Understanding Severe Forgetfulness: Symptoms, Causes, and Next Steps
Severe forgetfulness Dear Vice Dean, I have some symptoms I would like to consult with you about. Over a decade ago, I experienced several episodes while walking where I suddenly lost all consciousness. During these episodes, I had no memory of what happened, and my vision was c...
Dr. Zeng Kongyan Reply:
Hello Juju, Regarding the situation mentioned in your letter, complex epilepsy is a possible cause. However, since no abnormalities were found in the examinations conducted over a decade ago, I recommend that you visit a large hospital's neurology department for a re-evalua...[Read More] Understanding Severe Forgetfulness: Symptoms, Causes, and Next Steps
Understanding Epilepsy Treatment: Insights and Future Options
Epilepsy treatment My description may be somewhat complex, but I sincerely ask all physicians to provide me with detailed answers and suggestions. My birthday is October 11, 1970. During the summer vacation of my second grade in elementary school (around 1978), I experienced a fa...
Dr. Lin Zijing Reply:
Currently, there is no particularly effective method for treating epilepsy; the goal is to control seizures and minimize their occurrence. Good seizure control requires the following conditions: 1. Regular outpatient visits and adherence to the physician's instructions regar...[Read More] Understanding Epilepsy Treatment: Insights and Future Options
Understanding Nocturnal Seizures: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Child
Suspected epilepsy Hello, Doctor Huang. My child experiences episodes at night that resemble seizures, during which he drools and is unaware of his surroundings, even falling off the bed without realizing it. When I try to wake him, he doesn't respond and later, when I ask h...
Dr. Huang Yingzhe Reply:
Dear Director Huang Ying-Che of the Neurology Department at Tainan Hospital, Executive Yuan Health Department: Hello, Shu-Ling. Based on your description, it appears to be more like an epileptic seizure. However, please bring the patient to the Neurology Department for further c...[Read More] Understanding Nocturnal Seizures: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Child
Post-Surgery Seizures: Understanding Epilepsy After Brain Surgery
Postoperative epilepsy after brain surgery? Hello Dr. Tseng, my grandmother just underwent brain surgery a few days ago. She is a diabetic patient and had a fall that resulted in a head injury (with a hematoma), and the doctor recommended brain surgery. After the surgery, my gran...
Dr. Zeng Kongyan Reply:
Dear Ms. Jiang, After acute traumatic brain injury with hematoma, some patients may experience seizures during the acute phase following surgery. This may be related to increased intracranial pressure or underlying brain pathology. Therefore, physicians will administer antiepile...[Read More] Post-Surgery Seizures: Understanding Epilepsy After Brain Surgery
Understanding the Connection Between Epilepsy and Autonomic Nervous System Disorders
Sleep disorders I currently have been diagnosed with intermittent epilepsy at the Chiayi Christian Hospital's neurology department, but another doctor mentioned that it could be autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Are these two conditions related? Thank you for clarifying!
Dr. Zeng Kongyan Reply:
Epilepsy is caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, and the decision to use long-term antiepileptic medication depends on the frequency of seizures and the underlying causes. Autonomic nervous system dysregulation occurs due to excessive activation of the autonomic...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Epilepsy and Autonomic Nervous System Disorders
Understanding Chronic Back Pain and Neurological Symptoms: Causes and Solutions
Lower back pain? I often experience lower back pain and discomfort, with the pain being particularly severe. Even light pressure near my spine in the lower back area causes significant soreness. Sometimes, I suddenly feel a sharp, nerve-like pain that lasts for at least three sec...
Dr. Huang Yingzhe Reply:
Dear Ray, This is Dr. Huang Ying-Che, the Director of the Neurology Department at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan. Regarding your back issues, it may be related to neuromuscular problems. It would be advisable to undergo an X-ray or nerve conduction studi...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Back Pain and Neurological Symptoms: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Hand Numbness and Seizures: Is It Epilepsy?
Numbness in the hands? I have already consulted with a neurologist at Chiayi Jiayi Hospital, and the doctor verbally concluded that I might have epilepsy. I have undergone an EEG and am currently waiting for an MRI. Recently, I have been experiencing occasional hand numbness, mus...
