Managing Blood Pressure Concerns in Elderly Stroke Survivors
Concerns about Blood Pressure Grandma had a stroke in the past, so she takes one capsule of Lipitor (5 mg/10 mg) daily. Her blood pressure has been stable; however, during a follow-up visit at the end of August, her systolic blood pressure was only in the 90s when measured at the...
Dr. Peng Shiwei Reply:
Hello, 1. When should Caboten be taken? For example, at what systolic blood pressure should it be taken? --> Generally, it can be taken when the systolic blood pressure exceeds 180 or if there are symptoms related to high blood pressure. For instance, if the systolic blood p...[Read More] Managing Blood Pressure Concerns in Elderly Stroke Survivors
Investigating Post-AZ Vaccine Neurological Issues: A Case of Myasthenia Gravis
Development of myasthenia gravis after receiving the AZ vaccine? Hello Doctor: After receiving my first dose of the AZ vaccine in mid to late July 2021, I noticed that I frequently fell from late July to early August. I initially thought it was due to not exercising for a long ti...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: Currently, similar case reports can be found in the PubMed search engine of the National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health in the United States.[Read More] Investigating Post-AZ Vaccine Neurological Issues: A Case of Myasthenia Gravis
Which Specialist to Consult for Blood Pressure and Stroke Concerns?
Which department should I see? Patient: Female, Age 40-49, Date: 2022/12/05 Inquiry: My grandmother had a stroke in the past and takes one capsule of Lipitor (5mg/10mg) daily. Her blood pressure has been stable; however, during a follow-up visit at the end of August, her systol...
Dr. Peng Shiwei Reply:
Hello, if there is a difference of more than 20 mmHg in systolic blood pressure between the left and right arms, further examination should be considered. A significant difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure is generally associated with vascular stiffness and re...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Blood Pressure and Stroke Concerns?
Medication Concerns in Neurology: Managing Blood Pressure After Stroke
Medication issues Grandma had a stroke in the past, so she takes one tablet of Lipitor (5 mg/10 mg) daily. Her blood pressure has been stable; however, during her follow-up appointment at the end of August, her systolic blood pressure was only in the 90s when measured at the hosp...
Dr. Peng Shiwei Reply:
Hello, based on my assessment, it is possible to restore one of the fat veins. However, I still recommend that you take your mother to her usual follow-up clinic for an earlier appointment, as it would be better for the original physician to make the evaluation.[Read More] Medication Concerns in Neurology: Managing Blood Pressure After Stroke
Am I Experiencing Epilepsy or a Brain Tumor? Understanding My Symptoms
Do I have epilepsy? Could I possibly have a brain tumor? Hello Doctor, I have two questions to ask you, regarding headaches and epilepsy. Most importantly, I am very worried that I might have a brain tumor or something similar, and I hope to receive some advice. Regarding epile...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello, Student C: The symptoms mentioned may be related to sleep apnea. It is recommended to visit a neurologist for a detailed examination to determine the underlying cause.[Read More] Am I Experiencing Epilepsy or a Brain Tumor? Understanding My Symptoms
Morning Headaches: Causes and Solutions for Better Sleep
Sometimes I experience headaches after waking up in the morning? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about experiencing headaches upon waking up in the morning (occurring about once or twice every one to two weeks). Sometimes it resolves on its own, while other times I need to take...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: Possible factors for waking up with a headache include poor sleep quality, sleep apnea, medications, caffeine, and increased intracranial pressure, among others. It is recommended that you seek consultation with a neurologist for further evaluation and assistance.[Read More] Morning Headaches: Causes and Solutions for Better Sleep
Neck Movement Causing Stiffness and Pain in the Back of the Head
Neck rotation causing stiffness and pain in the occipital region of the head? Hello, doctor. I have a question. When I turn my neck at certain fixed angles, it causes stiffness and pain in the back of my head, especially on the left side, which is more painful. The pain also radi...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: For neck pain, you can consult either a neurologist or an orthopedic specialist. Poor posture over a long period is the most common cause of neck pain and stiffness in the occipital region. It is recommended to limit the use of electronic devices and to avoid looking down ...[Read More] Neck Movement Causing Stiffness and Pain in the Back of the Head
Managing Parkinson's Disease: Addressing Anxiety and Daily Challenges
Parkinson's disease Dear Dr. Jiang, My mother was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease last August at the age of 66. She has had long-standing insomnia issues and has a naturally introverted and anxious personality. It wasn't until last year that she experienced wea...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen, You mentioned, "Heavy metal testing, due to living in the countryside and working in hotel housekeeping for 25 years. If there has indeed been excessive exposure and treatment, would it improve symptoms, and would her mood improve?" For atypical Parkins...[Read More] Managing Parkinson's Disease: Addressing Anxiety and Daily Challenges
