Understanding Stroke and Decompressive Surgery: What to Expect
Cerebral stroke, craniotomy? Hello, doctor. A few days ago, my grandmother fainted at home. After being taken to the hospital, it was discovered that she had a stroke and missed the critical treatment window. A CT scan revealed that two-thirds of the major artery in her right bra...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: An acute cerebral infarction occurring in the major blood vessels of the brain can lead to significant neuronal cell death. During the third to fifth day, brain swelling may become severe, and if the swelling compresses the brainstem, it could result in the loss of vital f...[Read More] Understanding Stroke and Decompressive Surgery: What to Expect
Understanding Facial Twitching: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Facial spasms Recently, I've been experiencing twitching on the right side of my cheek frequently. I haven't been staying up late, and I can't recall the exact intervals of the twitching. I just remember that during the twitching, I suddenly recall that it seems to...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms seem more like simple facial twitching. It is generally recommended to reduce the intake of caffeine, which can stimulate the nervous system. Common causes of muscle twitching include acute viral infections, anxiety, and medications. Prolonged exercise is one...[Read More] Understanding Facial Twitching: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Intense Nighttime Head Pressure: Causes and Concerns Explained
Severe pressure sensation in the head occurring at midnight? Hello Dr. Tsai: Recently, I have experienced two episodes during the night where I suddenly felt a strong pressure and numbness at the top of my left side of the head. It startled me awake, and I immediately sat up; the...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello, there are many possible causes for head and neck pain and a sensation of pressure. It is recommended that you visit an outpatient clinic for further evaluation.[Read More] Intense Nighttime Head Pressure: Causes and Concerns Explained
Post-Stroke Care: Essential Tips for Recovery After 6 Months
Stroke, Care Recommendations for Patients After 6 Months Dear Dr. Tsai, My father is 68 years old and suffered a hemorrhagic stroke in early May this year, resulting in hemiplegia. After three months in a PAC (Post-Acute Care) unit, he was discharged in August. During his treatm...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello, regarding your father's situation, for the medication aspect, it is recommended that you continue follow-up visits and discuss the physiological effects of the medication with the physician. The physician will assess the possibility of any adjustments. The decision to...[Read More] Post-Stroke Care: Essential Tips for Recovery After 6 Months
Managing Life After a Stroke: Blood Pressure Monitoring Challenges
Some aspects of life after a stroke and the pain of measuring blood pressure? The first minor stroke caused weakness in the left side of my limbs, and I collapsed. I consulted at Hospital A, where they started measuring my blood pressure, but I felt discomfort from the cuff and t...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello, in advanced countries in Europe and America, seeking a second opinion has been a common practice for many years and is a recognized aspect of medical care. In Taiwan, some physicians and hospitals are gradually adopting this concept as well. You can consider the opinions o...[Read More] Managing Life After a Stroke: Blood Pressure Monitoring Challenges
Can Injections Truly Prevent Stroke? Understanding the Facts
Stroke prevention injection Is there really an injection that can prevent strokes? My parents recently heard that there is a shot that can prevent strokes, and they are insisting on getting it despite my attempts to dissuade them. They claim that many people have received it with...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello, stroke is a cardiovascular disease. Are you referring to the use of intravenous therapy to prevent vascular blockage before a stroke occurs? There is no medical evidence supporting this method. Therefore, stroke prevention should focus on fundamental approaches, such as co...[Read More] Can Injections Truly Prevent Stroke? Understanding the Facts
Low Blood Pressure and Stroke Risk: What You Need to Know
Hypotension Stroke Examination Hello, Dr. Jiang. My blood pressure is low, with a systolic pressure around 100 and a diastolic pressure around 65. My pulse is often below 60, sometimes dropping to 50 (such as shortly after getting up in the morning or when I feel fatigued in the ...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: Generally, individuals with high blood pressure have a higher risk of experiencing a stroke. Conversely, low blood pressure can lead to insufficient cerebral circulation, which may cause borderzone ischemia in the brain. I wonder if you have metabolic syndrome (such as inc...[Read More] Low Blood Pressure and Stroke Risk: What You Need to Know
Can My Mom Take Propolis or Royal Jelly While on Aspirin?
