Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia in Multiple Sclerosis: A Patient's Journey
Multiple sclerosis with trigeminal neuralgia Hello Doctor, about five days ago, I experienced pain when pressing on the bone above my right eyebrow, which occasionally persists as a dull ache. Recently, the tenderness has decreased, but it still remains, and the continuous pain h...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Multiple sclerosis is a rare disease with diverse symptoms. It is essential to consult a neurologist and undergo thorough examinations for an accurate diagnosis. Please do not self-diagnose or assume you have the condition without a proper evaluation from a neurologis...[Read More] Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia in Multiple Sclerosis: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Temporary Finger Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
Transient finger pain Two weeks ago, I was tested for Sjögren's syndrome and also checked for some other complications, and all the results came back normal. However, during those days, I was pressing on the tissues of my fingers quite a bit (as I was worried about rheumatoi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. First, stop the repetitive pressure on your fingers. 2. Soak your hands and feet in warm water daily (at a temperature that won't cause burns). 3. If there is no improvement after 2 weeks, it is advisable to consult a physician. Best wishes. // Neurosurgery Dr. Lai...[Read More] Understanding Temporary Finger Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Hyperhidrosis: Choosing the Right Specialist and Treatment Options
Hyperhidrosis issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about which specialty I should consult for the evaluation of hyperhidrosis. I have researched surgical options, but I am hesitant to decide due to potential compensatory sweating and other postoperative issues. Addition...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The causes of hyperhidrosis can be divided into primary and secondary; primary hyperhidrosis accounts for the majority and is mainly caused by hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system leading to abnormal sweating. Secondary hyperhidrosis is often due to condition...[Read More] Understanding Hyperhidrosis: Choosing the Right Specialist and Treatment Options
Understanding Leg Numbness and Color Changes: When to Seek Help
Numbness in the feet? Hello Doctor, I usually have a habit of sitting cross-legged, but recently I've noticed that my feet turn severely purple when I sit this way! When I stop sitting cross-legged, the color returns to normal. Lately, my feet have also been feeling sore, co...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, it is suspected to be a blood circulation issue. I recommend seeing a physician in the cardiology or cardiovascular surgery department first. If vascular problems are ruled out, then consider consulting a neurologist or neurosurgeon. Best wishes. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Ch...[Read More] Understanding Leg Numbness and Color Changes: When to Seek Help
Understanding Weakness and Tightness in Legs After Prolonged Sitting
After sitting for about 2-3 hours, there is a feeling of weakness in the thighs and tightness in the calves? Hello, Doctor. Recently, whenever I sit for about 2-3 hours, I experience weakness in my thighs and tightness in my calf muscles. The first time I noticed this was two yea...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
It seems like you are experiencing neurological symptoms. You may want to consult a neurosurgeon. Best wishes to you. // Changhua Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang.[Read More] Understanding Weakness and Tightness in Legs After Prolonged Sitting
Understanding Right Leg Tightness and Hand Numbness: Possible Causes and Solutions
There is an abnormal tightness sensation in the right thigh, accompanied by slight numbness in the hand? Hello Dr. Lai, I would like to ask if you could help me with a preliminary diagnosis of my condition. It started around February of last year, and my current symptoms include ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The hand <the right hand also feels a bit prone to numbness, particularly the ring and little fingers...> is mainly due to nerve compression in the hand. It may also be caused by cervical spine issues, and a nerve conduction study (NCS) is needed for differentiati...[Read More] Understanding Right Leg Tightness and Hand Numbness: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Sacral Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Sacral cyst? Hello, Doctor Lai. I have been experiencing a feeling of anal heaviness and occasional urges to defecate for nearly a month and a half. During this time, I consulted a colorectal surgeon and underwent a colonoscopy, where I was told I have hemorrhoids (not significan...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Sacral cysts are classified as meningeal cysts, originating from the membranes surrounding the spinal cord, thus referred to as "intradural meningeal cysts" for this category of diseases. Most intradural meningeal cysts are considered congenital, while some ar...[Read More] Understanding Sacral Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Post-Surgery Symptoms: Understanding Coordination Issues and Weakness
What symptoms should be monitored after posterior brain surgery? I would like to ask if it is normal to experience a lack of coordination and weakness in the limbs after returning home to rest, or if recovery will gradually occur with rest.
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
If you experience uncoordinated movements in your hands and feet along with a feeling of weakness, it is important to consider whether you had these symptoms prior to surgery. If you did, then rest and allow time for recovery. If these symptoms were not present before, you should...[Read More] Post-Surgery Symptoms: Understanding Coordination Issues and Weakness
Understanding Sudden Calf Tremors: Normal Reflex or Nerve Issue?
There is frequent intense shaking in the lower leg for about 2 seconds, occurring only once every morning? In recent weeks, I have been experiencing a warm sensation in my feet while under the covers, but after waking up from sleep, my feet stretch out and the area below my calve...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, if it has been ongoing for more than two weeks, you should see a neurologist or a neurosurgeon. Best wishes. // Neurosurgery, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Calf Tremors: Normal Reflex or Nerve Issue?
