Understanding Cavernous Hemangiomas: Surgery, Recovery, and Risks
Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) Hello, doctor. During other examinations, I unexpectedly discovered that I have cavernous hemangiomas in both the left and right hemispheres of my brain. I heard that these are located on the microvasculature. The one in the left hemisphere i...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Dear Bruce, Regarding your questions, here are the answers: How long will the surgery take? The duration of the surgery can vary. Typically, how long after the surgery will the patient wake up? Patients usually wake up after the effects of the anesthesia wear off. Will the pati...[Read More] Understanding Cavernous Hemangiomas: Surgery, Recovery, and Risks
Urgent Concerns: Family's Struggle with Father's Neurological Condition
A family member's inquiry about a patient with an urgent medical condition? Dear Dr. Ding, I am a family member of a patient. My surname is Lai, and I live in Miaoli. I would like to ask some questions regarding my father's condition. Two weeks ago, my father fell at h...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Due to the lack of clarity in your description, it would be helpful if you could bring all imaging data, a list of medications previously taken, and a summary of the medical case directly to my clinic. This would assist in making further decisions. Since the information is incomp...[Read More] Urgent Concerns: Family's Struggle with Father's Neurological Condition
Are Brain Tumors and Hydrocephalus the Same? Key Insights and Concerns
Is a brain tumor the same as a brain cyst? Hello Doctor: During my last visit to the Pingtung Christian Hospital, the doctor mentioned that I have a brain cyst. Is this a type of brain tumor? He also suggested that I need surgery to remove it. Is surgery absolutely necessary? How...
Dr. Xie Bojun Reply:
Dear Mr. Yang, Due to the absence of imaging studies (CT scan and MRI), we are unable to interpret the results and provide further recommendations. Please bring the imaging examinations to the outpatient clinic for a discussion regarding your condition. Changhua Hospital care...[Read More] Are Brain Tumors and Hydrocephalus the Same? Key Insights and Concerns
Recovering from Severe Brain Injury: Navigating Rehabilitation Options
Severe brain injury from a car accident? Hello Dr. Ding, my brother had a serious car accident on October 16, 2010, which resulted in severe damage to his right brain. After surgery, he developed a blood clot in the left brain and was transferred to another hospital around Octobe...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
It seems that health insurance regulations state that after six months, rehabilitation cannot be claimed as a reason for hospitalization. In fact, if rehabilitation can continue at home or in a nursing facility, it would be beneficial for the patient. Rehabilitation does not nece...[Read More] Recovering from Severe Brain Injury: Navigating Rehabilitation Options
Understanding Hearing Loss After Brain Injury: Causes and Treatment Options
Hearing impairment caused by brain injury? Hello Dr. Chang, my father is 72 years old and suffered a left brain injury due to a fall. He has been discharged from the hospital, but he is experiencing hearing loss in his left ear. He describes that if the surrounding noise is a bit...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Hello Gloria: Head trauma can sometimes be associated with hearing loss. Please have a detailed examination by an otolaryngologist to ensure there are no injuries to the eardrum or other parts of the ear before reasonably suspecting that it is related to brain nerve damage. Howev...[Read More] Understanding Hearing Loss After Brain Injury: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Epilepsy Surgery: Is It the Right Choice for You?
Epilepsy surgery Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with a brain tumor due to both generalized and focal seizures. I have undergone Gamma Knife radiosurgery, 30 sessions of IMRT, and traditional surgery. Since starting medication, I have not experienced any generalized seizures, but ...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Due to the incomplete nature of your information, I cannot provide you with specific advice. I recommend discussing your situation with both a neurologist and a neurosurgeon before making a decision. Generally speaking, epilepsy surgery involves resecting the epileptic focus rath...[Read More] Understanding Epilepsy Surgery: Is It the Right Choice for You?
