Managing Mild Dementia: Strategies for Caregivers and Health Concerns
Could you please clarify the relationship between dementia and occasional shortness of breath along with feelings of weakness? Hello Doctor, recently my father took my mother to the hospital for a neurology examination, and the doctor informed us that my mother has mild dementia....
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: In addition to pharmacological treatment for dementia, there are non-pharmacological interventions, including occupational therapy, cognitive training, reminiscence therapy, art therapy, and social activities, among others. You can contact the dementia care centers or long...[Read More] Managing Mild Dementia: Strategies for Caregivers and Health Concerns
Understanding Systemic Tingling: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Generalized tingling and numbness? Hello Dr. Jiang, this is Mr. Wu, who inquired about multiple sclerosis last time. I had a follow-up appointment on May 6th, and the cervical MRI report showed normal results. I informed the physician about the tingling sensation in the soles of ...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: You are currently on too many medications, and many gastrointestinal drugs can actually be adjusted. For example, the side effects of EPILON may include dry mouth, vomiting, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, headache, fatigue, and skin flushing, among others...[Read More] Understanding Systemic Tingling: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Is Nerve Biopsy Necessary for Diagnosing Diabetic Neuropathy?
Is a biopsy necessary for the diagnosis of neuropathy? Hello Doctor: I have a history of diabetes for 5 years and hypertension for 15 years. Over the past year, my hemoglobin A1c level has been around 6.5. A year ago, I noticed a tingling and painful sensation in my legs, which l...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Dear Mr. Tong, You mentioned "early neuropathy caused by diabetes." Diabetic neuropathy is a common condition that can initially be treated with medication. Nerve biopsies are typically used to diagnose some rare neuropathies. Can the nerves regenerate after a biopsy? ...[Read More] Is Nerve Biopsy Necessary for Diagnosing Diabetic Neuropathy?
Managing Exam-Related Headaches: Tips for Students
Exam-related headache Hello, doctor. I don't experience pressure headaches before exams, but during long exams like midterms or finals, I feel a lot of pressure in my head and a sense of heaviness. My eyes become strained and dry from overuse, which affects my performance. I...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Dear Mr. Ke, You mentioned whether taking Tylenol during exams could lead to dependence. Pure Tylenol (acetaminophen) does not cause dependence. However, the extra-strength Tylenol contains caffeine, which may lead to dependence. Will taking Tylenol affect your exam performanc...[Read More] Managing Exam-Related Headaches: Tips for Students
Understanding Muscle Twitches and Weakness: When to Seek Help
Muscle twitching Recently, I have been experiencing muscle twitching that is not localized to a specific area. Sometimes, I notice a decrease in strength in my left hand, and at other times, it shifts to my left hand and left leg. After researching online, I came across the sympt...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello Mr. Travis, You mentioned that "the strength in your hands has decreased, and sometimes the strength in your left hand and foot has also diminished..." Since these symptoms are on the same side, we should first rule out any cervical spine issues. You are concern...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Twitches and Weakness: When to Seek Help
Understanding Involuntary Muscle Twitches: Causes and Concerns
Involuntary muscle twitching? I would like to ask, regardless of whether I am standing, sitting, or lying down, my legs involuntarily twitch and tremble, and sometimes my hands also experience involuntary twitching and trembling. This has been ongoing for about a year. When I con...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to visit the neurology outpatient clinic for an evaluation of the underlying cause.[Read More] Understanding Involuntary Muscle Twitches: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Weakness and Numbness in Lower Legs: Causes and Solutions
Weakness in both calves below the knees, sometimes accompanied by numbness? Recently, I underwent a nerve conduction study, which indicated that there was slowed conduction in both legs. The physician provided a diagnosis of polyneuropathy and ordered blood tests, revealing a def...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello Mr. Lin: You mentioned "polyneuropathy, with blood tests indicating folate deficiency that was supplemented for a while, yet still experiencing weakness. After retesting every three months, results showed normal, but the weakness persists. What could be the underlying ...[Read More] Understanding Weakness and Numbness in Lower Legs: Causes and Solutions
Why Do My Heels Feel Numb When Lying Flat? Causes and Solutions
