Understanding Involuntary Muscle Twitches: Causes and Concerns for Teens
Sometimes muscles may twitch irregularly? I am 15 years old, and recently, for the past two to three weeks, my muscles have been twitching involuntarily (especially in my hands and feet). Sometimes they feel sore, but I don't experience any weakness. My dad has been sick and...
Dr. Lan Shengxing Reply:
Dear Zizi, emotional issues and poor posture are indeed factors to consider. Of course, there are other possibilities as well. However, if there have been recent causes for emotional fluctuations, it is reasonable for the physician to address this direction first. You can observe...[Read More] Understanding Involuntary Muscle Twitches: Causes and Concerns for Teens
Understanding Unilateral Sensory Changes: A Neurological Perspective
Altered sensation on the left side of the body? A month ago, I swallowed a fish bone, and now I have different sensations on the left side of my body compared to the right (the right side is normal). My left cheek is slightly swollen and numb (the chin and cheek are noticeably mo...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
Swelling and tenderness indicate the presence of inflammation or infection. It is recommended to promptly visit a major hospital's otolaryngology department for a detailed examination, as deep neck infections and cellulitis cannot be ruled out.[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Sensory Changes: A Neurological Perspective
Buzzing Sounds in the Back of the Head: What Could It Mean?
A buzzing sound is coming from the back of the head? Hello doctor, I recently noticed that my occipital area occasionally produces a sound similar to a buzzing or crackling, like the sound of electricity passing through. I hear this about 4 to 5 times a day. There is no pain or d...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
I'm not quite sure what the issue is; it could be the static electricity in my hair due to the cold weather, or it might be the temporary contraction and movement of the muscles under the scalp causing the sound of hair friction. If the greater occipital nerve or lesser occi...[Read More] Buzzing Sounds in the Back of the Head: What Could It Mean?
How Long Does Nerve Recovery Take After a Humerus Fracture?
How long does it take for nerves to recover? It has been over a year since I had surgery for a humeral fracture, and my little finger still feels swollen and somewhat uncontrollable. Initially, it was slightly bent, and my attending physician placed a splint to keep it straight. ...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
Please have a neurologist evaluate the patient and arrange for nerve conduction studies and electromyography to assess whether there is any damage or abnormality in the nerves and muscles of the hand.[Read More] How Long Does Nerve Recovery Take After a Humerus Fracture?
Understanding Facial Nerve Issues: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Continued inquiry: Involuntary twitching of the left cheek? Dear Dr. Gao, I consulted with a neurologist in the United States, who prescribed me Lyrica 50mg. However, I feel it only addresses the symptoms and not the root cause. Additionally, I found that the side effects are si...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
If there is no muscle weakness (such as facial asymmetry or muscle atrophy), the primary approach to treatment is conservative management. There is no need for specific interventions like electromyography (EMG) or surgery (which would cause further damage), as it is merely a peri...[Read More] Understanding Facial Nerve Issues: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Understanding Uncontrolled Facial Muscle Movements: Causes and Treatments
Continued inquiry: Involuntary twitching of the left cheek? Dear Dr. Gao, Thank you very much for your response. My cheeks appear completely normal, they move naturally, and there is no asymmetry or atrophy. If the issue is due to some irritation of the tissues surrounding the n...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
You may first consider local massage to relax the nerves and muscles, or supplement with some B vitamins. Some physicians may prescribe medications to calm the nerves and relax the muscles. If the symptoms persist or if there are new changes, it is advisable to consult a neurolog...[Read More] Understanding Uncontrolled Facial Muscle Movements: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Facial Myokymia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Continued inquiry: Involuntary twitching of the left cheek? Dear Dr. Gao, Thank you very much for your response. If the second reason is correct, that the facial nerve was injured due to the cosmetic surgery and subsequent impact, could my symptoms be due to abnormal adhesions b...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
