Essential Tests and Specialist Consultations for Epilepsy Management
In addition to your current evaluation for epilepsy, what other tests or specialist consultations would be beneficial for me? Frequent occurrences of symptoms: dizziness, headaches, chest tightness, unsteady gait, headaches, muscle cramps, fainting, hand tremors, cold extremities...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Dear Mr. Q, You mentioned that you are taking a variety of medications: Diphenhydramine, Amantadine, Clonazepam, Fentanyl, H2 antagonists, Colchicine, Depakote, Topiramate, Venlafaxine, Aripiprazole, thyroid preparations, Aniracetam, and Ritalin. You also reported experiencing s...[Read More] Essential Tests and Specialist Consultations for Epilepsy Management
Understanding Infantile Epilepsy: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Developmental Concerns
I would like to inquire about the diagnosis and medication for epilepsy in infants and young children? Hello Doctor: My daughter was born in mid-June this year, with good development in utero, weighing nearly 3800 grams, head circumference at 40 weeks, and delivered via cesarean ...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Dear Ms. Sherry, First of all, I want to acknowledge that the process of providing support is truly not easy. Regarding pediatric epilepsy, I recommend consulting a pediatric neurologist, as they have more extensive experience in this area. Generally, the common treatment princi...[Read More] Understanding Infantile Epilepsy: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Developmental Concerns
Understanding Electric Shock Sensations in the Back of the Head
Head electrocuted? In the past two months, I have occasionally experienced a sensation in the back of my head that feels like an electric shock, which startles me, but it is not painful. I only feel a bit dizzy afterward, and when I wake up the next day, it feels better. I have s...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Dear Ms. Liu, The primary causes of vertigo are issues within the balance sensory system, such as otoliths in the inner ear or vestibular neuritis. The sensation you mentioned of feeling like an electric shock in the head is not closely related. This symptom may be due to periph...[Read More] Understanding Electric Shock Sensations in the Back of the Head
Understanding Neuropathic Pain Treatment: Comparing Medications and Risks
Treatment of neuropathic pain Hello Doctor: I recently visited a urologist due to penile pain, but after taking multiple antibiotics without improvement and experiencing severe pain, the urologist believes I may have neuropathic pain. A neurologist also mentioned that this condit...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello Peter, Rivotril, Neurontin, and Lyrica have different mechanisms of action and different criteria for insurance coverage. Rivotril does not have a significant analgesic effect but can reduce muscle tension and alleviate emotional distress; it is commonly used for restless ...[Read More] Understanding Neuropathic Pain Treatment: Comparing Medications and Risks
Nutritional Support and Medication Management for Epilepsy in Children
Nutrition and Medication in Epilepsy Hello, my son suffered from hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy due to oxygen deprivation at birth, accompanied by seizures, and underwent hypothermia treatment. Initially, he only experienced minor seizures just before falling asleep, which occur...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello! Exaggerated startle reflex is a common sequela of hypoxic brain injury, which can be triggered by any stimuli (e.g., sound, touch). If the symptoms are mild, medication may not be necessary; if medication is required, low doses can be used to alleviate symptoms. For genera...[Read More] Nutritional Support and Medication Management for Epilepsy in Children
Understanding Rare Neurological Disorders: Sudden Muscle Weakness Explained
Inquiry about rare neurological diseases? The condition you are describing sounds like it could be related to a rare neurological disorder known as "hemiplegic migraine" or possibly "hemiplegia," which involves sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the b...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, sir: I wonder if you are referring to Hemiconvulsion-hemiplegia-epilepsy syndrome? This is a relatively rare form of childhood epilepsy associated with genetic factors. This condition may need to consider abnormalities in the CACNA1A gene, as well as issues related to the ...[Read More] Understanding Rare Neurological Disorders: Sudden Muscle Weakness Explained
Can Epilepsy Patients Safely Receive Vaccinations?
Can individuals with epilepsy receive vaccinations? Currently, the pandemic is severe, and the authorities are continuously encouraging the public to get vaccinated. However, as a chronic disease patient, there are concerns that the current vaccine (AstraZeneca) may lead to death...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello, Afa! Epilepsy is not listed as a contraindication for the COVID-19 vaccine.[Read More] Can Epilepsy Patients Safely Receive Vaccinations?
Understanding Symptoms of Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction
I feel like I have autonomic nervous system dysregulation? Since June, I have been experiencing nasal congestion and difficulty breathing. Initially, I was worried about being diagnosed with COVID-19, but I eventually realized that it was just nasal congestion that I hadn't ...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Dear Miss Yang, Regarding your issue, we need to first consider the problem of syncope, particularly the experience of "seeing a black screen for over ten seconds before slowly recovering." The most common causes are reflex syncope, which can occur due to excessive sti...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms of Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction
Could My Mother's Symptoms Indicate Meningitis? Seeking Guidance
Could this be a meningitis infection? I'm not a doctor, but I can provide some information based on your description. Your mother's symptoms, including severe cough, fever, confusion, and weakness, could potentially be related to meningitis, especially given her recent ...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Dear Ms. LULU, It is likely not "meningitis." Common symptoms include fever, headache, photophobia, chills, rapid heartbeat, neck stiffness, fatigue, drowsiness, and agitation. This type of headache is caused by inflammation, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, a...[Read More] Could My Mother's Symptoms Indicate Meningitis? Seeking Guidance
Understanding Possible Seizures: A Guide for Epilepsy Patients and Caregivers
Seizure (suspected absence seizure?) Hello Doctor: A family member has developed acquired epilepsy (around 30 years old) and has been on antiepileptic medication for a long time. The medication has been reasonably effective, and there have been no major seizures for nearly two ye...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello, dear! There are various types of symptoms associated with seizures. Based on the symptoms described above, it is possible that a seizure may occur. It is advisable to inform a physician to facilitate making the most beneficial decision.[Read More] Understanding Possible Seizures: A Guide for Epilepsy Patients and Caregivers
Understanding Headaches: Could They Indicate a Brain Tumor?