Numbness in the legs while lying flat? When lying flat, if you experience soreness or numbness in your heels, and it alleviates when using a thin blanket or lying on your side, what could be the cause? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello Ms. Pin, You mentioned experiencing soreness or numbness in your heels while lying flat, which may indicate "piriformis syndrome" or compression of the sciatic nerve. The piriformis muscle is located deep in the buttocks and spans between the spine and the hip jo...[Read More] Why Do My Heels Feel Numb When Lying Flat? Causes and Solutions
Unexplained Bump on the Back of the Head: When to Seek Medical Attention
A sudden protrusion at the back of the head? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a change in the shape of my occipital region; there is a protrusion. Over the past year, I have also noticed changes in my vision, as my field of view seems to have expanded, making things that ...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Dear Ms. ViVI, You mentioned that "your vision has changed over the past year, and the range of what you see feels larger; things that once seemed quite large now appear smaller... Your thoughts also seem unclear, and you often forget things..." I wonder if you are exp...[Read More] Unexplained Bump on the Back of the Head: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Tingling and Itching in Hands and Feet: Is It Restless Legs Syndrome?
Tingling and itching sensations in the hands and feet? I have recently been experiencing a tingling and itching sensation in my palms and soles. The discomfort alleviates during movement but returns when I am still. However, it does not affect my sleep. Could this be Restless Leg...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello: Based on the above situation, in addition to restless legs syndrome, there are other possible diagnoses. It is recommended to visit a neurology outpatient clinic for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Tingling and Itching in Hands and Feet: Is It Restless Legs Syndrome?
Could It Be Trigeminal Neuralgia? Understanding Facial Pain Symptoms
Is it trigeminal neuralgia? Hello Doctor: For the past month, I have suddenly started to feel pain when pressing on the upper inner corner of my right eye socket, as if I am experiencing menstrual cramps. Raising my eyebrows also causes some pain, and pressing on the right side o...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: You mentioned that "as the weather gets colder, I start to feel pain when pressing on the upper inner corner of my right eye, similar to menstrual cramps... there is also some pain when pressing on the right eyebrow." Generally speaking, pain that can be pressed ...[Read More] Could It Be Trigeminal Neuralgia? Understanding Facial Pain Symptoms
Understanding Neuropathic Pain: Which Specialist Should You See?
Suspected neuropathic pain - unsure which specialty to consult? Hello, Dr. Jiang. I apologize for bothering you. My mother and grandmother have both reported experiencing "neuropathic pain" after reaching a certain age. They have occasional episodes, a few times a year,...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Dear Miss Peng, You mentioned that "the pain usually starts at night when falling asleep and continues into the next day, occurring in episodes, and typically resolves within two days." Your symptoms may suggest Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). The etiology of RLS is rela...[Read More] Understanding Neuropathic Pain: Which Specialist Should You See?
Understanding Unexplained Pain and Forehead Headaches in Patients
Unexplained muscle pain and frontal headache? Hello, doctor. I have Marfan syndrome and have previously undergone spinal surgery. After the surgery, I began experiencing weakness and stiffness in my legs and spine, making it difficult to move, along with some pain. These symptoms...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Dear Mr. Lei, You mentioned that "lying down causes headaches, and now I also experience pain while standing, along with frequent headaches... which may be due to compression of the spinal vessels, leading to headaches." Typically, when blood vessels are compressed, it...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Pain and Forehead Headaches in Patients
Understanding Leg Numbness: Causes and Treatment Options for Your Family
I would like to inquire for a family member who is experiencing numbness in the calves and thighs? My father is unable to walk far; after just a block, his legs become very numb, and he needs to sit down to rest before he can walk a short distance again. However, the numbness ret...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello Mr. Liang, You mentioned that "walking too far, perhaps just a block, can cause my legs to feel very numb, making it difficult to move, and I need to sit down to rest before I can walk a little further." Clinically, this is referred to as "intermittent claud...[Read More] Understanding Leg Numbness: Causes and Treatment Options for Your Family
Understanding Involuntary Muscle Twitches: Causes and Concerns
Intermittent involuntary movements Hello doctor, I sometimes feel twitching in the left front area between my neck and shoulders, and I can feel it moving when I touch it. At times, I also feel twitching in the inner side of my left thigh. What could be the issue? Thank you.
