Understanding Post-Surgery Recovery in Neurosurgery: Key Questions Answered
ICH Hello Dr. Chen: My classmate was involved in a motorcycle accident on February 9, 2004, where he sustained significant head trauma and bleeding from both ears. He was rushed to the hospital, where the doctors performed an emergency craniotomy on the left side of his brain, fo...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello Miss Yu-Chen: I do not have outpatient services in Taipei. If it is inconvenient for you to come to Taoyuan, you can visit Dr. Huang Jun-Yi at the Neurosurgery Department of Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Wishing you and your family peace, health, and happiness.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Recovery in Neurosurgery: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Skull Deformities: When to Seek a Second Opinion in Neurosurgery
Cranial atrophy and depression? The doctor suggested that the issue with the brain tumor may have improved, leading to bone depression, and recommended that I consult the original surgeon for an examination. I really want to go back and ask that doctor, but... his response made m...
Dr. Chen Changmu Reply:
Hello Ms. Huang: Cranial reshaping surgery is a method to address skull depressions, but it also carries risks. This procedure is typically recommended only when symptoms are very pronounced or there is a strong desire for aesthetic improvement. Symptoms such as dizziness, headac...[Read More] Understanding Skull Deformities: When to Seek a Second Opinion in Neurosurgery
Understanding High Prolactin Tumors: Impacts on Health and Relationships
Prolactin-secreting tumor My wife discovered a tumor about five years ago after her menstrual period did not return and her breast milk did not subside following childbirth. After taking medication, she experienced various discomforts, including headaches and nausea. Approximatel...
Dr. Chen Changmu Reply:
Your wife's issues may still be related to a brain tumor, or it could be due to insufficient hormone secretion from the pituitary gland, or possibly a recurrence of the tumor leading to excessive prolactin secretion. In any case, it is advisable to encourage her to return to...[Read More] Understanding High Prolactin Tumors: Impacts on Health and Relationships
Understanding Chronic Neck and Back Pain: A Decade of Struggles
Neck and back pain for the past ten years? Since junior high, I have been staying up late to study, which initially caused neck pain. Over time, the pain spread to my shoulders and back, and eventually to my head. Now, in my junior year of college, the pain has reached my lower b...
Dr. Chen Changmu Reply:
1. Your symptoms appear to be quite complex, but upon closer examination, they can likely be categorized as tension-type headaches. This is because the symptoms began after staying up late to study, and thinking about studying triggers the headaches again. Engaging in leisure act...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Neck and Back Pain: A Decade of Struggles
Exploring Treatment Options for Intracranial Lipomas: Beyond Surgery
Intracranial lipoma Hello, recently a family member underwent a health check and was found to have an intracranial lipoma. Over the past year, they have experienced symptoms such as dizziness and headaches, which have become severe enough to require a week-long hospitalization. T...
Dr. Chen Changmu Reply:
Intracranial lipomas are relatively rare benign tumors, and the decision to perform surgery depends on the severity of the symptoms and their location. If the tumor is superficial and not located in critical functional areas, it can generally be safely removed. However, if it is ...[Read More] Exploring Treatment Options for Intracranial Lipomas: Beyond Surgery
Post-Concussion Care: When to Seek Further Medical Attention?
Head trauma Hello, doctor: I would like to ask about a head injury I sustained in a car accident a month ago. I had a laceration approximately 4 centimeters long that required sutures. I briefly lost consciousness at the time, and when I woke up, I seemed to have forgotten some t...
Dr. Shao Guoning Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, head trauma is often accompanied by symptoms such as headache and dizziness, which are usually temporary. The duration of these symptoms varies depending on the severity of the injury and individual constitution, and they can be alleviated wit...[Read More] Post-Concussion Care: When to Seek Further Medical Attention?
Understanding Brain Tumors: Surgery Success Rates and Risks
Brain tumor Dear Doctor, My father is 53 years old and has been diagnosed with a brain tumor for nearly a year. Since the diagnosis, the tumor has not grown, but the cerebral edema has worsened. His symptoms primarily include headaches, pulsatile tinnitus, tinnitus, unsteady gai...
Dr. Shao Guoning Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, meningiomas are, in very rare cases, benign tumors. In other words, they do not metastasize, and as long as they are completely surgically removed, they will not recur. Although meningiomas grow slowly, the brain is encased in the skull, leavi...[Read More] Understanding Brain Tumors: Surgery Success Rates and Risks
Understanding Scalp Pain: When to See a Neurologist or Dermatologist
Brain issues Hello… In the past two to three weeks, I have experienced pain when lightly pressing on my scalp while washing my hair (specifically on the top of my head). I would like to know if this is related to the scalp or if it could be a brain issue. A few months ago, I also...
Dr. Hong Xuyi Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, your issue may be related to inflammation of the hair follicles on the scalp. It is advisable to consult a dermatologist. The symptoms of headache typically do not involve tenderness; tenderness usually indicates a scalp issue.[Read More] Understanding Scalp Pain: When to See a Neurologist or Dermatologist
Understanding Intracranial Hemorrhage: Recovery and Care Insights
Intracranial hemorrhage Hello Dr. Shao: My friend had a motorcycle accident on December 4, 2003, resulting in an intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). He underwent a craniotomy the next day, and a piece of his skull was preserved in cold storage. He had an endotracheal tube and a nasoga...
