Could It Be Osteomyelitis? Understanding Symptoms and Diagnosis
Inquire about the possibility of osteomyelitis? Hello, doctor. My family member (female, approximately 60 years old) is currently experiencing cervical spine pain and underwent an X-ray examination. Within the past 1-2 months, the cervical vertebrae from C5 to C7 have progressed ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Based solely on the above tests, it is truly difficult to answer your question. I recommend discussing this further with your physician during your outpatient visit, or seeking a second opinion from another doctor.[Read More] Could It Be Osteomyelitis? Understanding Symptoms and Diagnosis
Understanding Neuropathy: Seeking Answers for Unresolved Pain
Neuropathy Hello, doctor. A year ago, I suddenly started experiencing numbness in my little finger, along with heat and pain in my palm, and unusual pain in my chest and back. I have visited various hospitals and undergone numerous tests, including X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds, and ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is advisable to seek diagnoses and treatment from different neurologists or neurosurgeons at various hospitals or medical centers, as your issue is complex and cannot be accurately addressed online.[Read More] Understanding Neuropathy: Seeking Answers for Unresolved Pain
Post-Car Accident Head Trauma: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery
Head impact from a car accident? Hello, Doctor: My mother (71 years old) was in a car accident on February 5th, where she sustained a blow to the left front side of her head. A CT scan was performed that day, and the emergency physician noted a slight bleeding (the images showed ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Common symptoms of head trauma include headache, dizziness, and discomfort, which may not necessarily be related to the presence of bleeding. The duration of symptoms typically lasts around one week, although some individuals may experience symptoms for up to a month.[Read More] Post-Car Accident Head Trauma: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Could It Be Related to Cervical Issues?
Left chest pain and heat? Hello, doctor. I do not smoke, drink alcohol, or chew betel nut. I occasionally experience a dull pain in my left chest, which sometimes feels warm, located slightly towards the armpit. The frequency is irregular. I have previously undergone a breast ult...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The likelihood of left chest pain being related to cervical spine issues is very low. It is recommended to visit a thoracic medicine clinic for examination and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Could It Be Related to Cervical Issues?
Post-Operative Exercise Guidelines After Laminectomy Surgery
Postoperative Exercise After Kyphoplasty Hello Dr. Lai, I previously inquired about the issue of pedicle screw and plate fixation in posterior cervical decompression surgery, and I am still struggling with the decision to undergo the surgery. I enjoy running, practicing yoga, and...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Generally, a cervical collar is required for protection for 3 months post-surgery to allow for fusion. Once fusion is confirmed, gentle movements of the cervical spine should be performed. Other activities such as running and hiking should be acceptable if done in moderati...[Read More] Post-Operative Exercise Guidelines After Laminectomy Surgery
Concerns About Titanium Plate and Screw Loosening After Cervical Surgery
Regarding the issue of cervical vertebral plate screw loosening? Hello, Director Zhang. I underwent laminoplasty in December of last year due to nerve compression at cervical levels 5, 6, and 7, along with OPLL. The surgeon performed a XXXX Door Laminoplasty on me. I currently ha...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is rare to hear about the screws and plates used in spinal osteotomy procedures becoming dislodged, so there is no need to worry.[Read More] Concerns About Titanium Plate and Screw Loosening After Cervical Surgery
Understanding Nerve Issues in the Cervical Spine After Trauma
Cervical spine nerve issues? I would like to consult a physician. Recently, I had a conflict with a classmate that resulted in being hit. Prior to that, I had also been hit on the back. Each time, the hits were spaced out by one to two seconds, and the pain from the previous hit ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
You have described so much, but without a physical examination, it is truly impossible to provide an answer. I recommend that you schedule an appointment with a neurosurgery clinic for an evaluation. If you still have doubts, consider seeking opinions from several different physi...[Read More] Understanding Nerve Issues in the Cervical Spine After Trauma
Post-Surgery Nerve Issues: Understanding Complications After Cervical Disc Replacement
Postoperative issues following cervical disc replacement at C5-C6 and artificial cage placement at C6-C7? Hello, my father is 58 years old. A month ago, he started experiencing numbness and pain in his right arm, hand, and fingers, which has affected his daily life. After a docto...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. After cervical spine surgery, if there are new upper limb symptoms that are not significant, you can observe and follow up in 2-4 weeks. 2. If there is sudden onset of lower back pain and pain in both knees while walking, these are not symptoms related to the cervical s...[Read More] Post-Surgery Nerve Issues: Understanding Complications After Cervical Disc Replacement
Understanding Cervical Spine Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Cervical spine pain Hello, doctor. I've been experiencing significant pain at a specific point near my seventh cervical vertebra for the past couple of days. I would like to ask what might be the cause (could it be due to posture, etc.)? Do I need to seek medical attention? ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Pain points are often caused by muscle inflammation.[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Post-Surgery Recovery After Cervical Spine Surgery
Cervical conization surgery Hello, doctor. On April 2nd of this year, I experienced sudden dizziness and fainting for a few seconds after sleeping in a poor position in a car, due to congenital cervical spinal canal stenosis combined with bone spurs. I was diagnosed in China with...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to see a neurosurgeon after returning to Taipei and request an MRI of the cervical and thoracic spine to assess the status of nerve conduction. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgeon.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Recovery After Cervical Spine Surgery
Numbness in Left Thumb and Index Finger: Possible Causes and Relief Tips
Numbness in the left thumb and index finger? Initially, I thought the neck stiffness was nothing serious. After a week, the pain in my neck has decreased, but I am experiencing some numbness in my left thumb and index finger. When I massage my shoulders, the left shoulder feels l...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. It is suspected to be a cervical spine issue, most commonly a cervical disc herniation that compresses the nerves. 2. Reduce the forward head posture. Temporarily wear a cervical collar. Apply heat to the shoulders and neck daily, and perform neck rehabilitation exercis...[Read More] Numbness in Left Thumb and Index Finger: Possible Causes and Relief Tips
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
Understanding OPLL Treatment Options and Estimated Costs
Treatment options for OPLL (Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament) and estimated initial costs? Hello Doctor, I was recently diagnosed with OPLL at the cervical spine levels C3-C7. The doctor suggested using a mini plate for laminoplasty or an anterior cervical disc...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. If the diagnosis of OPLL is confirmed and aligns with your symptoms, when planning for surgery, the general recommendation is posterior decompression surgery (laminoplasty with mini-plate or laminectomy with posterior minimally invasive screw fixation): mini-plates are ...[Read More] Understanding OPLL Treatment Options and Estimated Costs
Understanding OPLL Treatment Options and Estimated Costs in the U.S.
