Post-Surgery Concerns: AVM Patients and Birth Control Risks
Postoperative care for arteriovenous malformation (AVM) surgery? Hello Dr. Lai, I discovered an arteriovenous malformation two years ago and recovered well after surgery. I took a contraceptive pill the day before yesterday; the last time I took one was over 20 years ago when I f...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Oral contraceptives can increase blood viscosity, which poses a potential risk for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular occlusion. Regarding patients with arteriovenous malformations, there are sporadic case reports in the literature, but they do not constitute a significant...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: AVM Patients and Birth Control Risks
Can Patients with Pituitary Tumors Safely Use Ritalin?
Pituitary adenoma and Ritalin? Hello, doctor. My child has a history of pituitary adenoma, specifically Cushing's syndrome, and has undergone surgical treatment. However, he has attention deficit disorder (ADD) and is currently taking medications such as Ritalin and Stratter...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
I am not a specialist in pituitary gland disorders; I recommend consulting directly with a clinic.[Read More] Can Patients with Pituitary Tumors Safely Use Ritalin?
Understanding CT Scan Results: Calcium Deposits and Teflon Concerns After Surgery
Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the brain? Hello, doctor. I underwent a decompression surgery for left-sided facial spasms at the end of 2016. At that time, the physician informed me that the surgical method involved creating an opening in the left posterior part of the brain an...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Generally, it is unlikely. 2. It depends on the actual imaging. 3. An MRI of the cervical spine should be performed to assess whether the symptoms are caused by cervical nerve compression. 4. Cerebral calcifications can be classified into physiological and pathological ...[Read More] Understanding CT Scan Results: Calcium Deposits and Teflon Concerns After Surgery
Traveling After Cerebrovascular Surgery: Can I Fly to Japan?
Moyamoya disease Hello Doctor: I underwent intracranial and extracranial vascular anastomosis surgery in January and April this year due to a hair-like cerebrovascular disease. My recovery has been good, and I have been attending regular follow-up appointments. After my appointme...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
You should ask the surgeon who performed the operation about this issue![Read More] Traveling After Cerebrovascular Surgery: Can I Fly to Japan?
Unexplained Right Leg Numbness in a 70-Year-Old: Seeking Answers
My father is 70 years old and experiences numbness in his right foot, but various tests have not revealed any underlying cause? Dear Doctor, My father is 70 years old and has been experiencing gradual numbness in his right foot for about two years (the left foot has not shown an...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. It is recommended to further evaluate whether it is a cerebrovascular accident (stroke) or a condition affecting the upper cervical and thoracic spinal cord nerves. Consider if there is room for further treatment. Best wishes. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Department of Neurosu...[Read More] Unexplained Right Leg Numbness in a 70-Year-Old: Seeking Answers
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?
Understanding Hydrocephalus: Key Information and Insights
Hydrocephalus-related information? Dr. Chiu: Please email me the relevant information regarding hydrocephalus. Your assistance with this would be greatly appreciated. BEST REGARDS, W.T. Lin
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: Here is the information regarding hydrocephalus. (I apologize for not being able to attach images of the ventricular changes before and after surgery at this time.) **Hydrocephalus** What is hydrocephalus? Hydrocephalus, commonly known as water on the brain, is one of ...[Read More] Understanding Hydrocephalus: Key Information and Insights
Understanding Gamma Knife Treatment for Brain Vascular Conditions
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery I have a cerebrovascular condition (an unclear black mass approximately 1-2 cm in size in the left hemisphere) that was discovered in the early 2000s after my first seizure, through an MRI. The physician determined that it is not a brain tumor, but it cou...
Dr. Shao Guoning Reply:
Hello: In response to your question: Your lesion is likely a cavernous angioma, which can cause spontaneous bleeding and lead to seizures. The primary treatment is surgical resection. Stereotactic radiosurgery is less effective for this condition compared to arteriovenous malform...[Read More] Understanding Gamma Knife Treatment for Brain Vascular Conditions