Understanding Postural Numbness: Is It Just Cervical Compression?
Posterior right hemisphere edema? Hello, Dr. Chang. This has happened twice, both times while sleeping in a slouched position on a wooden chair, with the back of my head resting directly against the top of the chair back. Upon waking, I experienced a feeling of swelling and numbn...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It sounds like it may be caused by cervical nerve compression; however, it is still recommended to consult a neurosurgery outpatient clinic for an accurate diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Postural Numbness: Is It Just Cervical Compression?
Understanding Nerve Compression: Diagnosing Back Pain and Muscle Strain
Nerve compression Due to unexplained itching in the right foot and easy fatigue and swelling in the right calf and right buttock, along with pain radiating to the left side of the thigh and groin, I consulted a neurosurgeon. An X-ray revealed that the L4 and L5 intervertebral dis...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
In theory, a muscle strain should not affect nerve conduction studies. If the cause remains unclear, it is recommended to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Nerve Compression: Diagnosing Back Pain and Muscle Strain
Is Penetrating Bone Screws a Standard Treatment for L5-S1 Issues?
Lumbar vertebral screw penetration? I have a L5-S1 vertebral arch dissociation, but the intervertebral disc is normal, and I have osteoporosis with a T-score of -2.6. After a medical diagnosis, the doctor performed a minimally invasive cortical bone screw fixation at L5-S1. Post-...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. It is true that some physicians may consider the patient's condition or their medical habits, which could lead to the screws penetrating the vertebrae. 2. Your postoperative symptoms may not necessarily be related to the screws penetrating the vertebrae. 3. We have...[Read More] Is Penetrating Bone Screws a Standard Treatment for L5-S1 Issues?
Understanding Pituitary Tumors and Post-Surgery Recovery Challenges
Regarding my father's pituitary tumor and related issues? Hello doctor, my father suddenly experienced severe headaches, high fever, and vomiting at the end of last month, which led to an emergency visit. It was discovered that he has a pituitary tumor. After a lumbar punctu...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Although I would like to help you, your question is too complex, and without medical history and results from imaging studies such as CT scans, it is really difficult to provide an answer. I recommend scheduling an appointment with your father's attending physician to discus...[Read More] Understanding Pituitary Tumors and Post-Surgery Recovery Challenges
Chronic Back Pain: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Which department to see? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my long-term back pain (I can't determine if it's my lower back or upper back that hurts). Whenever I exert myself by lifting something upwards or bending forward, I experience pain (sometimes the pain fee...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. Best wishes to you. Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of the Spine Neurosurgery Department, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Chronic Back Pain: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Understanding Sacral Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Sacral cyst? Hello, Doctor Lai. I have been experiencing a feeling of anal heaviness and occasional urges to defecate for nearly a month and a half. During this time, I consulted a colorectal surgeon and underwent a colonoscopy, where I was told I have hemorrhoids (not significan...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Sacral cysts are classified as meningeal cysts, originating from the membranes surrounding the spinal cord, thus referred to as "intradural meningeal cysts" for this category of diseases. Most intradural meningeal cysts are considered congenital, while some ar...[Read More] Understanding Sacral Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Head Injuries: Symptoms and Concerns After a Fall
Head issues About three weeks ago, while playing with my puppy, I hurriedly dove into a blanket and hit the top of my head hard. At that moment, it hurt a lot (I was immediately worried about a possible intracranial hemorrhage). Now, I am experiencing some dizziness, hand tremors...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Chronic subdural hematoma is very rare in young individuals; I have personally never seen a case in someone under 15 years old, so there is no need to worry too much. However, if you are truly uncomfortable, please schedule an appointment with a neurosurgery clinic for an evaluat...[Read More] Understanding Head Injuries: Symptoms and Concerns After a Fall
Post-Traumatic Head Injury: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Post-head trauma Doctor: Hello. My father, who is 80 years old, suffered a head injury from a car accident two months ago. He has been regularly visiting Mackay Memorial Hospital for follow-up. Initially, there was a slight amount of intracranial hemorrhage, and the doctor said i...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
1. If there are no issues after two months, then there is likely nothing to worry about, and theoretically, a CT scan is not necessary. 2. It could possibly be a normal anatomical structure.[Read More] Post-Traumatic Head Injury: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Painful Bumps at the Back of the Head: When to Seek Help
Occipital bone lump There are multiple small hard lumps located on the right side of the back of your head, approximately 5 centimeters from your ear, which sometimes cause pain when pressed, while at other times there is no sensation. Recently, you have been experiencing a dull ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Please schedule an appointment with the neurosurgery outpatient clinic for a physician examination.[Read More] Understanding Painful Bumps at the Back of the Head: When to Seek Help
Understanding Unusual Spine Sensations: When to Seek Medical Advice
The lumbar spine feels unusual? Hello Dr. Chang, I apologize for the lengthy message. This morning, after using the restroom, I suddenly felt something unusual in my lumbar spine (it wasn't painful). After struggling to finish, I noticed that walking felt strange (again, no...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
I recommend that you schedule an appointment with a neurosurgery clinic for an examination; it will be safer and give you peace of mind.[Read More] Understanding Unusual Spine Sensations: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Water-Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Back Pain