Dr. Zeng Kongyan Reply:
Generally, if the EEG does not show epileptiform activity, the diagnosis of epilepsy must rely on clinical symptoms. The symptoms described in your letter could potentially be indicative of epilepsy, but further confirmation is needed through outpatient follow-up or assessment of...[Read More] Understanding Hand Numbness and Seizures: Is It Epilepsy?
Understanding Post-Facial Nerve Paralysis Symptoms and Recovery
Facial nerve paralysis Hello Doctor: About two months ago, I experienced right-sided facial nerve paralysis. After taking steroids for one week and undergoing acupuncture for one month, my doctor suggested that I no longer need to see him or continue acupuncture, as my appearance...
Dr. Huang Yingzhe Reply:
Dear Andy, This phenomenon is not indicative of facial nerve symptoms. If these symptoms are indeed present and the ophthalmologist finds no issues, I would consider arranging for a head imaging examination (MRI). Vitamins B6, B12, and B complex seem to be beneficial based on ex...[Read More] Understanding Post-Facial Nerve Paralysis Symptoms and Recovery
Understanding Scalp Tingling: Causes and Concerns in Neurology
Scalp tingling? Hello Doctor: Recently, I've been experiencing sudden tingling sensations on my scalp, and sometimes in my arms and other areas as well. It feels similar to the tingling sensation you get before goosebumps, like when you see something disgusting or are emotio...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
Medication should certainly be considered, and if necessary, it can be discussed with the prescribing physician. Additionally, the following should be taken into account: 1. Autonomic nervous system manifestations of epilepsy 2. Transient bacteremia 3. Endocrine-related symptoms....[Read More] Understanding Scalp Tingling: Causes and Concerns in Neurology
Understanding Dizziness: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Dizziness Hello Doctor, since the evening of July 4th, I have been feeling a sensation of my head swaying, and I often experience this feeling. It is still the same today. I would like to ask if I have poor balance? Right now, I feel like my head is swaying, and my body is too, b...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
In adolescents, the occurrence of these symptoms is often related to inner ear imbalance. If associated with a specific posture, it may be benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). If there is no relation to posture and is accompanied by ear fullness and tinnitus, it could ind...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Genetic Neurological Disorders: Treatment and Management Options
Genetic disorders? Since childhood, I have inherited a family illness. My elders say it is a cramp (my mother & #35500; he has seen in books that it is similar to mild epilepsy). During an episode, my limbs exert force, but my consciousness remains clear. I feel the urge to c...
Dr. Huang Yingzhe Reply:
Dear SHIANG, This is Dr. Huang Ying-Che from the Neurology Department of Tainan Hospital, Department of Health. It is unclear which hereditary disease you are referring to; it does not seem to be epilepsy. However, we need to identify the specific condition in order to discuss m...[Read More] Understanding Genetic Neurological Disorders: Treatment and Management Options
Post-Surgery Confusion: Understanding Neurological Impacts and Recovery
Postoperative confusion? Hello Doctor, my father was hospitalized due to septic shock. After being intubated by the physician, he woke up quite alert (able to write and communicate). Later, he underwent abdominal surgery where the doctor found only distension of the colon and dra...
Dr. Ye Boshou Reply:
Hello: 1. Medications can affect consciousness. 2. Brain hypoxia can occur in cases of hypotension, hypoglycemia, or lack of oxygen; all three conditions can lead to neuronal damage. 3. Tremors may be a sequela of brain hypoxia.[Read More] Post-Surgery Confusion: Understanding Neurological Impacts and Recovery
Finding Top Epilepsy Specialists in Taipei and Taichung
excuse me? I'm sorry, could you tell me if there are any authoritative epilepsy specialists in Taipei or Taichung?
Dr. Huang Yingzhe Reply:
Dear Director Huang Yingzhe of the Neurology Department at Tainan Hospital, I apologize for the inconvenience. You can find excellent physicians in the epilepsy specialty at any medical center-level neurology department. I won't elaborate further on this. The Tainan Hospit...[Read More] Finding Top Epilepsy Specialists in Taipei and Taichung
Post-Seizure Symptoms: Understanding Chest Tightness and Headaches
Epilepsy Hello, doctor: I would like to ask, after my seizure a few weeks ago, I have been feeling a tightness in my chest as if I can't breathe, along with headaches and a feeling of dizziness. This has been going on for several weeks. Is this a normal phenomenon?
