Numbness in Big Toe: Understanding Nerve Compression Issues
Numbness in the big toe? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing numbness at the base of my big toe. When I stand on the floor, only the other four toes feel cold, while the sensation in my big toe is not very pronounced. When I press on it with my fingers, there is a tingling pai...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
The most common issue is indeed nerve compression, often due to a problem with a small branch of a peripheral nerve. Localized single nerve inflammation or ischemia can also occasionally occur. Generally, the problem is related to footwear that is too narrow or too rigid. It is r...[Read More] Numbness in Big Toe: Understanding Nerve Compression Issues
Persistent Hand Numbness: Seeking Answers After 4 Months of Symptoms
Numbness in both hands for the past four months? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing numbness in my hands since the beginning of September. Initially, it was only in my right hand, but within a week, my left hand started to feel numb as well. The numbness has not ceased, causi...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
When experiencing hand numbness, it is important to determine whether the distribution of symptoms falls within the peripheral nerve range, nerve roots, or central nervous system. Particularly, if nerve conduction studies are normal, carpal tunnel syndrome is almost ruled out. Sy...[Read More] Persistent Hand Numbness: Seeking Answers After 4 Months of Symptoms
Understanding Hand Tremors and Numbness: When to Seek Medical Advice
Tremors and numbness in the hands? Hello, Dr. Lan! I would like to ask you about my left hand, which trembles involuntarily. Sometimes, when I clench my fist tightly, the shaking becomes more pronounced. For example, when I use my left hand to drink water, the cup shakes. Additio...
Dr. Lan Shengxing Reply:
Dear Xiao Fang, essential tremor generally worsens during exertion, which is different from the numbness in the little finger. The numbness is due to peripheral nerve compression. Both of these symptoms should be evaluated by a specialist in neurology.[Read More] Understanding Hand Tremors and Numbness: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Intermittent Nerve Pain: A 48-Year Journey
Intermittent neuralgia My symptoms began at the age of 20, and after 48 years, I have visited many hospitals and undergone numerous tests, yet no answers have been found. About 90% of the symptoms occur in both feet, characterized by intermittent sharp pain. The pain comes and go...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
Based on your symptom description, it is likely not a peripheral nerve issue, but rather something within the brain, resembling the nature of Restless Legs Syndrome. There are many possible causes, including iron deficiency, magnesium deficiency, liver and kidney dysfunction, thy...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Nerve Pain: A 48-Year Journey
Understanding Hand Tingling: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Hand pain or hand prickling sensation? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing frequent sharp, needle-like pain in my hand. I visited a neurosurgery clinic and had a cervical X-ray, which showed no abnormalities. I also underwent nerve conduction studies that were normal. However,...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
The sensation of tingling in the hands primarily requires determining the distribution of the symptoms—whether it affects one hand or both. The distribution may follow the territory of a cervical nerve root, or it could involve all fingertips, suggesting a peripheral neuropathy. ...[Read More] Understanding Hand Tingling: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Involuntary Muscle Twitches: Could It Be ALS?
Involuntary muscle twitching? Hello doctor, at the end of last year, my muscles started to twitch involuntarily. Initially, it lasted for 2-3 weeks, and then it stopped. Around February of this year, the muscle twitching started again and has continued to this day. I visited a ne...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
Motor neuron disease is a progressive condition characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons. Therefore, in addition to involuntary muscle twitching, there will be subsequent symptoms such as impaired movement, muscle weakness, and atrophy. Whether this is the case can only...[Read More] Understanding Involuntary Muscle Twitches: Could It Be ALS?
Persistent Dizziness in Elderly: Exploring Unresolved Neurological Issues
An 88-year-old elderly person is experiencing dizziness? Hello, doctor. My grandmother has been experiencing dizziness for many years. She has undergone examinations by an otolaryngologist with no issues found, and the cardiologist also reported no problems. She has visited vario...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
Dizziness can have many causes, and not all of them can be detected through instruments or tests. Both physiological and pathological dizziness should be considered, and if no results are found, psychological causes must also be taken into account. Generally, neurologists, cardio...[Read More] Persistent Dizziness in Elderly: Exploring Unresolved Neurological Issues
Understanding Muscle Twitches: When to Worry About Neurological Issues
Muscle twitching Since June of last year, I have been experiencing twitching in my left eyelid. After a month of this, I visited a neurologist who prescribed muscle relaxants and Riluzole, asking me to observe the symptoms for two weeks before returning for a follow-up. During th...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
In fact, muscle twitching is primarily associated with peripheral nerve and muscle issues in the field of neurology, and it is not easily linked to the central nervous system unless there is a confirmed problem with the peripheral nerves, and the lesions point to an invasion of t...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Twitches: When to Worry About Neurological Issues
Concussion Concerns: Neck Tightness After Head Injury Explained
Concussion or Stroke!? Hello, I bumped my head last week and saw a doctor who diagnosed me with a mild concussion. However, after 8 days, I am experiencing tightness in the area just below my right earlobe, down to my chin and right cheek. Is this normal? I'm concerned there...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
The area from the lower part of the right ear, extending to the neck and right cheek, is innervated by a peripheral nerve known as the greater auricular nerve. This nerve branches from the cervical plexus and is responsible solely for sensation, lacking any motor function. Occasi...[Read More] Concussion Concerns: Neck Tightness After Head Injury Explained
Understanding Sacral Nerve Issues: Healing and Treatment Options
Issues related to sacral nerve? Hello, Doctor Gao. I previously asked about experiencing numbness in the right foot. If it is due to an injury to the sacral nerve, will it heal on its own, or does it require further treatment? Additionally, could it be related to my recent left f...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
It is possible for a minor injury to heal on its own with some rest. A fracture of the left rib will not affect the peripheral nerve symptoms in the leg.[Read More] Understanding Sacral Nerve Issues: Healing and Treatment Options
Understanding Numbness in the Right Foot: Possible Causes and Solutions
Numbness in the right foot dorsum? Hello, Doctor. My right foot's dorsum feels numb (around the area just below the little toe) and it has been like this for over a week. What could be the possible causes? Thank you!
