Understanding Visual Disturbances: Are Brain Electrical Discharges to Blame?
Brain discharge I have been experiencing persistent flashes in the corner of my right eye for almost six months. The bright spots are more pronounced when looking at bright areas, and there are large black dots with several wavy black lines in the center. My right eye already has...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is important to first rule out ophthalmic issues such as retinal or vitreous opacities. However, if there is also a headache present, one should consider common aura-type migraines. Symptoms include visual disturbances such as seeing stars and...[Read More] Understanding Visual Disturbances: Are Brain Electrical Discharges to Blame?
Unconscious Falls: Understanding Neurological Symptoms in Seniors
Unconscious fall? My mother fell unconsciously this morning and has fallen four times. She is unaware of her falls and does not feel anything unusual. When I asked her if she feels unwell, she said no, and she doesn't even feel dizzy. What could be the signs or symptoms of t...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Based on your description, it is important to first consider the symptoms of syncope. The most common cause is reflex syncope, which can occur due to excessive stimulation of the vagus nerve, leading to bradycardia and decreased cardiac output. This can happen when transitioning ...[Read More] Unconscious Falls: Understanding Neurological Symptoms in Seniors
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?
Understanding Involuntary Movements: Causes and Concerns in Teens
Involuntary movements When I first started high school, my right leg would sometimes start to twitch involuntarily, and I thought it was probably nothing serious. Recently, I've noticed that it has become more frequent, and now my left pinky finger also twitches involuntaril...
Dr. Yang Shenggong Reply:
Based on your description, your issue seems to involve intermittent involuntary movements in your right leg and left foot. Common possible causes include: 1) focal epilepsy 2) paroxysmal movement disorders 3) hyperthyroidism 4) myoclonus 5) cramps: this condition may involve pain...[Read More] Understanding Involuntary Movements: Causes and Concerns in Teens
Impact of Fitness Supplements on Epilepsy Patients: What You Need to Know
Antiepileptic drug administration? I am currently a patient with epilepsy and have not had any seizures for the past five years since starting medication. I regularly exercise and am considering taking fitness supplements. I would like to know if taking these supplements will hav...
Dr. Lan Shengxing Reply:
Dear 123, I strongly oppose purchasing medications online for personal use. Additionally, I do not recommend the use of testosterone for muscle hypertrophy. Best regards, Blue Saint Star.[Read More] Impact of Fitness Supplements on Epilepsy Patients: What You Need to Know
Understanding Childhood Epilepsy: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
Pediatric epilepsy Hello, doctor. My child is currently 3 years old and has mild developmental delay. In March of this year, an EEG showed abnormal discharges (currently not on medication). In February, during an episode, he blinked his eyes and had a slight head nodding twice, b...
Dr. Huang Yingzhe Reply:
Absence seizures have a defined pattern on an electroencephalogram (EEG), so in addition to clinical symptoms, EEG findings are necessary for confirmation. However, it does sound like an epileptic seizure. It is advisable to consult a pediatric neurologist or pediatric epilepsy s...[Read More] Understanding Childhood Epilepsy: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
Managing Epilepsy in Teens: When to Consider Medication and Triggers
A child experiencing a seizure in the first year of high school? Hello, Doctor. My child had their first seizure in the third year of junior high school, characterized by stiffening of the limbs, upward eye movement, and loss of consciousness for about 1-2 minutes (this occurred ...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
It is really difficult to convince oneself and the patient to take medication daily for an event that occurs only once a year. However, if there are indeed structural lesions in the brain, then treatment and medication are necessary. If not, regular follow-up visits are required,...[Read More] Managing Epilepsy in Teens: When to Consider Medication and Triggers
Understanding Right-Sided Numbness: When to Seek Medical Help
Numbness on the right side of the body? Hello Doctor: Three months ago, I woke up one day with sudden numbness on the right side of my body. I went to a large hospital, and the doctor said it was not a stroke because I still had sensation and pain on the right side, so it should ...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
Numbness on the right side has improved over the course of a month, but has recurred. The right side of the face and head are affected, which may indicate a central nervous system issue or a precursor to seizures. An electroencephalogram (EEG) can be used to assess for abnormal e...[Read More] Understanding Right-Sided Numbness: When to Seek Medical Help
Why Am I Prescribed Antiepileptic Drugs Without Having Epilepsy?
Why take epilepsy medication if there is no epilepsy? Hello Dr. Huang, I recently discovered that the medication I have been taking is for epilepsy. I initially visited a clinic due to dizziness, vomiting, and insomnia. Despite visiting other clinics, I continued to experience di...
Dr. Huang Yingzhe Reply:
Dizziness may be treated with anticonvulsants in certain specific situations. Some older medications for insomnia can also be used for epilepsy, but the two medications you mentioned are not among them! It is advisable to discuss with the prescribing physician to determine whethe...[Read More] Why Am I Prescribed Antiepileptic Drugs Without Having Epilepsy?
