, encephalitis, or central nervous system infections, all of which require thorough examination. If symptoms persist, it is ad...[Read More] Sudden Loss of Consciousness and Fever After Head Injury: What to Do?
Managing Epilepsy: Navigating Medication Side Effects and Emotional Health
Antiepileptic drugs I had surgery on my head due to a car accident during high school. I was fine for many years, but after 20 years, I developed post-traumatic epilepsy, which occurs occasionally when I am very tired. Initially, I was only taking one medication, but after experi...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello, regarding post-traumatic brain injury sequelae, seizures are quite common. Physicians often choose to use antiepileptic drugs; however, there are various medications available. It is advisable to discuss with your doctor whether the seizures are a side effect of the medica...[Read More] Managing Epilepsy: Navigating Medication Side Effects and Emotional Health
Can Head Injuries Lead to Mental Illness? Understanding the Risks
Can a head injury lead to mental illness? When my brother was in the second year of junior high school, we were playing basketball, and in a moment of anger, I pushed him while he was in the air. This caused him to fall face-first onto the ground. At that moment, he had facial br...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello Mr. Stephen: Generally speaking, if there is no loss of consciousness, no anticoagulant use, or obvious local hematomas, head trauma is mostly mild. You mentioned that "a few months later, your brother developed a high fever and experienced symptoms of epilepsy," ...[Read More] Can Head Injuries Lead to Mental Illness? Understanding the Risks
Can Zinc Supplements Help with Appetite Issues in Epilepsy Patients?
Zinc for epilepsy medication? Dear Doctor: I usually take Lamictal due to a diagnosis of poor appetite. Can I supplement with zinc? Some articles mention that excessive zinc should be avoided in epilepsy. Since there is still some time until my next appointment, I would like to a...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello, Xi Xi: Nutritional intake should be balanced, and one should avoid excessive consumption of a single component. It is recommended to use according to the suggested dosage and not to exceed it.[Read More] Can Zinc Supplements Help with Appetite Issues in Epilepsy Patients?
Understanding Seizures: When to Worry and What to Monitor
Time interval between seizures? Hello, doctor. My husband is 30 years old. He had a seizure in October 2019 when I was not present. The doctor examined him and said everything was fine. A few days later, he saw another doctor who diagnosed him with influenza type A. I'm not ...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Dear Ms. Lisa, You mentioned that your husband "suddenly stared in one direction, then let out a low growl, with his eyes rolling back and his arms extending and twitching." These are typical symptoms of epilepsy, as the eye deviation may indicate abnormal electrical d...[Read More] Understanding Seizures: When to Worry and What to Monitor
Can Epilepsy Patients Safely Dye or Perm Their Hair?
Can patients with epilepsy dye or perm their hair? The child had seizures during infancy and has been stable on medication for two years, with no further episodes after discontinuation. They have undergone three consecutive normal EEG tests since then. Now at 12 years old, is the...
Dr. Peng Shiwei Reply:
Hello, theoretically, dyeing and perming hair should not have a significant impact. If you are concerned, you may want to consult the physician who originally treated you. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Epilepsy Patients Safely Dye or Perm Their Hair?
Managing Post-Surgery Seizures: A Patient's Journey with Neurology
Hello, Dr. Tsai? Hello Dr. Tsai, I am doing well after my arteriovenous malformation surgery, but I occasionally experience seizures. Previously, I was taking 6 capsules of Levetiracetam and 2 capsules of Vimpat (total daily dosage). However, I still had a seizure last Monday and...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello Ms. Hsieh: After surgery for brain disorders, it is common to experience residual symptoms of epilepsy. Even with regular medication adherence, it can be challenging to achieve complete seizure control. The treatment goal is to reduce the frequency of seizures. It is recomm...[Read More] Managing Post-Surgery Seizures: A Patient's Journey with Neurology