Post-Accident Recovery: Managing Pelvic Misalignment and Nerve Issues
In May 2016, I was involved in a car accident that resulted in a pelvic misalignment and numbness in my little finger? Hello Dr. Chang, I was in a car accident last year and suffered a comminuted fracture of the first lumbar vertebra. In June 2017, I underwent surgery to remove s...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without seeing imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans, it is really difficult to answer your question. I recommend bringing your imaging reports and complete medical history to an outpatient clinic to discuss with a physician.[Read More] Post-Accident Recovery: Managing Pelvic Misalignment and Nerve Issues
Understanding Intracranial Hemorrhage and Anesthesia Effects on Consciousness
Intracranial hemorrhage A friend was involved in a car accident resulting in intracranial hemorrhage and a fracture of the left ankle. One week prior to hospitalization, the patient was conscious and able to engage in brief conversations, and could request assistance from the nur...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
In theory, general anesthesia does not exacerbate brain injury, but the information you provided is too brief for me to respond adequately.[Read More] Understanding Intracranial Hemorrhage and Anesthesia Effects on Consciousness
Hydrocephalus: To Operate or Not? Understanding Your Options
Surgical Intervention for Hydrocephalus: To Operate or Not? Due to my father's previous fall, he has developed a brain hemorrhage that has now led to hydrocephalus. The doctor mentioned that surgery is an option, but it's not urgent since the fluid accumulation is not s...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
A physician must not administer treatment, prescribe medication, or provide a diagnosis without personally examining the patient. If there are no obvious neurological abnormalities, it is recommended to observe the patient for a while longer.[Read More] Hydrocephalus: To Operate or Not? Understanding Your Options
Best Follow-Up Imaging for Suspected Intracranial Aneurysm: MRI vs. CT
Examination of Intracranial Aneurysms Hello Doctor: The brain MRI (without contrast) from my health check-up shows a suspected 3mm internal carotid artery aneurysm. After one year, which follow-up examination is the better option, MRI or CT scan? Should the examination include co...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
MRI with contrast agent[Read More] Best Follow-Up Imaging for Suspected Intracranial Aneurysm: MRI vs. CT
How to Diagnose Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: A Patient's Guide
How is autonomic nervous system dysfunction diagnosed? - Follow-up question? On Friday, I suddenly felt a painful cramping sensation in my heart, which extended slightly to the inner side of my arm and lasted for five minutes. I was scared I was having a myocardial infarction, so...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Currently, there are no definitive medical tests that can confirm autonomic nervous system dysfunction. To make this diagnosis, it is typically necessary to rule out other conditions through various tests, leading to the conclusion of "autonomic nervous system dysf...[Read More] How to Diagnose Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: A Patient's Guide
Deciding on Acoustic Neuroma Surgery: Expert Opinions and Patient Dilemma
Deciding on surgery for a vestibular schwannoma is challenging? I have consulted four hospitals and four neurosurgeons regarding my condition. I currently have poorly controlled diabetes and an acoustic neuroma approximately 2 cm in size, which only slightly touches the brainstem...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
A 2 cm neuroma can actually be treated with a gamma knife![Read More] Deciding on Acoustic Neuroma Surgery: Expert Opinions and Patient Dilemma
Do Head Impacts Cause Brain Cell Death and Memory Loss?
After a concussion, do brain cells die? Hello, doctor. Here's the situation: one night, when I sat up in bed, I bumped into the wooden support beam between the upper and lower bunk. The force and speed with which I sat up were normal, so it wasn't too light or too heavy...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
No, you're overthinking it![Read More] Do Head Impacts Cause Brain Cell Death and Memory Loss?
Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: Symptoms and Solutions
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction can cause persistent numbness in the limbs and scalp? At the beginning of January, while working at my computer, I suddenly experienced a sharp pain in my heart, followed by numbness in my limbs. If I didn't get up and move around, I felt...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You may consider further evaluation of the brain and cervical spinal cord. Wishing you well.[Read More] Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Post-Surgery Coma Scores and ICP Monitoring in Neurosurgery
Intracranial pressure monitor Dear Doctor: After a brain tumor surgery, is it true that the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score is always 3 immediately post-operation? Additionally, is it mandatory to place an intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor after the surgery?
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Regardless of the type of surgery, immediately after general anesthesia, the level of consciousness is typically at 3. It is not always necessary to place an intracranial pressure monitor.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Coma Scores and ICP Monitoring in Neurosurgery
Post-Surgery Considerations for Lumbar Spine: When to Remove Hardware?
Regarding issue #116219, after undergoing surgery on the first lumbar vertebra, is it necessary to perform minimally invasive surgery to remove it after one year? Hello Dr. Lai: First of all, thank you for being willing to respond to my questions. You are truly knowledgeable and ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, 1. Generally, there is no need to remove the hardware, but if, for example, the screws have loosened, or if they are too rigid and causing discomfort, or for other reasons as determined by the physician, they can be removed. 2. Typically, if it is confirmed that the bo...[Read More] Post-Surgery Considerations for Lumbar Spine: When to Remove Hardware?