Understanding Sleep Medications: Concerns About Seizures and Side Effects
I often have racing thoughts before bed, making it difficult for me to fall asleep? Doctor, I often find myself thinking about various things at night when I try to sleep. I visited a clinic, and the doctor prescribed medication for me, which I've been taking for about three...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
Antiepileptic drugs can be used to treat various non-epileptic conditions, such as involuntary movements, neuropathic pain, migraines, and certain types of anxiety or panic disorders. As for Sinopril, I personally do not have knowledge in that area, and I couldn't find any i...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Medications: Concerns About Seizures and Side Effects
Understanding Neonatal Brain Injury: Causes, Effects, and Treatment Options
Neonatal brain hypoxia Hello Doctor, my daughter was born ten days ago. After her birth, the pediatrician examined her and found everything to be normal. However, the next day, we noticed that her right hand and foot were involuntarily twitching, rather than stretching. Later, th...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
Neonatal brain hypoxia can be assessed based on the timing of seizure onset. If seizures occur within the first 24 hours after birth, they are generally easier to control and are classified as moderate hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, with a possibility of complete recovery withi...[Read More] Understanding Neonatal Brain Injury: Causes, Effects, and Treatment Options
Are My Symptoms Side Effects? Understanding Neurological Drug Reactions
Symptoms resembling side effects? Hello, doctor. I noticed in the previous text that it mentioned "taking antiepileptic medication, patient side effects, drowsiness, lethargy, poor appetite, and chest tightness." Personally, I lack N3 and N4 sleep stages, and even after...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
N3 and N4 stages correspond to Slow Wave Sleep (SWS). Gabapentin can increase GABA levels in the brain, and another structurally similar neurotransmitter, GHBA, can also enhance SWS. Therefore, physicians may repurpose gabapentin, originally used for treating epilepsy, to address...[Read More] Are My Symptoms Side Effects? Understanding Neurological Drug Reactions
Managing Antiepileptic Drug Side Effects After Surgery
Issues with Antiepileptic Medications Hello Dr. Yang, my mother-in-law underwent a chronic subdural hematoma drainage surgery in December last year. After the surgery, she successfully regained consciousness. She has been taking antiepileptic medication since then, but she has be...
Dr. Yang Shenggong Reply:
Hello Mr. A-Chung, chronic subdural hematoma is one of the many causes of epilepsy, but it does not necessarily occur in every case. If a neurosurgeon prescribes antiepileptic medications, it is primarily to prevent the occurrence of seizures, as seizures can adversely affect the...[Read More] Managing Antiepileptic Drug Side Effects After Surgery
Understanding Sudden Numbness in the Brain: Causes and Concerns
Sudden numbness in the brain? Hello doctor, I often experience sudden numbness in my brain while at work or in class. After this numbness, my mind goes completely blank, and I am unable to proceed with the next task. This condition has been ongoing for more than six months. I wou...
Dr. Lan Shengxing Reply:
Dear Xiao Wan, in this situation, you should immediately go to the neurology department of any hospital for a detailed diagnosis and treatment. It could be a partial seizure or epilepsy. Please go quickly! - Lan Shengxing[Read More] Understanding Sudden Numbness in the Brain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Neurological Symptoms: Facial Numbness and Eye Pain Explained
Recently, I have been experiencing numbness on the left side of my face, eye pain, and numbness in my legs? Previously diagnosed with migraine, left facial numbness, and left mouth corner twitching. An MRI showed small white spots in the cerebellar region, and after consultation,...
Dr. Yang Shenggong Reply:
Hello, Miss: After reviewing your description, your condition seems to involve paroxysmal sensory and motor abnormalities on the left side of your face, along with frequent pauses in thought and expressive difficulties. Possible clinical causes include: 1) Paroxysmal neurological...[Read More] Understanding Neurological Symptoms: Facial Numbness and Eye Pain Explained
Seeing Transparent Grids Upon Waking: Is It Normal?
Waking up will reveal? Is it normal to see transparent grids when waking up? Thank you.
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
Based on my personal knowledge and the descriptions provided by patients I have encountered, I have not had such experiences. However, I can understand that within the realm of neurology, related issues may include phenomena associated with migraine aura and certain types of epil...[Read More] Seeing Transparent Grids Upon Waking: Is It Normal?
Understanding Seizures in Infants: Signs and Parental Concerns
Unsure if the baby is experiencing a seizure? Hello Dr. Lan: I have a one-year and two-month-old child with epilepsy that is not caused by a fever. He has been on medication for over two months now. On October 29, he fell and hit the back left side of his head, resulting in a cut...
Dr. Lan Shengxing Reply:
Dear Orange Mom, the situation described on 10/30 does indeed resemble a seizure. As for 11/1, it is uncertain; if it differs from previous episodes, please take your baby back to the original physician for further evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Seizures in Infants: Signs and Parental Concerns
Understanding Facial Paresthesia: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
Facial paresthesia Over two months ago, I first noticed a slight tingling sensation in my lips while I was seriously reading analytical articles. Later, I also experienced tinnitus. More than a month ago, after the tinnitus disappeared, one morning I felt that my mouth was slight...
Dr. Lan Shengxing Reply:
Dear Little D, functional issues are not impossible. Although the likelihood of epilepsy is low, it cannot be completely ruled out, so it would be advisable to consult a neurologist for an examination. The idea of practicing martial arts leading to obsession is more akin to an ur...[Read More] Understanding Facial Paresthesia: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
Understanding Post-Concussion Symptoms After a Car Accident
Regarding mild concussions after a car accident? I'm sorry to hear about your friend's mother. She was involved in a car accident a month ago and suffered a mild concussion. After being hospitalized, she underwent brain examinations, which showed no issues. However, rec...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, based on your description, generally speaking, if there is no loss of consciousness, the use of anticoagulants, or obvious local hematomas, the symptoms of head trauma are mostly mild. As for the frequent episodes of fainting, continuous observation and follow-up are neces...[Read More] Understanding Post-Concussion Symptoms After a Car Accident
Understanding Tegretol: Uses and Effects in Neurology
Drug Inquiry Tegretol, also known as carbamazepine, is a medication primarily used to treat epilepsy and certain types of nerve pain, such as trigeminal neuralgia. It works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain and reducing the frequency of seizures. Additionally, it ma...
Dr. Huang Yingzhe Reply:
Tegretol is primarily used to treat epilepsy, but it is sometimes also used to manage neuropathic pain or numbness, and even to address mood disorders. For detailed information, please consult the prescribing physician.[Read More] Understanding Tegretol: Uses and Effects in Neurology