If there is damage to the facial nerve, which primarily consists of motor fibers that control facial muscle movements, it will inevitably lead to related functional impairments. One can self-assess whether facial expressions appear unnatural (indicating weakness in certain facial...[Read More] Understanding Facial Myokymia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Uncontrollable Facial Twitches After Cosmetic Surgery: Causes and Solutions
Involuntary twitching of the left cheek? Two years ago, I underwent cosmetic surgery to elevate my cheeks. (Below are the surgical details provided by my doctor.) After the surgery, my cheeks were quite swollen, and before the swelling subsided, my left cheek was accidentally bum...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
Based on the symptom description, it is more akin to facial myokymia, which refers to involuntary muscle twitching of the facial muscles. This can range from benign nerve hyperexcitability (such as eyelid twitching) to involuntary discharges due to facial nerve damage, and to spe...[Read More] Uncontrollable Facial Twitches After Cosmetic Surgery: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Facial Nerve Issues: Symptoms and Recovery Insights
Facial nerve issues Hello, Dr. Gao. Earlier this year, I experienced facial nerve paralysis on the right side of my face due to an unknown viral infection. After medication and rehabilitation, I have mostly recovered. However, last month I noticed that when I blink my right eye, ...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
This is a complication following facial nerve paralysis, where the muscles of the ossicles in the middle ear, innervated by the facial nerve, become paralyzed and weak. This leads to a diminished ability to adjust to external sounds. Whenever there is loud external noise or when ...[Read More] Understanding Facial Nerve Issues: Symptoms and Recovery Insights
Understanding Scalp Twitching: Causes and When to See a Neurologist
Scalp twitching issue? Hello: Recently, I have been experiencing a sensation in my scalp that feels like a muscle twitch while walking. It is not painful, and my blood pressure is normal. I would like to ask two questions: 1. What could be the possible causes of the symptoms desc...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
There is a rich network of muscles beneath the scalp, and sometimes their contraction can lead to a feeling of tightness in the head, accompanied by brief neuromuscular contractions that may feel like twitching. If the twitching is localized to a specific area, it could indicate ...[Read More] Understanding Scalp Twitching: Causes and When to See a Neurologist
Understanding Hollow Sounds When Tapping the Head: Causes and Concerns
A hollow sound when tapping the head? Hello doctor: I accidentally discovered that when I tap my head, there is a hollow sound in the area from my forehead to the top of my head. Is this normal? I'm worried it might be brain atrophy or something similar. I've also been ...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
The thickness of the scalp muscles and subcutaneous tissue varies among individuals. Additionally, the thickness of the skull differs between genders and is influenced by nutritional status. Beneath the skull are the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater, followed by brain t...[Read More] Understanding Hollow Sounds When Tapping the Head: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Sleep Issues and Neck Pain: When to Seek Neurology Help
Neurology Hello, doctor. Recently, my sleep quality has been very poor; it takes me a long time to fall asleep, and even though I feel very tired, I just can't seem to doze off! I keep yawning without being able to actually yawn, and my head feels heavy and stuffy. My body h...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
Sleep disorders are often caused by intense physical or mental activities before bedtime, consumption of stimulating foods, or napping shortly before sleep. Additionally, if one enjoys reading in bed without actually sleeping, this can contribute to the issue. If none of these fa...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues and Neck Pain: When to Seek Neurology Help
Understanding Limb Pain and Fatigue: Possible Neurological Causes
Aching limbs and fatigue? Hello doctor, I often experience body aches, especially in my limbs, and my muscles twitch. My fingers also move involuntarily, and the joints in my fingers feel tight. This has caused me anxiety, and after visiting the hospital for examinations, no caus...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
Proximal muscle soreness in the limbs, accompanied by muscle weakness and elevated muscle enzyme levels in the blood, should raise suspicion for myopathy or myositis. If muscle twitching occurs alongside progressive weakness, one should also be cautious of motor neuron diseases. ...[Read More] Understanding Limb Pain and Fatigue: Possible Neurological Causes
Experiencing Numbness in Left Hand: When to See a Specialist?