Understanding Brain Arteriovenous Malformations and Military Service Eligibility
Cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) Hello, doctor. I would like to ask: I had a cerebral arteriovenous malformation in middle school and later underwent gamma knife surgery. I have been monitored for three years and have fully recovered. Now that I am about to graduate from...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
This falls under military service issues, and you may need to consult the Ministry of National Defense.[Read More] Understanding Brain Arteriovenous Malformations and Military Service Eligibility
Understanding the Rigid State of Vegetative Patients: Causes and Treatments
The state of a vegetative patient with rigidity? Dear Dr. Chang, Two years ago, my father fell from the roof, resulting in a frontal lobe injury. After surgery, his consciousness improved (although his physical condition was poor, he kept complaining about stomach pain and wanti...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Hello Jay: Patients with severe brain injuries may experience spasticity due to damage to the brain and brainstem. Additionally, as you mentioned, hydrocephalus could also lead to this condition. In terms of treatment, it is generally important to first assess whether there are a...[Read More] Understanding the Rigid State of Vegetative Patients: Causes and Treatments
Is 1 cm Hydrocephalus Serious? When Is Surgery Necessary?
Is 1 centimeter of hydrocephalus serious? Is surgery necessary? Hello Dr. Chang, My baby experienced an unexplained intracranial hemorrhage at 3 and a half months old (without any trauma or vigorous shaking). A CT scan was performed on the day of the hemorrhage, and the hospital...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Dear Ken, Hello, it is unclear whether the hydrocephalus you mentioned refers to communicating hydrocephalus or chronic subdural hematoma. Generally, if there is a significant amount of blood clot, it typically takes more than a month to be absorbed. The resolution of hydrocepha...[Read More] Is 1 cm Hydrocephalus Serious? When Is Surgery Necessary?
Do All Brain Hemorrhages Require Surgery? Risks and Alternatives Explained
Surgical intervention for cerebral hemorrhage? Hello, doctor: Is surgery always necessary for hemorrhage in the lateral ventricles and the fourth ventricle? Is the risk of surgery significant? Are there other methods for treatment?
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Hello, if there is associated hydrocephalus or a low level of consciousness, surgery is usually required. Generally, brain surgery carries risks; however, if a drainage procedure is performed for hydrocephalus, the risks are considered lower compared to other types of brain surge...[Read More] Do All Brain Hemorrhages Require Surgery? Risks and Alternatives Explained
Understanding Post-Surgery Coma and Brain Injury Recovery
Coma after brain surgery due to a car accident? My mother was hit by a motorcycle while crossing the street and suffered a severe intracranial hemorrhage. She was urgently taken to the hospital, where the doctor reported extensive bleeding and significant edema in the posterior p...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
I'm sorry to hear about your mother's condition, and I hope she can turn her misfortune into good fortune. Generally speaking, in cases of head trauma, if surgery is performed to remove a hematoma, it is likely that the hematoma was compressing the brain, necessitating ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Coma and Brain Injury Recovery
Understanding Intracranial Hemorrhage and Coma: Hope and Options
Intracranial hemorrhage with coma? Hello doctor, my father-in-law fell from a height of about three meters yesterday and hit the back of his head directly on the ground, resulting in intracranial hemorrhage. He is currently in a coma, with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 4 and is n...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: Due to the lack of complete information regarding your father-in-law's condition, including details about the bleeding and other related data, I can only make general assessments. Therefore, a detailed diagnosis and treatment should be based on the patient's comp...[Read More] Understanding Intracranial Hemorrhage and Coma: Hope and Options
Understanding Intracranial Hemorrhage: Causes, Risks, and Safety Concerns
Medical consultation Hello, Doctor: I would like to consult a specialist regarding the following questions: 1. What is ventricular hemorrhage? What is intracerebral hemorrhage? 2. If both ventricular hemorrhage and intracerebral hemorrhage are diagnosed simultaneously, what cou...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Dear Mr. Cheng: Hello, (1) The ventricles are cavities within the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid; bleeding within these cavities is referred to as ventricular hemorrhage, while intracerebral hemorrhage refers to bleeding within the brain tissue itself. (2) The simultane...[Read More] Understanding Intracranial Hemorrhage: Causes, Risks, and Safety Concerns
Post-Concussion Care: Key Considerations After Intracranial Hemorrhage
excuse me? After experiencing intracranial hemorrhage, there are several important considerations to keep in mind during recovery. Since the injury occurred from a fall while riding a bike, and there was a reported hematoma of nearly 1 cm, likely a subdural hematoma, it is crucia...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Hello, 1. How long does it take for the bleeding to be absorbed by the body? Will it be completely absorbed? → It can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months, and it is possible for it to be completely absorbed. 2. He experienced headaches a few days ago, but not recently. Could thi...[Read More] Post-Concussion Care: Key Considerations After Intracranial Hemorrhage
Do You Need an MRA After a 3T Brain MRI? Expert Insights
3T MRI and MRA of the brain Hello Dr. Ding: I would like to ask if it is necessary to undergo an MRA examination after having already completed a 3T MRI of the brain? Thank you!
