Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury After a Car Accident: Guidance for Caregivers
Traumatic brain injury from car accidents? Hello Doctor: My brother, who is 37 years old, suffered a traumatic brain injury with intracranial fractures and bleeding (damage to the right frontal lobe) due to a car accident. After surgery, he was temporarily placed in a nursing hom...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: Regarding your brother's intracranial hemorrhage from the car accident, although his symptoms may be caused by the head trauma, there are many causes related to mental illness, which are actually two sides of the same coin. Therefore, it is important to investigate wh...[Read More] Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury After a Car Accident: Guidance for Caregivers
Post-Concussion Symptoms: Concerns About Loss of Smell
Post-concussion syndrome Hello Doctor: I hit my head at the end of May and experienced a concussion, along with a loss of smell. It has been over two months now, and I still can hardly smell anything. I am very worried that I might not regain my sense of smell. Should I seek medi...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
The first cranial nerve, the olfactory nerve, is located within the cribriform plate. The supporting cells are sustentacular cells, which are sensitive to pressure and traction forces. This nerve is typically the most susceptible to injury in cases of head trauma. Your condition ...[Read More] Post-Concussion Symptoms: Concerns About Loss of Smell
Understanding Headaches After Meningioma Surgery: Insights and Solutions
Headache Hello, Director: I underwent surgery two years ago for multiple meningiomas. Due to the size and depth of the sellar meningioma, it was removed in two stages: first, the majority was excised, and then I underwent stereotactic radiosurgery. In April, an MRI showed a reduc...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
Common types of headaches include tension-type headaches and migraines. You have multiple meningiomas, but they are all small, which should not cause headaches due to increased intracranial pressure. However, tumors in the sella turcica (which should be referred to as the sphenoi...[Read More] Understanding Headaches After Meningioma Surgery: Insights and Solutions
Why Sleeping on Your Back Might Be Harmful: A Neurosurgical Perspective
It is not advisable to sleep on your back? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to answer my questions. Two years ago, I had a habit of sleeping on my back, which allowed me to fall asleep easily. Recently, I have changed my sleeping habits and now sleep on my side. As a result...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Dear Cats: In response to your inquiry, please find the following: 1. Uncertain. 2. Cervical spine issues are also a possibility. At this moment, it is not possible to determine the need for examination based solely on the description of the problem. Please visit a nearby outpati...[Read More] Why Sleeping on Your Back Might Be Harmful: A Neurosurgical Perspective
Understanding Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Causes and Risks of Complications
Subarachnoid hemorrhage Hello, I would like to ask about subarachnoid hemorrhage, for example: what causes subarachnoid hemorrhage? Is it caused by trauma or is it a complication of a disease? Also, what is the likelihood of subarachnoid hemorrhage leading to hydrocephalus? Thank...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen, 1. Conditions such as brain infections, brain tumors, vascular diseases (including arteriovenous malformations and aneurysms), head trauma, hematological disorders, or post-emergency situations can all potentially lead to subarachnoid hemorrhage. 2. Approximately...[Read More] Understanding Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Causes and Risks of Complications
Understanding Cervical Bone Spurs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care
Cervical osteophytes (bone spurs in the cervical spine) Hello, Dr. Cheng. Last year, I experienced neck stiffness for two consecutive months. After September, I noticed that I couldn't freely turn my head to either side. I thought it was okay and didn't pay much attenti...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
Bone spurs do not necessarily require surgery. Surgery may be needed if the bone spurs compress nerves or the spinal cord. To confirm the diagnosis, further imaging studies such as CT or MRI are necessary. My clinic hours are Monday afternoons and Wednesday mornings, Dr. Cheng.[Read More] Understanding Cervical Bone Spurs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care
Break Free from Shyness: Innovative Surgery for Facial Blushing
Sympathetic nerve block procedure Hello Doctor: Please take your time to read this article! A surgical procedure invented in Spain can treat shyness and blushing. Many people are naturally shy, especially in public settings, where they turn red as soon as they speak. Spanish doct...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: Your question cannot be answered. Please visit the outpatient clinic for an evaluation. Wishing you well, Dr. Yu-Shu Chiu.[Read More] Break Free from Shyness: Innovative Surgery for Facial Blushing
Can a Person Appear Conscious While Actually Unconscious After Head Trauma?
Is it possible for a person to appear conscious despite having suffered a severe head injury and actually be unconscious? Hello Dr. Chang: I suffered a severe blow to the back of my head and was subsequently taken to the hospital by ambulance. Afterward, I saw the ambulance repor...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Dear Mr. Song: In medical terms, a coma is simply a coma, and there are specific assessment methods for it. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Zhang Yuanyi, Attending Physician, Department of Neurosurgery, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Can a Person Appear Conscious While Actually Unconscious After Head Trauma?
Understanding Left-Sided Pain: When to See a Neurosurgeon
Left-sided pain issues? Hello Dr. Cheng, I would like to consult you regarding the issue of "left-sided pain." My mother is 56 years old and has been experiencing body pain for the past year. The areas where she feels pain include her neck, back, lower back, calves, an...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
Your mother is experiencing pain that ranges from her neck and back down to her lower limbs, and it is localized to the left side of her body. If the pain is caused by neuropathy, the issue may be in the brain or neck; however, brain lesions are often accompanied by headaches, di...[Read More] Understanding Left-Sided Pain: When to See a Neurosurgeon
Persistent Headache After a Fall: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Headache Hello: I have been experiencing persistent headaches for almost a week after slipping down the stairs. Should I seek medical attention? The pain is only severe when I move my head; otherwise, it feels dull and not as intense. Thank you!
