Understanding Neck Pain: Seeking Answers for Chronic Discomfort
Neck problems Hello Doctor, I am Xiao Yang, and I live in Taichung. I often feel that the bones in my cervical spine are misaligned, which I believe is compressing my breathing and causing difficulty in respiration. My neck feels very tight, as if someone is choking me. This symp...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It feels like a case of autonomic nervous system dysfunction or other psychosomatic issues. You may discuss with a neurologist whether it is appropriate to undergo a cervical MRI.[Read More] Understanding Neck Pain: Seeking Answers for Chronic Discomfort
Understanding Brain Hemorrhage After Falls: A Case Study
Cerebral hemorrhage caused by a fall? Dear Deputy Director, My grandfather is 71 years old and has high blood pressure, but he is physically strong. On November 4th, he slipped on gravel while trying to catch a dog that had run out of the house and collided with a post. While wa...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
I would like to offer my support, but without detailed CT scan reports and neurological examinations, it is difficult to provide accurate advice and prognosis for the patient. I recommend consulting the original treating physician for further inquiries.[Read More] Understanding Brain Hemorrhage After Falls: A Case Study
Is There a Link Between Herniated Discs and Muscle Twitching?
Is there a relationship between herniated discs and muscle twitching issues? Hello, Director Lai. I have been experiencing abnormal twitching in the muscles of my calves since mid-year, which led me to seek medical attention. I underwent nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electro...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The relationship should not be significant. 2. The calf muscles are still twitching intermittently, which may indicate other issues, such as electrolyte imbalance, blood circulation, muscle strain, posture, or temperature. Soaking your feet in warm water can help. Discu...[Read More] Is There a Link Between Herniated Discs and Muscle Twitching?
Understanding Nerve Pain and Tingling After COVID-19: A Guide
Occasional tingling and pain in the hands and feet? Hello, doctor. Since I tested positive for COVID-19 in June, I have been experiencing occasional soreness in my left eye for about one to two weeks. I went for a consultation, and the doctor said my eyes are fatigued. After exam...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The symptoms in your upper arm/lower leg are likely caused by nerve compression from the cervical/lumbar spine. 2. It is not uncommon for symptoms on the left side to switch to the right side, depending on the location of the nerve compression. It is recommended to cons...[Read More] Understanding Nerve Pain and Tingling After COVID-19: A Guide
Understanding Nerve Pain: Can Cervical Disc Issues Affect Your Feet?
Mild tingling sensation in the right foot and big toe? I would like to ask, as I have been experiencing pain and numbness between my left index finger and thumb for an entire day, along with upper arm pain. I often feel a sensation like an electric shock extending from my upper a...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, cervical nerve compression typically presents with symptoms in the shoulders, neck, and upper limbs, and it is rare to have symptoms in a single leg (though it is still possible). Wishing you a speedy recovery. By Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgery, Changh...[Read More] Understanding Nerve Pain: Can Cervical Disc Issues Affect Your Feet?
Understanding Calf Pain: Causes and Solutions for Students
Dull pain in the calf? Hello, doctor. I am a student, and during this summer vacation, I spend most of my time studying, but I make sure to engage in at least 20 minutes of exercise each day (such as dancing, jogging, or basic strength training). My diet and sleep are also normal...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Your discomfort is in the knee and ankle joint areas, which is suspected to be due to strain on the ligaments and tendons, related to your reported poor posture. It is recommended to improve your posture, perform warm-up exercises before physical activity, apply heat to th...[Read More] Understanding Calf Pain: Causes and Solutions for Students
Post-Surgery Numbness in Feet: Causes and Recommended Actions
The occurrence of foot numbness after bone cement surgery, with the numbness gradually spreading from the toes upwards, could potentially be related to the surgery. It is important to assess whether this numbness is due to nerve compression, vascular issues, or other postoperativ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. It is suspected that there is a lesion in the spinal nerves. 2. Why was a spinal neurosurgeon not chosen to address the spinal fracture issue initially? 3. Seeking consultation from another specialty after experiencing discomfort post-surgery may cause some confusion fo...[Read More] Post-Surgery Numbness in Feet: Causes and Recommended Actions
Understanding EMG and Nerve Conduction Study Results for Back Pain
Report Interpretation Hello doctor, the attached image is an electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction study report. I would like to ask you to review it for any issues. Currently, my symptoms include persistent pain in the lower back, which sometimes radiates to the soles of m...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on your symptom description, it is suspected that lumbar spine lesions are causing sciatica. 2. Your nerve conduction study report suggests a possible peripheral neuropathy in both lower limbs, which does not appear to be consistent with lumbar nerve pathology. 3....[Read More] Understanding EMG and Nerve Conduction Study Results for Back Pain
Challenges in Managing Hydrocephalus: When Shunt Drainage Fails
The patient has symptoms of hydrocephalus and has had a shunt installed. The drainage is set to maximum, but the results are not satisfactory? Dear Dr. Zhang, My mother is 67 years old. In 2018, she underwent surgery for a carotid artery aneurysm that was compressing her brainst...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without detailed examination reports and imaging studies, it is difficult to answer such questions. If the drainage has been maximized and the condition has not improved, it may not be a problem related to hydrocephalus. Whether there is an improvement in hydrocephalus can be det...[Read More] Challenges in Managing Hydrocephalus: When Shunt Drainage Fails
Managing Severe Nerve Pain After Complex Pelvic and Foot Injuries
Explosive neuropathic pain? Hello, Doctor. Last August, I had an accidental fall from a height resulting in a complex pelvic fracture and crush fractures in both feet. The sensation in my left foot is abnormal; it feels like there are two wires underneath my shoe, and the nerve p...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Due to the lack of detailed medical history and examination records, I am unable to provide an answer. It is recommended to consult a physician in an outpatient setting with the medical records in hand.[Read More] Managing Severe Nerve Pain After Complex Pelvic and Foot Injuries