Headache Brain Tumor Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing headaches that wake me up at night for the past three weeks. I feel a lot of pain when I think or engage in mental activities, making it difficult to continue. I often feel pain in my right temple, and for the past two d...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: 1. Does a normal EEG mean that there is no brain tumor? 2. The doctor mentioned that if there is a headache but the EEG is normal, then it should not be a brain issue. Is that correct? 3. Is it possible that my symptoms could be due to a brain tumor, or could they be somet...[Read More] Understanding Headaches: Could They Indicate a Brain Tumor?
Understanding Focal Epilepsy: When to Seek Medical Attention?
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request? Hello Doctor: After reading your response in <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/167063">#167063</a>, I would like to ask if this situation indicates focal epilepsy? How frequent do the episodes need to ...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: (The situation of temporary blood circulation issues and loss of sensation only occurs when I wake up with my hands on my abdomen while sleeping...) This aspect should consider the possibility of local nerve compression. As for focal seizures, structural issues in the brai...[Read More] Understanding Focal Epilepsy: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Managing Epilepsy: Recognizing Relapse After Medication Withdrawal
Relapse after discontinuation of antiepileptic medication? Hello, Dr. Tsai. I have focal epilepsy and underwent an EEG examination two and a half years ago. My symptoms include headaches and occasional forgetfulness regarding unimportant matters. After receiving medication treatm...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
It is recommended to discontinue the medication after an evaluation by a neurologist, and the method of discontinuation should be discussed with the physician.[Read More] Managing Epilepsy: Recognizing Relapse After Medication Withdrawal
Understanding Temple Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
Temporalis pain Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing headaches for the past year, and I also have symptoms of anxiety. Occasionally, I get headaches in the afternoon, with pain on both sides of my temples, forehead, eye sockets, and the back of my neck. Could this be a serious...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms may suggest hyperventilation syndrome, as the decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood leads to an increase in pH, causing systemic reactions and symptoms. Common manifestations include vasoconstriction and decreased calcium levels in the blood. The red...[Read More] Understanding Temple Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
Understanding Head Injuries: Signs, Symptoms, and Care After a Hit
The right occipital region was struck? 1. Today, I hit the back right side of my head against a pole. At the moment of impact, I was conscious and there were no obvious external injuries. Should I be concerned about a brain hemorrhage? 2. How can I determine the severity of a h...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, based on your description, generally speaking, if there is no loss of consciousness, use of anticoagulants, or obvious localized hematoma, head trauma is mostly mild. However, the following conditions warrant consideration of delayed bleeding and require a visit to the eme...[Read More] Understanding Head Injuries: Signs, Symptoms, and Care After a Hit
Head Injury from Medical Infrared Device: Recovery Tips and Risks
Hit on the top of the head? Hello Doctor: Yesterday, I was hit on the top of my head by a medical-grade low-temperature far-infrared device. When I went from sitting to standing, my head hit the device. At the moment, I only felt some pain, but today it still hurts. I do not have...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, based on your description, generally speaking, if there is no loss of consciousness, no anticoagulant use, or obvious local hematoma, head trauma is mostly mild. However, the following situations should prompt consideration of delayed bleeding and a visit to the emergency ...[Read More] Head Injury from Medical Infrared Device: Recovery Tips and Risks
Managing Epilepsy: Sleep Requirements for Shift Workers
Epilepsy and Sleep Duration I graduated from university and am looking for a job, but due to my epilepsy, I cannot obtain a driver's license to drive or ride a motorcycle, and I also chose the wrong major in college, which significantly reduces my job options. Therefore, I d...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: Stress or shock, alcohol consumption, premenstrual and postmenstrual periods, lack of sleep, excessive hunger, and the use of certain medications (such as cold medications and antipsychotics) can trigger seizures. It is recommended that patients observe and record their se...[Read More] Managing Epilepsy: Sleep Requirements for Shift Workers
Understanding Post-Epileptic State: Recovery and Rehabilitation Concerns
Loss of self-awareness after seizure control? Hello, Dr. Jiang. My father is 71 years old. During the Dragon Boat Festival, he felt unwell and rushed to the hospital for an emergency visit. The attending physician diagnosed him with a stroke warning and administered an anticoagul...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is unclear whether your father's epilepsy is caused by cerebrovascular disease or other conditions. The tightness in his right hand and foot may indicate an issue in the left hemisphere of the brain, and there could also be a possibility ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Epileptic State: Recovery and Rehabilitation Concerns
Concussions and Epilepsy: Understanding Risks and Treatment Options
Concussion and Epilepsy Six years ago, I lost consciousness for no apparent reason, and a year later, it happened again. After seeking medical attention, the doctor suspected epilepsy. I had no idea what was happening, and both the brain MRI and EEG were normal. The sudden onset ...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to consult with a neurologist in the outpatient clinic.[Read More] Concussions and Epilepsy: Understanding Risks and Treatment Options
Understanding Sleep Jerks: Causes and Solutions for Better Sleep Quality
Sleep problems and body twitching? Hello, doctor. When I go out with friends or fall asleep next to my partner, they say my body twitches while I'm asleep. However, I don't experience any significant jolts like falling or dropping into a hole that would wake me up; I am...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: I'm not sure which part of the body is experiencing the twitching. Is it the lower limbs? Typically, twitching during sleep mostly occurs in the lower limbs and is referred to as Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD), which can lead to sleep disruption and result in ...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Jerks: Causes and Solutions for Better Sleep Quality