Understanding Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Pain deep in the buttocks and right thigh? Hello, doctor. I am overweight and also have issues with muscle tightness (the therapist mentioned they have never encountered such tight muscles). Ten days ago, I suddenly rode a motorcycle for 90 minutes (I haven't ridden one in 2...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is important to consider symptoms of nerve compression due to a herniated disc, which may also result from sudden injuries such as twisting the waist, bending to lift heavy objects, or experiencing excessive force, for example, falling from a ...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Persistent Headaches and Dizziness: A Neurology Perspective
Headache, head pressure, dizziness? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing dizziness and headaches for the past one to two months. Two months ago, I had an unknown cause of severe head pressure and pain that made it impossible for me to work properly for several days. It improved...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the symptoms resemble those of a migraine. This type of headache lasts from 4 to 72 hours. The characteristics of the headache include unilateral pain, which may feel throbbing or pulsating, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, as well as se...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Headaches and Dizziness: A Neurology Perspective
Could Your Symptoms Indicate Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction?
I am not sure if it is autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing frequent dizziness and chest tightness lately. When I talk to others, I feel short of breath and very fatigued. Sometimes my hands and feet feel numb, and I have noticed that my me...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello: Based on the described symptoms, it is recommended to consult a neurologist for an examination.[Read More] Could Your Symptoms Indicate Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction?
Understanding Progressive Left Shoulder Pain: Causes and Insights
The left shoulder joint experienced mild pain in the morning, which escalated to severe pain by the afternoon and evening? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing mild pain in my left shoulder joint when I wake up in the morning (the pain is located above the left clavi...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms may suggest tendonitis. Frozen shoulder refers to "adhesive capsulitis." Inflammation of the shoulder joint capsule leads to adhesions, resulting in decreased joint mobility, causing pain and limitations in movement for the patient. The primary trea...[Read More] Understanding Progressive Left Shoulder Pain: Causes and Insights
Understanding Persistent Head Pain: Is It Related to Your Cold?
Intermittent headaches? Hello Dr. Jiang, last Sunday I experienced a sore throat, and the next day I started having occasional sharp pains on the scalp above my left ear, happening every few minutes. I have experienced this occasionally in the past, but it usually lasts no more t...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms should indeed first consider the possibility of poor local circulation caused by a cold, which can lead to tension-type headaches. Tension-type headaches are, in fact, a form of myofascial pain. The fascia refers to the connective tissue that envelops the sur...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Head Pain: Is It Related to Your Cold?
Understanding Muscle Pain and Twitches: Causes and Solutions
Muscle pain and twitching? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing soreness in my left hand and left foot for the past two months. A few days later, my right hand also started to hurt, and my fingers are painful as well. I have also noticed muscle twitches throughout my body (in m...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, based on your description of limb weakness and muscle twitching pain, the causes may include not only muscle and nerve issues but also some metabolic diseases such as thyroid dysfunction and sleep disorders. It is recommended that you first consult an internist for evaluat...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Pain and Twitches: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Dizziness: Insights from Neck Ultrasound Findings
Unexplained dizziness and neck ultrasound examination? Two months ago, I experienced two episodes of directional dizziness that occurred only when lying on my left side (without double vision, speech difficulties, or nausea). I was diagnosed with benign paroxysmal positional vert...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: 1. If dizziness improves over time, can we rule out non-cerebral issues? A: Dizziness related to cerebrovascular diseases may present with other neurological symptoms, such as sensory abnormalities, diplopia (brainstem), or balance issues (cerebellum). However, improvem...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Insights from Neck Ultrasound Findings
Navigating Brain Tumor Diagnosis: MRI, CT, and PET/CT Options Explained
Brain tumor, brain cancer I have a history of type 2 diabetes for 8 years and depression for 15 years. I have been taking tricyclic antidepressants DOXEPIN 50MG, LYRICA 20MG, and sleeping pills for at least 15 years. I have suffered from insomnia for 15 years and I smoke. My medi...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
1. It is recommended that you directly inquire with the hospital's health examination center for clearer information. The same type of examination can have different modalities, and the purpose and results may vary. 2. Generally, a CT scan or MRI with contrast agent should b...[Read More] Navigating Brain Tumor Diagnosis: MRI, CT, and PET/CT Options Explained
Understanding Brain Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and MRI Options
Brain cancer brain tumor I have a history of type 2 diabetes for 8 years and depression for 15 years. I have been taking tricyclic antidepressants DOXEPIN 50MG, LYRICA 20MG, and sleeping pills for at least 15 years. I have suffered from insomnia for 15 years and have a smoking hi...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: Here is the answer to your question. It is recommended to first undergo a non-contrast MRI to assess the lesions. (Generally, cerebrovascular diseases and brain tumors can be initially differentiated. As for dental issues, after the MRI, we can evaluate whether they signif...[Read More] Understanding Brain Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and MRI Options
Understanding Facial Twitching: Stress and Neurological Concerns
Facial twitching at the corners of the mouth may be related to stress issues? I personally have polycystic ovary syndrome (related to stress, obesity, and hormones). I have experienced sudden involuntary body tremors for a long time without paying much attention to them since the...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the causes of facial muscle twitching can include not only muscle and nerve issues but also some metabolic disorders such as thyroid dysfunction and sleep disorders. It is recommended that you consult a neurologist to discuss examination and trea...[Read More] Understanding Facial Twitching: Stress and Neurological Concerns
Understanding Lewy Body Dementia: Symptoms and Diagnostic Imaging
Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia 1. There are multiple articles available online, each describing slightly different symptoms. What are the correct symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia? 2. What imaging studies are currently available to diagnose Lewy Body Dementia? Thank you, doctor, f...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: 1. Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) must first meet the criteria for dementia, defined as a decline in daily functioning due to cognitive impairment. Other possible symptoms include significant daily fluctuations in the patient's consciousness, bradykinesia and unste...[Read More] Understanding Lewy Body Dementia: Symptoms and Diagnostic Imaging
Should I See a Neurologist for My Sleep Disturbances and Panic Symptoms?