Can I take propolis or royal jelly while taking aspirin? Doctor, may I ask if my mother, who has had a stroke and is taking aspirin and antihypertensive medication, can consume propolis or royal jelly?
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello, propolis and royal jelly are not medicinal products. It is recommended to use them in moderation and not to use them simultaneously with medications.[Read More] Can My Mom Take Propolis or Royal Jelly While on Aspirin?
Understanding Respiratory Issues and Intubation in Stroke Patients in ICU
Inquiries regarding respiratory issues caused by stroke and intubation in the intensive care unit? Hello, my father experienced weakness in his limbs and inability to speak (while conscious) on August 7 and went to the emergency room. After more than nine hours of waiting, he fin...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
If the patient truly does not want to suffer excessively, and the family wishes to alleviate the patient's discomfort after discussion, it is advisable to request the attending physician to consult the hospital's palliative care team. Since September 1, 2009, the follow...[Read More] Understanding Respiratory Issues and Intubation in Stroke Patients in ICU
Unexplained Limb Numbness: Causes, Treatments, and Next Steps
Numbness in the limbs with no identifiable cause? A 57-year-old man started experiencing slight numbness and tingling in his hands and feet after quitting smoking in October last year. The symptoms have become more frequent, and at times he feels weakness in his right hand. Neuro...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: I am not sure if your husband has metabolic syndrome (characterized by abdominal obesity, hypertension, elevated fasting blood glucose, and high blood pressure). If he does, he may be at a higher risk for stroke. It takes five years of complete smoking cessation for the ri...[Read More] Unexplained Limb Numbness: Causes, Treatments, and Next Steps
Safe Supplements for Mild Stroke Survivors: What to Consider?
Are there any dietary supplements suitable for individuals who have experienced a mild stroke? Hello, my boyfriend's father experienced some health issues last year and after a hospital examination, the doctor diagnosed him with a mild stroke. He is currently taking anticoag...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: Regarding health supplements, those that may prevent cerebrovascular diseases often have effects similar to medications, such as ginkgo for preventing thrombosis and red yeast rice for lowering blood lipids. For patients who are already undergoing treatment, these suppleme...[Read More] Safe Supplements for Mild Stroke Survivors: What to Consider?
Chronic Fatigue: Should You Suspect Myasthenia Gravis?
If you are experiencing persistent and intermittent fatigue, should you highly suspect myasthenia gravis? Hello, Doctor: I am a shift worker who primarily does office work. I spend most of my day in front of a computer and do not exercise much, which has led me to develop some li...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: Myasthenia gravis is considered a rare disease, with a prevalence of approximately 100-200 per million people in Taiwan, totaling around 2,000-4,000 individuals nationwide. Your symptoms may need to first consider sleep issues, especially since you have metabolic syndrome....[Read More] Chronic Fatigue: Should You Suspect Myasthenia Gravis?