Understanding Post-Concussion Symptoms: Tinnitus and Dizziness Explained
Post-concussion syndrome In mid-November, I was hit by a motorcycle that ran a red light while crossing the street. I lost consciousness at the time, but I'm not sure how long it lasted. My brain may have suffered a concussion due to the impact with the ground. I underwent a...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is possible, but it could also be caused by inner ear imbalance.[Read More] Understanding Post-Concussion Symptoms: Tinnitus and Dizziness Explained
Understanding Post-Edema Symptoms: Is Memory Loss Normal After Brain Injury?
What is the normal range for sequelae after cerebral edema? Hello, doctor. I had a car accident two years ago where my left frontal lobe hit the ground. The emergency physician diagnosed me with cerebral edema. I did not undergo surgery and was discharged after four days in the h...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The sequelae of head trauma can be quite troublesome. If brain imaging studies, such as MRI, do not reveal any abnormalities, then the only option is to monitor the condition.[Read More] Understanding Post-Edema Symptoms: Is Memory Loss Normal After Brain Injury?
Post-Surgery Mental Health Issues After Aneurysm Rupture: Insights and Concerns
Postoperative Mental Status after Aneurysm Rupture Surgery Hello, doctor. My mother is 61 years old. On August 6th of this year, she suddenly fainted and was taken to the nearest Cathay General Hospital for emergency treatment. The doctors diagnosed her with a ruptured aneurysm, ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It should be the result of a brain injury caused by bleeding.[Read More] Post-Surgery Mental Health Issues After Aneurysm Rupture: Insights and Concerns
Understanding Thalamic Hemorrhage: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
73-year-old with intracranial hemorrhage? On November 9th, my father experienced a suspected hemorrhagic stroke due to emotional agitation. Initially, the blood clot was small, but it expanded to about 70% of the scan within three hours. The doctor indicated that the location of ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
You are generally correct; thalamic hematomas are rarely surgically removed. The surgery is primarily for the evacuation of the hematoma and hemostasis, and it cannot repair the nerves.[Read More] Understanding Thalamic Hemorrhage: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
Understanding Severe Migraines: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Severe migraine Doctor, I would like to ask about my condition. A few months ago, I experienced severe headaches for the first time, and when using the computer screen, I couldn't focus my vision. After taking some painkillers and sleeping, I felt better the next day. Howeve...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is usually a migraine. Since the examination has been scheduled, we will wait for the results and then discuss them with the doctor.[Read More] Understanding Severe Migraines: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Tumor Surgery: Concerns About Diagnosis and Treatment Risks
Is it possible that a physician might incise a wound and then not properly manage it, or handle it incorrectly? Several years ago, I had a tumor at the elbow of my left arm, which was diagnosed by a plastic surgeon at A Hospital as a neurofibroma. The doctor advised that I needed...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
No one can obtain a definitive diagnosis without sending the tumor for pathological examination. I also don't know why the physician is reluctant to perform a simple surgery![Read More] Understanding Tumor Surgery: Concerns About Diagnosis and Treatment Risks
Assessing and Managing Agitation Symptoms After Brain Hemorrhage
Assessment and Management of Agitation Symptoms in Intracerebral Hemorrhage My father was rear-ended on October 7, resulting in a right parietal bone fracture, as well as traumatic bilateral intracerebral hemorrhage, subdural hematoma, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. During his hosp...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
After a brain injury, there may sometimes be cognitive function impairments. However, since I cannot see the location of the bleeding or the detailed situation, I kindly ask you to have a neurosurgical evaluation again![Read More] Assessing and Managing Agitation Symptoms After Brain Hemorrhage
Understanding Brain Tumor Recurrence: Causes and Treatment Options
Brain tumor recurrence I would like to ask the doctor about the conditions under which brain tumors are likely to recur. My friend suddenly fainted in November 2014, and bystanders said it was a seizure; this was the first episode, and he had no prior symptoms. After examination,...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
To determine the type of brain tumor, whether it is benign or malignant, and the cellular characteristics, is essential for understanding the likelihood of recurrence. Targeted therapies or chemotherapy should not pose issues for the skull.[Read More] Understanding Brain Tumor Recurrence: Causes and Treatment Options
Exploring Hyperthermia Treatment for Recurrent GBM in Elderly Patients
Recurrent brain tumor, hyperthermia treatment? Hello Doctor, my father is 73 years old. In January, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor due to coordination issues. After surgery, it was confirmed to be a Grade IV Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). Following the surgery, he underwent ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is currently unclear how heat therapy affects the human body.[Read More] Exploring Hyperthermia Treatment for Recurrent GBM in Elderly Patients
Understanding Crushed Skull Fractures and Subdural Hematomas: Risks and Recovery
Comminuted skull fracture and epidural hematoma? Hello doctor, my girlfriend was in a car accident and went to the hospital because she was experiencing persistent headaches and nausea. She underwent a CT scan and was initially diagnosed with a concussion. Although she was alert,...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without a computed tomography (CT) scan image, I cannot provide you with an accurate answer![Read More] Understanding Crushed Skull Fractures and Subdural Hematomas: Risks and Recovery