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
I'm sorry, but there is insufficient information to provide an answer.[Read More] Do You Need an MRA After a 3T Brain MRI? Expert Insights
Recovering from Skull Base Fracture: Tips for Healing and Support
Basilar skull fracture Dear Dr. Hsieh, I have suffered a skull base fracture and was in a coma for about 7 days. It took around 20 days for me to fully regain consciousness and recognize people, with only some vague memories. Now, nearly 3 months have passed, and I am recovering...
Dr. Xie Bojun Reply:
Hello, Xiao Gui: 1. Since you do not have a CT scan report of the brain, your diagnosis based on your complaints is a skull base fracture, possibly accompanied by mild to moderate concussion (due to your loss of consciousness). Recovery from brain injuries typically takes longer...[Read More] Recovering from Skull Base Fracture: Tips for Healing and Support
Are Flashing Lights in Vision Linked to Arteriovenous Malformation?
Is the presence of persistent flashes of light related to arteriovenous malformations? Hello, Doctor! I was hospitalized last December due to bleeding from an arteriovenous malformation. After receiving medication to lower intracranial pressure, I regained consciousness, but my l...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
After gamma knife radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), it typically takes about 2-3 years (depending on the size of the malformation) for the abnormal blood vessels to undergo embolization, eliminating the risk of bleeding. You discovered the cerebrovascular abnor...[Read More] Are Flashing Lights in Vision Linked to Arteriovenous Malformation?
Post-Surgery Care and Medications for Right Frontal Lobe Injury
What medications or precautions should be considered for damage to the right frontal lobe? Hello Doctor, my father (67 years old) sustained a contusion on the contralateral frontal lobe due to a car accident one week ago. After four days of observation, the doctor decided to perf...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Your father's head injury is currently in a critical phase, so it is not possible to assess the prognosis at this time. I would like to highlight two important points to pay attention to: First, your father's condition is still unstable, and he should still be in the in...[Read More] Post-Surgery Care and Medications for Right Frontal Lobe Injury
Alternative Treatments for Meningioma Surgery Complications: Hydrocephalus Insights
After surgery for a meningioma, if hydrocephalus occurs, are there other treatment options available? Hello, my mother is 67 years old and started experiencing urinary incontinence, facial drooping, unsteady walking leading to frequent falls, and difficulty swallowing liquids sin...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
I sincerely apologize, but without knowing the exact location of the meningioma and the overall condition, I am unable to provide much advice regarding your mother's treatment. Generally speaking, surgery is the best option for brain tumors when feasible. However, for certai...[Read More] Alternative Treatments for Meningioma Surgery Complications: Hydrocephalus Insights
After a Fall: Understanding Head Injuries and When to Seek Help
Slipped and hit the back of the head? Hello, my husband slipped on a thin layer of ice on an asphalt road and fell, hitting the back of his head hard against the ground. I immediately called out to him, but he did not respond at all. I saw him lying on the ground with his eyes wi...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
The patient should be taken directly to the emergency room for evaluation and management. The attending specialist will assess the situation and provide the best possible care.[Read More] After a Fall: Understanding Head Injuries and When to Seek Help