Understanding Unilateral Tinnitus and Ear Pain: Seeking the Right Specialist
Tinnitus in the right ear with three different types, pain in the temple, and pain in the ear slightly higher towards the left? Every night, I experience persistent unilateral tinnitus that has evolved into three types: pulsatile tinnitus synchronized with my heartbeat, a mid-fre...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello Ms. Lin: You mentioned "unilateral tinnitus, ear pain, pulsatile tinnitus, pain in the temple area, and discomfort in the back of the head that radiates towards the ear, with increased pain when leaning slightly to the left." I recommend that you first stabilize t...[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Tinnitus and Ear Pain: Seeking the Right Specialist
Is Methylcobalamin Safe for Seniors? Risks and Side Effects Explained
Methycobal Hello, Dr. Tsai! My mother is 90 years old and regularly takes medication for heart disease and hypertension, as well as vitamins and fish oil supplements. However, friends and relatives have been giving her additional medications without any reason, and she has been t...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello Ms. Wang: Methylcobalamin is a high-dose form of vitamin B12, which is water-soluble and can be purchased and taken without a doctor's prescription. This medication should only be taken in cases of vitamin B12 deficiency to be effective. Please have a doctor evaluate t...[Read More] Is Methylcobalamin Safe for Seniors? Risks and Side Effects Explained
Persistent Numbness in Foot and Leg: Seeking Medical Guidance
Numbness in the dorsum of the foot for over four months, and now there is also some numbness in the calf? Hello Doctor, I really don't know what to do now and would like to ask for your opinion. I am currently a senior in college and have recently been exercising, walking br...
Dr. Peng Shiwei Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, if they are gradually worsening, I recommend visiting a neurology outpatient clinic at a major hospital. To rule out nerve compression, more advanced imaging studies are necessary, so I suggest you start with regular follow-up for a while.[Read More] Persistent Numbness in Foot and Leg: Seeking Medical Guidance
Understanding the Differences Between Keppra and Trileptal for Epilepsy Treatment
Differences in medications? Recently, I experienced seizures and other symptoms related to epilepsy, so I went to the hospital where I was prescribed Keppra 500mg to take once in the morning and once at night. During my follow-up appointment today, the doctor prescribed a differe...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, Miss: You mentioned that you went to the hospital and were prescribed Keppra 500mg twice daily, and during your follow-up visit, the doctor prescribed another medication, Trileptal 300mg twice daily. Generally, the control of epilepsy is achieved with one medication reachi...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Keppra and Trileptal for Epilepsy Treatment
Understanding Facial and Scalp Numbness: Causes and Next Steps
Regarding facial and scalp numbness (medical examination has been conducted)? Hello, doctor. For the past two months, I have been experiencing intermittent numbness on the right side of my scalp and cheek, and occasionally around my nose. I do not have diabetes, hypertension, or ...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, Miss: You mentioned that "the right side of the scalp and cheek area experiences intermittent numbness, and occasionally there is a tingling sensation near the nose." The MRI report did not reveal any lesions related to the trigeminal nerve. The symptoms should b...[Read More] Understanding Facial and Scalp Numbness: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Hand Numbness and Memory Lapses in Seniors
Numbness in the hands and brief episodes of mental blankness? Hello, my father is 68 years old and has been experiencing insomnia and numbness in his hands for about six months. Recently, while playing Mahjong with friends at night, he found it difficult to arrange the tiles. He ...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: You mentioned that "you found it difficult to arrange the Mahjong tiles... and your father is concerned whether it is dementia." This symptom is indeed indicative of cognitive dysfunction. Clinically, we would inquire about the patient's medical history and ...[Read More] Understanding Hand Numbness and Memory Lapses in Seniors
Understanding the Differences Between Sleep Aids, Sedatives, and Sleeping Pills
What is the difference between sleep aids, sedatives, and hypnotics? Are the above three medications classified as prescription drugs that can only be prescribed by a physician? What are the differences in their ingredients? Do over-the-counter sleep aid supplements qualify as sl...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Sedatives and hypnotics have similar pharmacological effects, but they differ in dosage and potency. These types of medications are classified as controlled substances and can only be prescribed by a physician. Over-the-counter sleep aids are not classified as medications, and th...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Sleep Aids, Sedatives, and Sleeping Pills
Understanding CT Scans for Headaches: With or Without Contrast?