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: If you experience headaches that cause you concern and affect your daily life, it is best to seek medical evaluation. Best wishes, Dr. Chiu Yu-Shu.[Read More] Persistent Headache After a Fall: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding a Bump on the Back of the Head: What You Need to Know
There is a protrusion on the back of the head? While studying, I suddenly felt a slight, unusual pain in my brain, so I touched my head and discovered a small bump on the back of my skull. There was no external trauma or impact; I found it by chance. Doctor, what could this situa...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Dear Mr. Yu-Hao, Hello, the normal human anatomy includes a protrusion at the back of the neck known as the "external occipital protuberance," which may be what you are feeling. However, it could also be indicative of other issues. It is difficult to assess through ema...[Read More] Understanding a Bump on the Back of the Head: What You Need to Know
Understanding Neck and Shoulder Pain: A Guide to Symptoms and Specialist Referrals
Neck and shoulder pain? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing many symptoms and have consulted various doctors in different hospitals without finding a diagnosis. Could you please help explain the following symptoms? 1. I have sharp pain in the left rear part of my h...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
It is recommended to first consult a neurosurgeon to rule out any brain or cervical spine lesions. My clinic hours are: Monday afternoons and Wednesday mornings. Best wishes, Dr. Zheng.[Read More] Understanding Neck and Shoulder Pain: A Guide to Symptoms and Specialist Referrals
Understanding Headaches: Why Intense Vibrations Cause Pain
Headache Why does the head hurt under strong vibrations? Thank you for your explanation!
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Dear Xiao Zhen: The phenomenon may arise from the meninges, periosteum, muscles, bones, etc., making it impossible to determine whether it is normal or abnormal. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Zhang Yuanyi, Attending Physician, Department of Neurosurgery, Taoyuan Ge...[Read More] Understanding Headaches: Why Intense Vibrations Cause Pain
Post-Accident Urinary Issues: Understanding Bladder Dysfunction After Brain Injury
The father experienced a brain hemorrhage due to a car accident and is unable to urinate successfully after the removal of the urinary catheter? Dear Dr. Chiu, My father, who is 55 years old, was involved in a car accident three months ago. He sustained a head injury that result...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: Generally, catheter training can be successful. You may go to the rehabilitation department for further evaluation. Best wishes, Dr. Yu-Shu Chiu.[Read More] Post-Accident Urinary Issues: Understanding Bladder Dysfunction After Brain Injury
Understanding Cerebral Vascular Abnormalities: When to Seek Medical Advice
Cerebrovascular abnormalities Hello Dr. Chang: I have experienced unexplained headaches since childhood. In my third year of junior high, I underwent an MRI, and the doctor told me I had "cerebral vascular abnormalities." He said as long as I avoid strenuous exercise, t...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Please have the physician review the images again and inform them of any new symptoms. Generally, abnormalities in cerebral blood vessels should be evaluated with MRI or angiography as needed. It is not possible to confirm any issues through this correspondence. Sincerely, Dr. Ch...[Read More] Understanding Cerebral Vascular Abnormalities: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Hard Bumps on the Back of the Head: When to Seek Help
Occipital bone lump Hello, a family member has had a hard, protruding area at the lower left back of the head (near the neck) for many years, which they thought was just a prominent skull feature since it wasn't painful. However, they recently noticed that the protrusion has...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello, please visit the neurosurgery outpatient clinic for examination. Best wishes, Dr. Yu-Shu Chiu.[Read More] Understanding Hard Bumps on the Back of the Head: When to Seek Help
Head Trauma: Symptoms and When to See a Neurosurgeon
Headache? I was hit on the head by a stone when I was a child! I never went to see a doctor, but I have been feeling a throbbing sensation in my head. In recent years, I have also experienced episodes of temporary blindness. Could this be due to internal bleeding? Should I see a ...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Dear Ms. Liao: Generally speaking, events from childhood are less likely to be related to current symptoms. For the brief episodes of vision loss, it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist first for confirmation. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Zhang Yuanyi, Att...[Read More] Head Trauma: Symptoms and When to See a Neurosurgeon
Understanding Eye Venous Reflux: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Ocular venous reflux Hello Doctor: I previously experienced a sudden spike in blood pressure to 185/115, which later caused me to see black shadows pulsating in my vision in sync with my heartbeat during episodes of increased heart rate and shortness of breath. After undergoing a...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Dear QQ: Generally, in cases of superior oblique palsy (SOV), there may be retrograde visual impairment. Another possibility could involve the carotid-cavernous sinus fistula. Consider angiography; if the shadow is due to venous occlusion or vascular hemorrhage, it should be fixe...[Read More] Understanding Eye Venous Reflux: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding the Impact of Hypertension on Brain Hemorrhage Recovery
Hypertension Hello, doctor. A 45-year-old male with hypertension has suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and has undergone two drainages. His Glasgow Coma Scale score has improved from 5 to 8, but he has undergone a tracheostomy, so there is no score for the verbal response. Currently...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
I apologize, but I am unsure about the term "腦椎體" (which may refer to the "thalamus" or "brainstem" depending on the context) due to translation issues. The ventricles in a CT scan appear black under normal conditions, indicating no abnormalities. Ge...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Hypertension on Brain Hemorrhage Recovery
Understanding Parlodel Side Effects and Alternatives for Pituitary Tumors
Parlodel medication Taking one tablet of Parlodel daily to treat a 0.2 cm pituitary tumor can cause side effects such as dizziness, nausea, nasal congestion, and rapid heartbeat. These are considered common side effects. There are alternative medications available, and it may be ...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Parlodel may have side effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, facial flushing, orthostatic hypotension, insomnia, headache, nasal congestion, tinnitus, and abnormal liver function. The usual dosage of Parlodel is 2.5 mg, with a recommended daily dose of 2.5 ...[Read More] Understanding Parlodel Side Effects and Alternatives for Pituitary Tumors