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello Mr. Ben: You mentioned that you sometimes feel twitching in the left front area between your neck and shoulders, as well as twitching in the inner thigh of your left leg. I wonder if you are also experiencing any sensory abnormalities along with these symptoms? If it is onl...[Read More] Understanding Involuntary Muscle Twitches: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Visual Flickering: Is It a Sign of Migraine or Neurological Issue?
Visual flicker? There were two instances in the early morning, right after waking up, when I experienced flickering in my vision under dim lighting, resembling the flickering of a failing light bulb or an old television screen malfunction (the flickering was in shades of black an...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, Miss Hsiao-Wen: You mentioned that you experienced a migraine on the night of your first visual aura, but not during the second occurrence. I would like to ask if you have a history of migraines? If this is a new symptom, it may be advisable to seek medical evaluation. Gen...[Read More] Understanding Visual Flickering: Is It a Sign of Migraine or Neurological Issue?
Understanding Unilateral Tinnitus: Is It Related to Autonomic Nervous System Disorders?
Unilateral tinnitus and pulsatile tinnitus? Hello, doctor. Two years ago, I experienced dizziness and a heavy head, which led me to consult a neurologist. At that time, I was prescribed nerve repair agents and B vitamins, and after a while, I felt better. I attributed my symptoms...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Mr. Pei, you mentioned: "However, the tinnitus in my left ear has worsened significantly, accompanied by mild headaches, and my left ear also feels uncomfortable when exposed to loud sounds." Unilateral tinnitus symptoms do not typically resemble those of autonomic nerv...[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Tinnitus: Is It Related to Autonomic Nervous System Disorders?
Understanding Involuntary Muscle Twitches: Causes and Treatment Options
Involuntary muscle twitching? My muscles randomly twitch, including my eyelids, abdomen, arms, and legs. Sometimes the twitching frequency is very high and can last for more than a day. This started in March 2021, and since then, I have undergone numerous tests at various medical...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello Mr. Chris: You mentioned that you have a regular routine, do not smoke or drink alcohol, exercise regularly each week, take vitamin B complex and fish oil supplements, control your diet, and mostly drink plain water without coffee or tea. If your muscle twitching persists, ...[Read More] Understanding Involuntary Muscle Twitches: Causes and Treatment Options
Head Injury from Hitting a Wall: When to Seek Medical Attention
Bumped the top of the head against a wall corner with force? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, while wearing a hat, I didn't notice that the ceiling ahead was lower and walked straight into it, resulting in a strong impact on the right angle of the ceiling's concrete and steel ...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello, Lin: If you experience persistent numbness in the left side of your limbs, please visit a neurology or orthopedic outpatient clinic for evaluation.[Read More] Head Injury from Hitting a Wall: When to Seek Medical Attention
Managing Muscle Tremors in ALS: Effective Treatments and Solutions
Muscle twitching Someone around me has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and is currently experiencing tremors in both lower limbs that affect sleep. Although the doctor has prescribed muscle relaxants, they have not been effective. I would like to ask the d...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, Ms. Shu: You mentioned that "your lower limbs tremble/shake to the extent that it affects your sleep, and although the doctor has prescribed muscle relaxants." In addition to medication, sometimes stretching exercises are necessary to alleviate muscle tightness....[Read More] Managing Muscle Tremors in ALS: Effective Treatments and Solutions