Understanding Hand Weakness and Muscle Twitches: Neurological Insights
Hand issues and muscle tremors? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing weakness in the grip of my bilateral index and middle fingers for over three months, but it does not significantly affect my daily life. Additionally, I occasionally experience sudden twitching in the thenar m...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: The symptoms you mentioned may indicate a problem with cervical nerve root compression, possibly at the C5-C6 level, as there is weakness present on both sides. This is less characteristic of a stroke, which typically presents with unilateral limb symptoms. I recommend tha...[Read More] Understanding Hand Weakness and Muscle Twitches: Neurological Insights
Understanding Right Leg Weakness: Possible Causes and When to See a Neurologist
Unilateral weakness? Hello Doctor: My mother has been experiencing weakness in her right leg for about three days. Aside from this, she has not felt any pain or numbness, and there are no issues with her right hand. My mother works in the sewing machine industry, similar to alter...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, your mother has a history of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases, which places her in a high-risk group for stroke. If she experiences sudden neurological deficits such as weakness in limbs or slurred speech, the first consideration sh...[Read More] Understanding Right Leg Weakness: Possible Causes and When to See a Neurologist
Understanding Unexplained Dizziness: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Unknown dizziness Hello doctor, I have been experiencing dizziness for over two years. In 2016 and 2017, I underwent numerous tests, including brain MRI, CT scans, neck CT, EEG, intracranial blood flow studies, eye movement tests, ECG, 24-hour Holter monitoring, exercise ECG, ech...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: It seems that you have undergone many examinations, yet you still experience poor sleep. I wonder if you have had a sleep study done? Many symptoms such as dizziness, elevated blood pressure, and difficulty concentrating could potentially be explained by obstructive sleep ...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Dizziness: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Understanding Fragmented Memory Loss in Neurological Conditions
Loss of episodic memory My grandmother suddenly asked about some things related to my grandfather last night, but those events happened a long time ago. She seems to have forgotten about my grandfather's current situation and only remembers past events about him. However, th...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: If neurological symptoms occur for a very short duration, it may be necessary to consider cerebrovascular diseases (such as stroke or hemorrhage affecting memory areas). However, it could also be transient global amnesia, which is often associated with changes in blood flo...[Read More] Understanding Fragmented Memory Loss in Neurological Conditions
Can Amputation Relieve Pain from Peripheral Neuropathy After Stroke?
Peripheral neuropathy after stroke? My mother is 77 years old and after a minor stroke in September 2016, she began experiencing swelling and numbness in her right foot, which was diagnosed as peripheral neuropathy. Any medications or treatments have only worsened her condition, ...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: I would like to know if your mother has a history of hypertension, diabetes, or tumors. There are many potential causes of lower limb pain, such as venous insufficiency, nerve root compression due to herniated discs, peripheral artery disease, and diabetes, among others. B...[Read More] Can Amputation Relieve Pain from Peripheral Neuropathy After Stroke?
Is It Really Dementia? Understanding Cognitive Decline in Elderly Patients
Is it really dementia? My grandfather is 80 years old and has been in poor health due to a stroke he suffered two years ago. Recently, he was hospitalized for malnutrition, but the doctor mentioned that my grandfather has dementia, which has caused him to forget how to eat and dr...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: Dementia is a syndrome, not a single disease (for example, influenza is a disease caused by the influenza virus; however, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a syndrome with multiple manifestations, such as pneumocystis pneumonia, fungal infections, tumors, etc.). When a...[Read More] Is It Really Dementia? Understanding Cognitive Decline in Elderly Patients
Which Medical Specialty to Consult for Chest Pain After a Fall?
If you are experiencing chest pain, you should consult a physician in the cardiology department? Hello, doctor. My mother is about 67 years old and had a stroke two years ago, but she is currently able to walk independently. Two weeks ago, one night, she fell out of bed due to ex...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: Your mother has sustained a chest contusion due to a fall. Generally, this is usually a localized muscle injury. Pain typically improves within one to two weeks. If the pain persists beyond two weeks, it may be necessary to consider rib fractures; however, fractures involv...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty to Consult for Chest Pain After a Fall?
Managing Muscle Pain After Stroke: Can Aspirin Help?
Muscle pain after a stroke? Hello, I am currently taking the following medications, but I have been experiencing unusual muscle pain for the past two days. Can I take aspirin or other pain relievers? Thank you. 1. Loratadine (fiNSKa) 10mg/tab 2. Ambroxol HCl (Mubroxol) 30mg/tab ...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: I would like to know how long you have been using the cholesterol-lowering medication Lipitor. The main side effect of this type of medication is muscle pain. You are also taking Aggrenox 200/25mg, where the 25mg refers to Aspirin. Since you are on multiple medications, it...[Read More] Managing Muscle Pain After Stroke: Can Aspirin Help?