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
This area may correspond to the distribution of a peripheral nerve or the first sacral nerve root. Therefore, it is important to consider other accompanying clinical symptoms, such as lower back pain, numbness or tingling in the posterior thigh, or weakness in the right foot when...[Read More] Understanding Numbness in the Right Foot: Possible Causes and Solutions
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 the Causes of Delayed Recovery in Peripheral Nerve Injuries
Factors or causes affecting nerve regeneration? I am experiencing nerve damage in my right wrist. According to a diagnosis from a physician at Chi Mei Hospital, the conduction velocity is about one-third of that in my left hand. This may be a sequela from a car accident I had at ...
Dr. Huang Yingzhe Reply:
Based on the description, although the results of the nerve conduction study and electromyography are unknown, it sounds like an issue with the ulnar nerve. If, as you suspect, it is related to trauma, the reason for the lack of recovery could either be that the injury has caused...[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Delayed Recovery in Peripheral Nerve Injuries
Understanding Tongue Issues: Neurological Connections and Concerns
Tongue issues? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about an issue related to my tongue. Since February, I have felt something unusual on the surface of the front of my tongue, similar to the rough sensation after being scalded by hot water. I also feel that my taste sensitivity...
Dr. Huang Yongquan Reply:
Hello: The sensations of touch and taste on the tongue are governed by different cranial nerves. If both issues occur simultaneously, it is often due to peripheral nerve damage affecting the taste buds on the surface of the tongue, which can be caused by dietary habits, stress, o...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Issues: Neurological Connections and Concerns
Understanding Facial Numbness: Possible Neurological Issues Explained
Abnormal sensation in the cheek? Hello, Doctor Gao. For the past few months, I've been experiencing occasional localized burning and numbness on the right side of my calf. Recently, in the past month, I've also felt some numbness and tightness below my left ear, as well...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
It is unclear whether the right side of the calf refers to the outer side of the right calf or the inner side of the left calf, but it can be confirmed that there is a sensory dysfunction of a peripheral nerve. There are also localized sensory nerve issues in the neck below the l...[Read More] Understanding Facial Numbness: Possible Neurological Issues Explained
Understanding Dizziness and Tremors: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Shaking like an earthquake? Hello, last month I experienced dizziness (feeling like the ground was shaking, and I was unsteady while walking). During this time, my right little finger felt a bit numb. I went to National Taiwan University Hospital for a consultation. The doctor sa...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
Your symptoms do not resemble those of cerebellar atrophy or Parkinson's disease, and since the MRI did not show any abnormalities, you can be temporarily reassured. The overall course of your condition is more consistent with what is referred to as inner ear imbalance, whic...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Tremors: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Symptoms of Imbalance and Abnormal Sensations: A Neurology Perspective
Feeling of foot drop, imbalance, and abnormal sensations in the brain? Hello, Dr. Gao. Based on your response, I still have some questions. (Symptoms can be side effects of medication or may indicate a sensory disturbance. It would be advisable to have a neurologist perform a det...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
Neurological examination determines whether there is a dysfunction in the sensory nervous system, and based on the findings of the neurological assessment, the next laboratory or imaging tests will be decided. Any neurologist at Taichung Hospital can assist you. After the examina...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms of Imbalance and Abnormal Sensations: A Neurology Perspective
Persistent Dizziness and Balance Issues: Seeking Solutions for Neurological Symptoms
Feeling of foot drop, imbalance, and abnormal sensations in the brain? Hello doctors, three years ago I experienced a bout of dizziness that caused me to fall and lose consciousness, resulting in a chin injury that required seven stitches at the hospital. However, a month later, ...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
Symptoms can be side effects of medication or may indicate a sensory disturbance. A detailed neurological examination by a neurologist should be conducted to assess this function. If abnormalities are found, further tests may be arranged to evaluate the spinal nerves or periphera...[Read More] Persistent Dizziness and Balance Issues: Seeking Solutions for Neurological Symptoms
Understanding Tennis Elbow Symptoms and Associated Tremors
Symptoms of tennis elbow? Hello, Doctor! Description of symptoms: For the past two months, I have experienced occasional weakness between my left elbow and wrist. Sometimes, I also feel sensations of cold and heat (similar to the feeling of numbness in hands and feet after a pe...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
After intense exercise, it is common to experience temporary localized muscle weakness and slight muscle twitching; however, these symptoms should naturally improve after rest. As for sensations of cold or heat, it is important to pay attention to the location of these sensations...[Read More] Understanding Tennis Elbow Symptoms and Associated Tremors
Understanding Muscle Weakness and Involuntary Twitches in Teens
Since early June, I have been experiencing frequent weakness in my legs and have consulted a neurologist? I started experiencing unusual sensations in my calf and thigh muscles around early June. It's hard to describe; it's not pain, soreness, or numbness (I hardly feel...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
The symptoms are somewhat vague; they may represent benign muscle tension, but they could also indicate early signs of a neuromuscular disease. It is important to observe whether your symptoms are becoming more pronounced or gradually subsiding. If you are concerned, you can sche...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Weakness and Involuntary Twitches in Teens