Numbness and tingling in the left hand without pain? For the past couple of weeks, I have been experiencing intermittent sensations of tingling and numbness in my left hand, but no pain. When I tilt my head back to the left, I feel that the muscles on that side are tighter compar...
Dr. Huang Yongquan Reply:
It could be cervical nerve compression or carpal tunnel syndrome. It is recommended to rest more and pay attention to posture. You may consider visiting a rehabilitation specialist or a neurologist for examination and treatment.[Read More] Experiencing Numbness in Left Hand: When to See a Specialist?
Understanding Sleep Issues and Brain Pain: When to Seek Help
Brain and Sleep Issues Hello, Doctor Gao: I have recently been waking up in the middle of the night and unable to fall back asleep (around 3-4 AM, and this has been ongoing for over a month). A few days ago, I had a dispute over a transaction with someone who was quite unreasonab...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
Waking up in the middle of the night and being unable to fall back asleep is increasingly common among middle-aged individuals. This can be partially related to daytime stress and feelings of depression. If this persists for more than three months, it is advisable to seek evaluat...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues and Brain Pain: When to Seek Help
Understanding Psychosomatic Disorders: When Anxiety Affects Eating
Psychoneurosis Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my condition. Whenever I get nervous, I find it difficult to swallow food (even when I am very hungry). I have seen a psychiatrist and was diagnosed with a psychoneurosis. In most situations, I can eat normally, but when I am...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
It is most likely that the swallowing difficulty is psychogenic, with a small possibility of issues related to the throat or esophagus. If there is suspicion of an esophageal problem affecting swallowing, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist. After the physician's...[Read More] Understanding Psychosomatic Disorders: When Anxiety Affects Eating
Understanding Muscle Twitches: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions
Muscle twitching Hello doctor, recently I've been experiencing frequent muscle twitches, and I can clearly feel them when I stretch. My limbs are sore even though I haven't done much, and my thumb feels strange. Occasionally, I find myself shaking involuntarily while sl...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
Muscle twitching is mostly benign, often caused by emotional stress and increased neuromuscular excitability, such as from insufficient sleep or overuse, leading to some physiological twitching. However, if it is related to a serious condition, there would typically be symptoms o...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Twitches: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions
Understanding Head Pain: Scalp Sounds and Neurological Concerns
Headache with a rubber band-like sensation in the scalp? Because my symptoms include similar headaches, a rubbing sound from the muscles on the right side of my scalp, and my right cheek is also atrophied, stiff, and painful. My right ear feels noticeably protruding, and I experi...
Dr. Huang Yongquan Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, your symptoms do not appear to be directly related to cerebral blood vessels, and the MRI seems to have ruled out any significant concerns. Blood vessels outside the scalp are less likely to cause any diseases. It is recommended to gently mass...[Read More] Understanding Head Pain: Scalp Sounds and Neurological Concerns
Understanding Pulsating Pain Behind the Ear: Causes and Concerns
The occurrence of sharp pain behind the ear (at the bony prominence) may indicate several potential issues. It could be related to conditions such as mastoiditis, which is an infection of the mastoid bone, or it might be due to lymphadenopathy, where lymph nodes in that area beco...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
There is a large auricular nerve that originates from the cervical nerve roots. The sharp pain is generally indicative of neuropathic pain; however, it is important to check for any swollen lymph nodes near the ear or signs of inflammation and redness in the ear canal or mastoid ...[Read More] Understanding Pulsating Pain Behind the Ear: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Burning Sensation in the Feet: Possible Causes and Solutions
Burning sensation in the soles of the feet? Dear Dr. Gao, For the past two weeks, I have been experiencing a persistent or intermittent burning sensation in the sole, dorsum, and toes (especially the big toe) of my left foot. Sometimes, it is accompanied by a feeling of swelling...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
The distribution of the sciatic nerve is located on the posterior side of the thigh and the lateral side of the calf, with involvement in the plantar and medial aspects of the foot. There is no rush to undergo an MRI; it is advisable to first visit a neurology clinic to gain a de...[Read More] Understanding Burning Sensation in the Feet: Possible Causes and Solutions