Managing Hyperhidrosis: Exploring Anticholinergic Medications and Alternatives
Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) Hello, Doctor! 1. I have been experiencing palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis for a long time. Currently, I am managing my hand sweating with iontophoresis, but it seems to have compensated with sweating all over my body and feet. I have tried t...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If you cannot coexist peacefully with hand sweating, you may consider trying medication short-term if you can accept the side effects. After that, reassess and decide whether to pursue long-term management. Wishing you well, Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang. 1. Glycopyrrola...[Read More] Managing Hyperhidrosis: Exploring Anticholinergic Medications and Alternatives
Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and When to Seek Help
Sciatica Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask if these symptoms are related to sciatica? Can they be treated with rehabilitation alone, or do I need further examinations? If so, which specialist should I see? Thank you! I have pain in the lumbar region, neck and shoulder discomfort...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Your lumbar spine, cervical spine, and knees all need to be examined. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon for evaluation. Physical therapy can be attempted, but whether you can recover through rehabilitation will depend on your condition. Best wishes. // Dr. Lai Ch...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Post-Trauma Walking Instability: Brain vs. Lumbar Spine Issues
Minimally invasive surgery for the first lumbar vertebra, subarachnoid hemorrhage? Hello Doctor, I previously had a car accident that resulted in subarachnoid hemorrhage. The doctor said it would absorb on its own, and I was in a coma in the intensive care unit for about two week...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: I personally suggest that both the brain and spine need further evaluation. Please visit the neurosurgery outpatient clinic for a physician's assessment. Wishing you well. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang[Read More] Understanding Post-Trauma Walking Instability: Brain vs. Lumbar Spine Issues
Delayed Symptoms After Car Accident: Understanding Neurological Issues
Symptoms appearing two months after a car accident? Hello Dr. Lai: I was struck in the lower back and pelvis by a moving car while walking on December 14th of last year. At that time, I only felt soreness and immediately had an X-ray taken, which showed no abnormalities. However,...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms suggest that there may be damage to your lumbar spine. It is recommended that you consult a neurosurgeon for further examination and treatment. You are 28 years old. If there are no factors such as heavy lifting, poor posture, or congenital issues, it is less...[Read More] Delayed Symptoms After Car Accident: Understanding Neurological Issues
Understanding Severe Hand and Foot Sweating: Causes and Treatment Options
Severe palmar-plantar hyperhidrosis? Since entering high school, I often experience excessive sweating in my hands and feet, whether I'm using my phone, engaging in social activities, or riding a bike—the grips are always wet, which is very bothersome. My hands are always da...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, currently the only definitive treatment is thoracoscopic surgery. However, there is a risk of compensatory sweating as a side effect. Unless you are truly suffering and can accept the potential long-term consequences, I suggest you think carefully. It is also advisable to ...[Read More] Understanding Severe Hand and Foot Sweating: Causes and Treatment Options
Can Sympathetic Nerves Be Reconnected After Surgery?
Can the sympathetic nerves in the chest be reconnected? I underwent T4 sympathetic nerve resection for hyperhidrosis in June of this year, which has resulted in severe compensatory sweating and weakness in my hands and feet. After resting for three months, I returned to work, but...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: In Taiwan, hand sweat surgery has been regulated for many years, requiring careful preoperative evaluation and approval from health insurance units before proceeding. This is due to the fact that many patients experience similar issues, such as compensatory sweating. If yo...[Read More] Can Sympathetic Nerves Be Reconnected After Surgery?
Why Does Hyperhidrosis Return After Surgery? Understanding Recurrence
Will hyperhidrosis recur after surgery? Hello, doctor. I had surgery for palmar hyperhidrosis about 10 to 20 years ago (it's been so long that I don't remember the exact time), and for over a decade, my hand sweating improved significantly. However, now the sweating has...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. I personally speculate that you likely underwent endoscopic sympathectomy of the axilla years ago. After many years post-surgery, the previously severed nerve fibers may have regrown and resumed conduction. 2. I do not recommend another surgery due to higher risks as...[Read More] Why Does Hyperhidrosis Return After Surgery? Understanding Recurrence
Post-Surgery Concerns After Herniated Disc Surgery: What to Expect
Postoperative Issues Following Disc Herniation Surgery Hello Dr. Lai: Previously, I experienced soreness in my hips and legs, as well as numbness in my feet. I recently underwent surgery for a herniated disc and had a support device implanted. For the first two to three days post...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is still recommended that you consult your original surgeon, as they can provide you with the most comprehensive explanation. Best wishes to you. // Dr. Lai, Changhua Hospital[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns After Herniated Disc Surgery: What to Expect
Understanding Spinal Fusion Surgery: When to Consider It for Young Patients
Spinal fusion surgery Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing frequent lower back pain whenever I stand or sit for long periods. Recently, I was diagnosed with a dissociation between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the first sacral vertebra, as well as spondylolisthesis (grade 1 to ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on what you mentioned, 1. I am 21 years old this year, but my condition is not severe; I do not experience numbness in my hands or feet, just some back pain when standing or sitting for long periods. I would like to ask the doctor if, given my situation, it would be ...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Fusion Surgery: When to Consider It for Young Patients
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury and Recovery After a Severe Accident
Hello Dr. Chang, my girlfriend was in a car accident and has intracranial hemorrhage? Hello Dr. Chang, my girlfriend was in a severe car accident on the night of May 12. The doctor diagnosed her with: 1. Head trauma with skull fracture and intracranial hemorrhage. 2. Facial contu...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
A physician shall not administer treatment, prescribe medication, or issue a diagnosis certificate without personally examining the patient (in cases of complex conditions, without detailed medical history, it is not possible to provide answers).[Read More] Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury and Recovery After a Severe Accident
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