Post-Surgery Nerve Pain: Understanding Persistent Foot Numbness and Back Pain
Persistent leg numbness and occasional lower back pain after disc rupture surgery? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask on behalf of my husband: He underwent minimally invasive surgery for a herniated disc. Before the surgery, he experienced significant pain and numbness, but afte...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Postoperative pain has improved relatively quickly, but the numbness is indeed more difficult to recover from. If you are not satisfied with the answers from your original physician, and while postoperative pain has improved, you still feel residual symptoms of numbness, w...[Read More] Post-Surgery Nerve Pain: Understanding Persistent Foot Numbness and Back Pain
Understanding Cauda Equina Syndrome: Recovery, Surgery, and Treatment Options
Cauda equina syndrome Hello Doctor, I fell from the fourth floor on August 13, resulting in cauda equina syndrome, with compression at vertebrae 7 and 12, as well as a pelvic fracture and bilateral crush fractures of the feet. The doctor initially mentioned a minimally invasive p...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Cauda equina syndrome is a severe neurological injury. An MRI is needed to assess where the affected segments are and to determine if there are conditions for surgical decompression and spinal reconstruction. 2. If surgery is indicated, it should be performed as earl...[Read More] Understanding Cauda Equina Syndrome: Recovery, Surgery, and Treatment Options
Causes of Numbness and Tingling in the Heels: When to Seek Help
Tingling and prickling sensations in the heel? Recently, after sitting for about an hour, my heels start to feel numb and tingly. I also experience this numbness and tingling in my feet while sleeping, which wakes me up. What could be the possible causes, and which specialty shou...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: The possible diagnoses are 1. plantar fasciitis or 2. lumbar radiculopathy extending to the heel, or 3. other conditions. You may consult 1. neurosurgery, 2. orthopedics, or 3. rehabilitation medicine for further evaluation. Wishing you a speedy recovery. By Dr. Lai Chao-K...[Read More] Causes of Numbness and Tingling in the Heels: When to Seek Help
Neck and Back Issues After a Motorcycle Accident: What You Need to Know
Cervical and lumbar spine issues after a car accident? A month ago, I was in a motorcycle accident where a motorcycle suddenly came out in front of me. I braked hard, and both myself and the motorcycle fell to the right, with my body impacting the ground on the right side, includ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
If you continue to feel unwell, please return to the outpatient clinic for an examination. Without detailed imaging studies, we cannot provide an answer.[Read More] Neck and Back Issues After a Motorcycle Accident: What You Need to Know
Understanding Foot Pain and Numbness: Could a Herniated Disc Be the Cause?
Only experiencing numbness in the soles of the feet and a tingling sensation in the lower limbs? Hello, doctor. Since November 2021, I have experienced sudden pain and numbness in the left sole of my foot while playing basketball. After a month, the right foot also started to fee...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Cervical spinal cord lesions presenting solely with foot symptoms are rare, but they can occur. It is recommended that if you 1. experience severe and intolerable symptoms, or 2. have significant neural compression evident on MRI that can explain your condition, you may co...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain and Numbness: Could a Herniated Disc Be the Cause?
Understanding Foot Pain and Numbness: Is Cervical Disc Herniation the Cause?
Only experiencing numbness in the soles of the feet and a tingling sensation in the lower limbs? Hello Doctor. Since November 2021, I have experienced sudden pain and numbness in the left sole of my foot while playing basketball. After a month, the right foot also began to feel s...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Cervical spinal cord lesions presenting solely with foot symptoms are rare, but they can occur. It is recommended that if you 1. experience severe and intolerable symptoms, and 2. MRI imaging shows significant neural compression that can explain your condition, you may con...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain and Numbness: Is Cervical Disc Herniation the Cause?
Post-Surgery Numbness and Weakness in Feet: Causes and Solutions
Post-spinal surgery symptoms include leg numbness, weakness, and muscle tightness? Hello, Director Zhang! I am a patient with rheumatoid arthritis who underwent spinal surgery on July 11 for spondylolisthesis and spinal instability. The procedure involved a spinal fusion with scr...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without detailed physical examination and imaging reports, it is not possible to determine the patient's condition progression and prognosis. Please consult the original surgeon.[Read More] Post-Surgery Numbness and Weakness in Feet: Causes and Solutions
Post-Car Accident: Understanding Tingling in Hands and Feet
After the car accident, there is a tingling sensation in the arms and legs? A family member was in a car accident and is experiencing a tingling sensation in their arms and legs, but their grip strength is normal. An X-ray of the hand was taken and no issues were found. Initially...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
You can schedule an appointment at the neurosurgery outpatient clinic.[Read More] Post-Car Accident: Understanding Tingling in Hands and Feet
Understanding Post-Surgery Foot Numbness: Nerve or Vascular Issues?
Craniopharyngioma I recently had surgery and have been discharged from the hospital. I've noticed that the soles of my feet feel numb quite frequently, which has been happening for a long time and is affecting my sleep. Could this be a neurological issue or a vascular proble...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is possible.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Foot Numbness: Nerve or Vascular Issues?
Understanding Post-Surgery Numbness After Lumbar Disc Surgery
Hello, doctor? I underwent a discectomy for a herniated disc on May 27, and I have a stabilizer installed. Before the surgery, I experienced numbness in both feet, but now, 20 days post-operation, my feet are still numb. Is this normal? Will it get better? My doctor prescribed B1...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, I suggest that in this post-surgery situation, you should consult your original surgeon for further evaluation. Since you chose him initially, it's important to trust his expertise. Additionally, you have not provided any pre-operative imaging or post-operative images...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Numbness After Lumbar Disc Surgery