Headache CT scan? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my recent visit due to headaches. The doctor arranged a CT scan without the use of contrast dye, stating that the contrast would be more effective in detecting tumors. However, based on my symptoms, the doctor believes it...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: Generally, contrast agents are administered when there is suspicion of tumors, brain inflammation, infections, or similar conditions. After intravenous injection of the contrast agent, patients may experience discomfort, including swelling and warmth. Some individuals may ...[Read More] Understanding CT Scans for Headaches: With or Without Contrast?
Managing Peripheral Neuropathy: Medications and Symptoms Explained
Systemic neuropathy Hello Dr. Jiang: I would like to ask, if this is a peripheral nerve issue, what medications should be used for management? After receiving the vaccine last year, the burning sensation in my palms disappeared after about a month, while the burning in my soles l...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: You mentioned, "Is taking medications like Lyrica and Topamax, as well as Rivotril, helpful?" Based on clinical experience, the recommendation for neurological disorders is to "start low and go slow." You can begin with a low dose and try one medication...[Read More] Managing Peripheral Neuropathy: Medications and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Persistent Numbness in Hands and Feet: Possible Causes and Solutions
Numbness in the hands and feet? Hello Doctor, since September 25th, I have been experiencing numbness in my fingers upon waking up. Initially, I thought it would resolve on its own, but by September 26th, the numbness extended to my toes and the soles of my feet. As of now, Octob...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Dear Ms. Apple, You mentioned that "blood tests, nerve conduction studies, and spinal tap examinations all reported normal results, and the cerebrospinal fluid analysis was also normal, with only a noted slowing of nerve conduction." You pointed out abnormal sensory ne...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Numbness in Hands and Feet: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Persistent Headaches: Symptoms and Possible Causes
About headaches? Hello Doctor: Ten days ago, at around 8 PM, I suddenly felt a strange sensation in my head, possibly similar to increased intracranial pressure, followed by a brief tingling sensation and then a persistent, severe throbbing headache. After taking pain medication ...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello Mr. Zhang, You mentioned that at 8 o'clock, you suddenly felt something unusual in your head, possibly similar to increased intracranial pressure, followed by a brief tingling sensation and then a persistent, severe throbbing headache. You also noted that you experien...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Headaches: Symptoms and Possible Causes
Is My Recent Muscle Spasm a Sign of Epilepsy Relapse?
Previously, it was epilepsy caused by encephalitis? Hello, I had encephalitis in 2017 that led to epilepsy, and I was hospitalized and treated with medication until around 2020. I have been regularly following up with my doctor and have had no seizures, gradually tapering off the...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello Duoduo: Whether the above symptoms indicate a recurrence of epilepsy depends on whether they are similar to the previous epileptic symptoms. It is recommended to visit a neurologist for an EEG, which can provide a better assessment.[Read More] Is My Recent Muscle Spasm a Sign of Epilepsy Relapse?