Hello, doctor. I'm not sure which specialty to see? Hello, doctor. On the night of September 25th, I suddenly felt numbness starting from my shoulder to my head, felt cold all over, and had a near-death sensation. I went to the emergency room, but after no treatment, I felt ...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms may suggest "hyperventilation." During this condition, the level of carbon dioxide in the blood decreases, leading to an increase in pH, a medical condition known as "respiratory alkalosis." This can trigger systemic reactions and symptoms...[Read More] Should I See a Neurologist for My Sleep Disturbances and Panic Symptoms?
Understanding Dementia Screening: Key Tests and Considerations
Dementia Assessment Items I have a history of type 2 diabetes for 8 years and depression for 15 years. I have been taking tricyclic antidepressants DOXEPIN 50MG, LYRICA 20MG, and sleeping pills for at least 15 years. I have suffered from insomnia for 15 years and do not sleep wel...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: MRI contrast agents typically do not cause common allergic reactions unless there is impaired kidney function. It is recommended to first perform an MRI without contrast to evaluate the lesions. You may consider consulting a neurologist for discussion and examination. Wish...[Read More] Understanding Dementia Screening: Key Tests and Considerations
Understanding PET/CT Scans for Neurological Symptoms and Dementia
Whole-body PET/CT scan? I have a history of type 2 diabetes for 8 years, depression for 20 years, and insomnia without deep sleep. I have a history of smoking. My grandmother passed away from dementia. My symptoms include generalized weakness, weakness in all four limbs, unsteady...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to start with a medical history and cognitive function assessment related to dementia. Currently, there is no need to perform a PET/CT scan. PET/CT involves radiation exposure and is typically used for tumor monitoring. If you wish to pay out of pocket fo...[Read More] Understanding PET/CT Scans for Neurological Symptoms and Dementia
Understanding Parkinson's Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Concerns
Parkinson's disease Hello Dr. Hong, I am 60 years old and do not have any issues with hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol; my overall health condition is fairly good. However, over two years ago, my family noticed that my head would have slight tremors when at rest. ...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: Common causes of tremors, aside from Parkinson's disease, include essential tremor and physiological tremor, among others. A neurologist needs to conduct a detailed medical history inquiry and monitor the patient over a period of six months to a year to have greater c...[Read More] Understanding Parkinson's Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Concerns
Understanding PET Scans for Dementia Diagnosis: A Patient's Guide
Dementia Self-Paid PET Scan I have a history of type 2 diabetes for 8 years and have been taking tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) and Lyrica for depression for 15 years, but I still experience insomnia and do not achieve deep sleep. I have a history of smoking. My grandmother pass...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: 1. There are many types of PET scans, and typically, the PET/CT scans performed at health check-up centers are used to detect suspected tumors throughout the body, not to assess for dementia. 2. You need to check if the hospital offers PET scans for dementia. Currently, th...[Read More] Understanding PET Scans for Dementia Diagnosis: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Sleep-Related Headaches: Causes and Solutions
Sleep-related headache Hello doctor, my father is 55 years old and recently he has been waking up with headaches after sleeping for a certain period, especially around 7-8 AM when it is most likely to occur. A few days ago, he experienced headaches from the night until the mornin...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms mentioned, it is recommended to visit a neurology outpatient clinic for examination.[Read More] Understanding Sleep-Related Headaches: Causes and Solutions
Which Imaging Test is Best for Diagnosing Dementia: CT, MRI, or PET?
Which imaging method is more accurate for diagnosing dementia: CT, MRI, or PET? I have a history of type 2 diabetes for 8 years and have been taking medication for depression for 15 years: DOXEPIN 25 mg (2 tablets) and Escitalopram 10 mg (1 tablet). I have had insomnia for 20 yea...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello: For memory function disorders, a CT scan is typically arranged, and an MRI is only ordered if there is suspicion of a stroke. PET scans are not helpful for assessing memory function.[Read More] Which Imaging Test is Best for Diagnosing Dementia: CT, MRI, or PET?
Which Imaging Test is Best for Diagnosing Dementia: CT, MRI, or PET?
Which imaging technique is more accurate for diagnosing dementia: CT, MRI, or PET? I have a history of type 2 diabetes for 8 years, depression for 20 years, and insomnia without deep sleep for that duration. I have a history of smoking. My grandmother passed away from dementia. M...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: 1. If there are issues with a head computed tomography (CT) scan that cannot be resolved, a head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be arranged for further examination. If the CT scan shows no problems, then an MRI may not be necessary. Arranging for examinations must ...[Read More] Which Imaging Test is Best for Diagnosing Dementia: CT, MRI, or PET?
Understanding Muscle Weakness: Key Signs and Self-Assessment Tips
Muscle weakness How should I observe muscle weakness? When hanging clothes, my arms easily feel sore. Does this count as muscle weakness?
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: I wonder if you are referring to "myasthenia gravis"? The main clinical symptoms include proximal symmetrical muscle weakness, easy fatigue, ptosis (with the medial rectus muscle being the most commonly affected), diplopia, dysarthria, dysphagia, limb weakness, a...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Weakness: Key Signs and Self-Assessment Tips