Treatment options for OPLL (Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament) and estimated costs? Hello Doctor, I was recently diagnosed with OPLL at the cervical spine levels C3-C7. The doctor suggested performing laminoplasty with a mini plate through a posterior approach, ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. If the diagnosis of OPLL is confirmed and aligns with your symptoms, when planning for surgery, the general recommendation is posterior decompression surgery (laminoplasty with mini-plate or laminectomy with posterior minimally invasive screw fixation): mini-plates are ...[Read More] Understanding OPLL Treatment Options and Estimated Costs in the U.S.
Seeking Help for Persistent Neck and Limb Pain: A Neurological Concern
Please help me? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing tightness and sharp pain in the left side of my neck and occipital area for about 4-5 months. I also feel some discomfort behind my ear and a bit of a plugged sensation. This month, I suddenly started to feel some numbness an...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon for a detailed examination, as there may be issues related to cervical spine joints or nerve compression.[Read More] Seeking Help for Persistent Neck and Limb Pain: A Neurological Concern
Understanding Cervical Spine Fractures: Treatment and Recovery Insights
Cervical spine fracture Hello, Doctor. I was in a car accident on November 10th last year, where I was rear-ended by a car traveling at 14 km/h. At the time, I sustained abrasions on my right knee and shoulder. After nearly four months of follow-up, while driving on February 26th...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If you have a fracture of the odontoid process of the second cervical vertebra and surgery is not required, you will need to wear a SOMI (Sterno-Occipital-Mandibular Immobilizer) collar for about 3 to 6 months, even while sleeping. If your symptoms persist and MRI shows th...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Fractures: Treatment and Recovery Insights
Understanding Persistent Dizziness: Causes, Tests, and When to Get an MRI
Dizziness for more than two months? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing dizziness and shoulder and neck pain for the past two and a half months. The symptoms include a constant feeling of dizziness throughout the day, without a sensation of spinning, nausea, unsteadiness while...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Your issue is complex, and it is difficult to provide a complete answer without a thorough physical examination and tests. I recommend consulting a neurology or neurosurgery outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Dizziness: Causes, Tests, and When to Get an MRI
Understanding Cervical Radiculopathy: Pain, Numbness, and Treatment Options
Cervical cone issues Hello, my father is nearly 70 years old. For the past few months, he has been experiencing shoulder pain that prevents him from sleeping. After visiting the hospital for an examination, the imaging results indicated that there is tightness and compression at ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on your description, the symptoms indicate cervical nerve compression. The initial pain evolving into numbness suggests nerve deterioration. 2. Whether surgery is necessary will depend on the MRI findings. 3. Generally, conservative treatment includes medication a...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Radiculopathy: Pain, Numbness, and Treatment Options
Understanding Cervical Radiculopathy: Treatment Options and Risks
Cervical cone issues Hello, my father is nearly 70 years old. For the past few months, he has been experiencing shoulder pain that prevents him from sleeping. After visiting the hospital for an examination, the imaging results indicated that the tightness and compression at cervi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on your description, the symptoms indicate cervical nerve compression. The initial pain evolving into numbness suggests worsening of the nerve condition. 2. Whether surgery is necessary will depend on the MRI findings. 3. Generally, conservative treatment includes...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Radiculopathy: Treatment Options and Risks
Is It Normal to Experience Head and Shoulder Pain After a Head Injury?
Head struck against the wall? Hello Doctor: I bumped the right side of my head against a wall on October 11th. It wasn't very painful on the day of the incident or the following day, but starting on October 13th, I've been experiencing pain from the right side of my hea...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, you may have a cervical spine issue. If it persists for 1-2 weeks, it is advisable to consult a neurosurgeon. Best wishes to you from Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, the Director of Spine Neurosurgery at Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Is It Normal to Experience Head and Shoulder Pain After a Head Injury?