Dr. Huang Yingzhe Reply:
Dear Dr. Huang Ying-Che, Director of the Neurology Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: This should not be considered a normal phenomenon. If you are a patient with epilepsy, comparing your current symptoms with those from previous seizures should help ...[Read More] Post-Seizure Symptoms: Understanding Chest Tightness and Headaches
Managing Epilepsy Medications Before Pregnancy: Safety and Alternatives
Epilepsy and Pregnancy My girlfriend has been taking "Tegretol C.R." (carbamazepine) for over 2 years. According to the FDA regulations in the United States, this medication is classified as pregnancy category D. If she plans to become pregnant, how long before concepti...
Dr. Huang Yingzhe Reply:
Dear Mr. Zhang, This is Dr. Huang Ying-Che, Director of the Neurology Department at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan. Currently, there are no antiepileptic medications that are absolutely safe during pregnancy. Any decision to discontinue medication must be ...[Read More] Managing Epilepsy Medications Before Pregnancy: Safety and Alternatives
Post-Traumatic Sequelae in Children: Understanding Neurological Impacts
Post-traumatic sequelae following a brain injury? Hello, I have a younger brother who is 11 years old. Two years ago, when he was 9, he accidentally fell backward while sitting on a high stool (about 60 cm tall) and hit his head. The immediate symptoms included cyanosis of the li...
Dr. Huang Yingzhe Reply:
Dr. Huang Ying-Che, Director of the Neurology Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: Hello, Huang. I am not quite sure what type of ultrasound examination indicated a vascular obstruction (or compression). However, if we want to identify the true cerebral ...[Read More] Post-Traumatic Sequelae in Children: Understanding Neurological Impacts
Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Help a Child with Meningitis?
Is it applicable? The patient originally had symptoms of epilepsy, which led to encephalopathy due to enterovirus affecting the brainstem, resulting in meningitis. Currently, the patient is unconscious at the age of five years and two months. Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy an optio...
Dr. Ye Boshou Reply:
The efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for altered consciousness due to meningitis is unclear; therefore, it is recommended to discuss this thoroughly with the attending physician before making a decision.[Read More] Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Help a Child with Meningitis?
Understanding Neurological Recovery: Key Questions and Insights
I still have some questions to ask? Hello, I have some questions based on our previous discussion. (1) Is it sufficient to just talk to him? Are there any other actions needed? (2) Once he regains consciousness, will the movements of his hands, feet, and mouth stop, or will they ...
Dr. Ye Boshou Reply:
1. In fact, the extent of brain damage has already been determined; some injured brain cells may repair themselves, but this takes time, and the recovery of consciousness requires a longer observation period. 2. Sounds, light, and tactile sensations are all sources of stimulation...[Read More] Understanding Neurological Recovery: Key Questions and Insights
Understanding Recovery Chances for a Child with Severe Neurological Damage
What is the chance of recovery? I have a five-year-old girl at home with a history of epilepsy. The day before the Mid-Autumn Festival, she suddenly developed a fever and complained of discomfort, then started having seizures. She was immediately taken to the emergency room, but ...
Dr. Ye Boshou Reply:
The recovery of consciousness is difficult to predict and requires time for observation. Continuing to talk to him and providing various stimuli may be helpful.[Read More] Understanding Recovery Chances for a Child with Severe Neurological Damage
Managing Epilepsy: Headaches and Menstrual Pain in Young Women
Headache, menstruation, epilepsy? Hello Dr. Huang, I am very touched by your patience and thoroughness in answering everyone's questions. I am 22 years old and had a seizure in my sleep when I was 15, after which I started medication without any side effects. Initially, I wa...
Dr. Huang Yingzhe Reply:
Dear Dr. Huang Ying-Che, Director of the Neurology Department at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan: 1. It is certainly advisable to conduct a sleep EEG. 2. Generally speaking, if there have been no seizures for 2 to 3 years and the follow-up EEG is normal, co...[Read More] Managing Epilepsy: Headaches and Menstrual Pain in Young Women