Water-cooled radiofrequency ablation for lower back pain? Hello Doctor: My mother fell at the end of August last year and was diagnosed with a compression fracture of the first lumbar vertebra. She underwent a cryoablation procedure immediately, and on the same day post-surgery, ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Water-cooled radiofrequency ablation is primarily used for treating lumbar disc herniation, but it can also be applied in pain nerve block procedures. 2. Low-temperature bone cement is injected into vertebral fractures to accelerate the stabilization of the fracture. Bo...[Read More] Understanding Water-Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Back Pain
Understanding Post-Concussion Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Post-concussion syndrome? Hello, doctor. On January 2, 2019, I was involved in a motorcycle accident where I collided with another vehicle, causing me to be thrown off and hit my head. I don't remember whether my knee, buttocks, or head was the first point of impact. I did n...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is important to monitor whether the current symptoms worsen or persist without improvement. Generally, such symptoms tend to improve with adequate rest. If there is no improvement, a consultation with a neurosurgery outpatient clinic should be scheduled for further evaluation ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Concussion Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Chest and Abdominal Tightness: When to Seek Medical Help
The chest and abdomen feel like they are being constricted by a rope? Hello Doctor: 1. In early September, I experienced a sensation of being bound by a rope under my left rib cage (upper left abdomen), which later spread to the right side, and I began to feel a constricting se...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected to be a spinal nerve issue. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. Best wishes to you. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang[Read More] Understanding Chest and Abdominal Tightness: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery and Autonomic Nervous System Disorders
Cervical spine surgery (autonomic nervous system dysfunction) Last year, I fell from an aluminum ladder and injured my cervical spine, which led to back pain, headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, blurred vision, palpitations, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, memory loss, a...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without a complete medical history, patient history, and neurological examination, it is difficult to provide an accurate answer. I apologize![Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery and Autonomic Nervous System Disorders
Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery and Sympathetic Nerve Issues
Cervical spine surgery (sympathetic nerve) Hello Dr. Lai: I fell from a ladder and injured my cervical spine, which has resulted in back pain, headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, blurred vision, palpitations, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, memory loss, anxiety, gastroin...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. If you have undergone surgery at another hospital and have not experienced any improvement after 4 months, you can undergo an MRI examination for evaluation; there is no such thing as "only X-rays." 2. Your symptoms may be caused by cervical spinal cord nerve ...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery and Sympathetic Nerve Issues
Understanding Post-Procedure Pain After Bone Cement Surgery
Issues After Bone Cement Procedure Hello, I would like to ask about my grandmother. A few days after her vertebroplasty surgery, she experienced back soreness, and after a few more days, she still feels nerve pain in her back. What could be the reason for this? Shouldn't the...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: There are many types of spinal disorders in the elderly, and the spine consists of several vertebrae, not just one type of treatment like vertebroplasty. It is recommended to return for a follow-up examination. Wishing you all the best.[Read More] Understanding Post-Procedure Pain After Bone Cement Surgery
Understanding Neck and Head Issues After a Slip and Fall Accident
Slip and fall, head and neck issues? Hello, doctor. Last week, I slipped and fell backward due to a wet floor. I'm not sure if I hit the back of my head, but I felt dizzy and experienced tinnitus immediately after getting up. I've still been feeling somewhat dizzy these...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
A posterior impact to the head and neck raises concerns about potential injuries to the cerebellum or cervical spine. Symptoms may include dizziness, headaches, neck pain, and poor balance. If these symptoms persist without improvement, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation ...[Read More] Understanding Neck and Head Issues After a Slip and Fall Accident
Understanding Neck Stiffness and Dizziness After a Fall: What to Do?
Stiff neck Hello, I accidentally slipped backward five days ago and have been experiencing persistent dizziness. In the past two days, I've also noticed tingling in my scalp, and my shoulders and neck feel a bit stiff, making me hesitant to move. Is this a normal phenomenon?...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If you may have an injury to your cervical spine, you can try neck protection, heat therapy, and applying analgesic ointment. If there is no improvement or if the condition worsens, it is advisable to consult a neurosurgeon for evaluation. Wishing you well, Dr. Lai Chao-Ka...[Read More] Understanding Neck Stiffness and Dizziness After a Fall: What to Do?
Head Injury Concerns: Potential Risks and Management After Impact
Top of the head impact issues? Hello Director Chang, Today, while I was getting into a government van, I didn't notice the height difference and hit my head hard against the door frame. It was very painful at the moment, and the pain radiated to the back of my head. By the ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Based on your description, it seems to be a mild head injury. If discomfort persists, you may want to schedule an appointment with a surgical outpatient clinic for further evaluation.[Read More] Head Injury Concerns: Potential Risks and Management After Impact
Concerns After a Slip and Fall: Understanding Head Injury Symptoms
Slip backward? Hello Doctor, I slipped and fell backward the day before yesterday due to a wet floor. I had my hair in a ponytail, and I’m not sure if the back of my head hit the ground. At that moment, I experienced some tinnitus and dizziness, but I did not have any significant...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
If there is persistent clear nasal discharge, and the possibility of a skull base fracture has been ruled out, it is necessary to go to a major hospital for examination.[Read More] Concerns After a Slip and Fall: Understanding Head Injury Symptoms