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 the Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia: A Comprehensive Guide
Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia There are multiple articles online, each describing slightly different symptoms. What are the symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia? Thank you for your response, doctor.
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: I suggest you start with Professor Wu Rui-mei's article. http://www.pdcenterntuh.org.tw/UpLoad/F122015012716204432.pdf An excerpt from it: Diffuse Lewy Body Dementia (DLBD) is characterized by dementia symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease, combined with motor ...[Read More] Understanding the Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia: A Comprehensive Guide
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 Muscle Tremors Near the Heart: Causes and Concerns
Chest muscle tremors? Hello Doctor, recently I have been experiencing involuntary rapid muscle twitching on the left side near my heart (similar to the vibration of a phone when someone is calling). When I touch it, I cannot feel the muscle twitching, and there is no pain in my h...
Dr. Cai Zongzhang Reply:
Hello: The above symptoms are indicative of neurological dysfunction, and it is recommended to visit a neurology outpatient clinic for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Muscle Tremors Near the Heart: Causes and Concerns
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?
Which Imaging Test is Best for Dementia Diagnosis: 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. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, here are the answers to your questions. Question 1: I visited a neurologist, but they only agreed to arrange a brain CT scan. The MRI doctor said I would have to pay out of pocket. Why is that? Answer: The conditions for insurance coverage for an MRI typically require t...[Read More] Which Imaging Test is Best for Dementia Diagnosis: CT, MRI, or PET?
Understanding Nighttime Hand Muscle Tremors: Causes and Solutions
Hand muscle tremors? Hello doctor, since mid-August, I have been experiencing involuntary muscle tremors in my arms while sleeping at night. It feels similar to the slight muscle tremors that occur when one stretches while yawning. The first time it happened, the frequency and in...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the causes of tremors can be categorized into four types: physiological tremors, psychological tremors, essential tremors, and pathological tremors. 1. Physiological tremors: These do not occur under normal circumstances and only manifest in sp...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Hand Muscle Tremors: Causes and Solutions
Managing Fast Heartbeat and Medication Concerns in Neurology
Rapid heartbeat and medication issues? Hello, doctor. Currently, I am experiencing dizziness, occasional headaches, and a rapid heartbeat, along with early symptoms of tremors that have become more pronounced recently. I am concerned about potential health issues and sought medic...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, based on your description, tachycardia is considered a response to sympathetic nervous system activation. Stress and tension can both lead to an increased heart rate. Propranolol works by reducing sympathetic nervous system activity. Our autonomic nervous system is regulat...[Read More] Managing Fast Heartbeat and Medication Concerns in Neurology
Understanding Chronic Dizziness: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Dizziness with an unknown cause? Hello, doctor. I have been struggling with dizziness for a long time and would like your help in finding the cause. The first time I experienced dizziness was about 10 years ago while studying abroad. During these episodes, the world would spin ar...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Based on your description, it is important to first consider Meniere's disease, as patients may experience recurrent episodes of vertigo accompanied by tinnitus or hearing loss. During these episodes, resting and using antihistamine anti-vertigo medications along with anxiol...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Dizziness: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Understanding Body Tremors and Heart Palpitations: Is Mitral Valve Prolapse the Cause?
The body experiences slight tremors when at rest? Hello, I have recently been experiencing slight body tremors while sitting still, a strong heartbeat, dizziness, and headaches. Additionally, I have always felt weakness in my hands (which has become more noticeable due to bruisin...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: These symptoms may be related to dysfunction of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems (commonly referred to as the autonomic nervous system). You may want to consult with a neurologist or a psychiatrist nearby.[Read More] Understanding Body Tremors and Heart Palpitations: Is Mitral Valve Prolapse the Cause?
Understanding Hand Tremors: When to Seek Medical Advice
Consulting a doctor about issues such as tremors? Hello Doctor, about 4-5 years ago, my family noticed that sometimes when I eat with chopsticks or pick up things, my fingers would tremble, especially when I am nervous, which is more pronounced. After a year or two, they finally ...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it may be necessary to consider physiological tremors. In the early stages of Parkinson's disease, low-frequency tremors occur primarily at rest. The causes of tremors can be categorized into four types: physiological tremors, psychological ...[Read More] Understanding Hand Tremors: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Food Sensitivities and Neurological Symptoms: A Patient's Journey
Discomfort after consuming certain foods? Hello, doctor. I am 29 years old, and I started experiencing abnormal symptoms around February of last year (2019). Initially, I had difficulty breathing when lying down, feeling as if I couldn't catch my breath. I went to a clinic, ...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: If all test results show no abnormalities, it is possible that there are no specific physiological issues. It is important to consider psychological, environmental, and stress-related factors. You may want to seek further evaluation and assistance from a psychiatrist. Wish...[Read More] Understanding Food Sensitivities and Neurological Symptoms: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Lip Tremors: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Trembling of the lower lip? Hello Dr. Jiang, my mother (65 years old) has been experiencing occasional tremors in her lower lip over the past two months, which she is not aware of. She has not had this issue before. In May of this year, she developed urticaria and was on corticos...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it may be necessary to consider essential tremor. If it does not affect your daily life, medication treatment is not required. The causes of tremors can be categorized into four types: physiological tremors, psychological tremors, essential tremo...[Read More] Understanding Lip Tremors: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Uncoordinated Walking and Dizziness: Understanding Neurological Symptoms
Feeling uncoordinated and dizzy when starting to walk? Hello Doctor, I previously asked you whether I consider myself to have autonomic nervous system dysfunction. During this follow-up period, I have been running or brisk walking for an average of one hour a day or two, and get...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, based on your description of limb weakness and pain, the causes could include not only muscle and nerve issues but also some metabolic disorders such as thyroid dysfunction and sleep disorders, among others. MRI is primarily used to rule out structural problems in the brai...[Read More] Uncoordinated Walking and Dizziness: Understanding Neurological Symptoms
Muscle Twitches and Anxiety: Understanding Your Symptoms
Muscle twitching seems to be related to anxiety? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing muscle twitching for over three months, but this week it has significantly decreased to about three to five times an hour, with each twitch lasting one to two seconds. The affected areas are m...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: I suggest that you consider consulting a psychologist first, as many symptoms are related to autonomic nervous system instability. Generally speaking, the autonomic nervous system is regulated by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, with one acting as the a...[Read More] Muscle Twitches and Anxiety: Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Cervical Spine Issues and Their Impact on Health
Consultation on cervical spine and related issues? Hello Dr. Jiang, I have been experiencing significant discomfort in my neck recently, so I came to seek your advice. Last week, due to a month-long episode of dizziness and lightheadedness, I visited Chang Gung Memorial Hospital ...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: 1. Is there really a concept of congenital straight cervical spine? It seems that there are differing opinions between neurologists and orthopedic doctors. 2. If there is indeed a congenital straight cervical spine, would it affect muscle stiffness? I have noticed that ...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Issues and Their Impact on Health
Understanding Myasthenia Gravis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Lifestyle Tips
Myasthenia Gravis Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing double vision and hand tremors. I first went to an ophthalmologist, who said my eyes were fine and recommended that I see a neurologist. After several follow-up visits, the neurologist diagnosed me with myastheni...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: You mentioned that this disease is lifelong? A: It may be necessary to identify the underlying causes and other diagnoses. If it is a thymoma, surgery may effectively control the disease. What are the side effects of frequently taking Pyridostigmine besides diarrhea? A: Th...[Read More] Understanding Myasthenia Gravis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Lifestyle Tips
Understanding Muscle Twitching: Causes and Concerns in Young Adults
Involuntary muscle twitching at irregular locations? Hello Doctor, about a month ago, I started experiencing twitching in my right eye bag and my left calf. After an EEG, the doctor said it was normal, so my family suggested I get blood tests for thyroid function. I might be over...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: If you experience visible persistent muscle twitching and pain, you can seek assistance from a neurologist to determine if an electromyography (EMG) is necessary. Muscle twitching can have many causes that require differential diagnosis, and not all causes are as alarming ...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Twitching: Causes and Concerns in Young Adults