Dr. Shao Guoning Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, I appreciate your deep concern for this patient. It is rare for someone other than close relatives to observe so attentively, and I am truly touched. (1) He has a traumatic brain hemorrhage and has undergone a right craniectomy due to injury...[Read More] Understanding Intracranial Hemorrhage: Recovery and Care Insights
Understanding Nasal Growths: Causes, Symptoms, and Health Implications
There is a growth in the nostril? Hello, I discovered a round mass in my right nostril when I was in middle school. I have now noticed that it has grown significantly larger. It is not a hard lump, but rather a soft, swollen ball filled with air that is lodged inside my nostril. ...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello, when a person tilts their head back, a fleshy mass can usually be seen in the nasal cavity, which we refer to as the "inferior turbinate." This is a normal tissue structure. However, in patients with chronic rhinitis, including allergic rhinitis, the inferior tur...[Read More] Understanding Nasal Growths: Causes, Symptoms, and Health Implications
Understanding Prolactin Levels: When to See a Specialist for Treatment
Prolactin Hello doctor, I have been experiencing irregular menstruation for about eight years, starting when I was in high school. I thought it was due to academic stress, as I suddenly gained 10 kilograms in the middle of one month (which I have not been able to lose despite eat...
Dr. Hong Xuyi Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, it seems you have been troubled by irregular menstrual cycles and weight issues for some time. Many hormonal interactions can affect menstrual performance, such as elevated prolactin levels, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and luteal phase d...[Read More] Understanding Prolactin Levels: When to See a Specialist for Treatment
Head Injury from Domestic Violence: When to See a Neurosurgeon?
Head injury? Hello, doctor: My girlfriend was injured on her head by her father after drinking (domestic violence). As a result, there is a dent in her skull, and she is experiencing pain, dizziness, and some nausea. Should I take her to see a neurosurgeon or a neurologist? Thank...
Dr. Hong Xuyi Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, she must see a neurosurgeon immediately and arrange for a cranial X-ray or a brain CT scan.[Read More] Head Injury from Domestic Violence: When to See a Neurosurgeon?
Post-Surgery Care and Considerations for Ventricular Drainage Catheters
Ventricular drainage catheter Hello: My girlfriend has recently undergone surgery for a ventricular tumor, and the doctor mentioned the need for a ventricular drainage catheter. I would like to ask: 1. What precautions should be taken after the placement of the ventricular draina...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: After surgery for ventricular tumors, some patients may experience hydrocephalus, which may necessitate a ventriculoperitoneal shunt procedure. Postoperatively, there are no special precautions required in daily life; however, it is important to monitor the drainage tube f...[Read More] Post-Surgery Care and Considerations for Ventricular Drainage Catheters
Gas Poisoning: Concerns About Brain Damage After Exposure
Gas poisoning? The gas stove was accidentally turned off, and I didn't realize it until half an hour later when I noticed a strong gas smell throughout the entire house. I quickly turned it off, and it took about half an hour for the smell to dissipate. Besides feeling short...
Dr. Hong Xuyi Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the main component of gas is aliphatic hydrocarbons, which are non-toxic, colorless, odorless, and tasteless (the odor of gas is intentionally added for safety purposes, typically a foul-smelling compound like hydrogen sulfide). Therefore, unl...[Read More] Gas Poisoning: Concerns About Brain Damage After Exposure
Sudden Severe Pain in the Back of the Head: Causes and Insights
Severe headache? Doctor Hong, if I suddenly turn my head, I experience a sudden and severe pain in the back right side of my head that lasts for about a minute before subsiding. What could be the cause of this? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Hong Xuyi Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, some similar pains may be caused by tendonitis, as there are many small muscles at the back of the head responsible for fine-tuning the position of the head. Once the tendons become inflamed, it can lead to the aforementioned symptoms. You may...[Read More] Sudden Severe Pain in the Back of the Head: Causes and Insights
Repeated Head Injuries: How Do They Affect Brain Health?
Head injury? As an active person who frequently experiences head impacts leading to multiple concussions, you may be concerned about potential cognitive decline. Each concussion can indeed result in some degree of brain cell damage, and repeated concussions may increase the risk ...
Dr. Hong Xuyi Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, athletes can experience cognitive impairment due to head trauma, with multiple injuries accumulating over time, exemplified by boxing champion Muhammad Ali. The impact of different forces and mechanisms can have varying effects based on age an...[Read More] Repeated Head Injuries: How Do They Affect Brain Health?
Understanding Localized Headaches: Causes and Symptoms Explained
Headache I sometimes experience headaches that are localized pain. Occasionally, I also have headaches during intense physical activity. What could these symptoms indicate? My headaches are small, localized pains that I have experienced for a long time. I previously submitted a q...
Dr. Hong Xuyi Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, there are many causes of headaches. It is difficult to differentiate between migraine and tension-type headaches online. The best recommendation is to consult a neurologist in person.[Read More] Understanding Localized Headaches: Causes and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Gemma Tumors: Insights and Concerns from Neurosurgery
Could you please specify your question, so I can assist you better? What is a meningioma? I was hospitalized at Chi Mei Hospital for 12 days at the end of March due to a colon ulcer. During my stay, I frequently experienced headaches and consulted a doctor who arranged for a CT s...
Dr. Hong Xuyi Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, please discuss directly with your physician at the neurosurgery outpatient clinic, or confirm the name of the tumor you mentioned for better clarification.[Read More] Understanding Gemma Tumors: Insights and Concerns from Neurosurgery
Understanding Scoliosis: Treatment Options and Impact on Daily Life
Scoliosis Doctor, I have a question: I frequently experience soreness in my neck and shoulders, and when I tilt my head back, I feel a dull pain near the nerves beside my spine. Once, after receiving cupping therapy from a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, I was told tha...
Dr. Hong Xuyi Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, these issues must be assessed in person. Please visit a specialist's clinic for further diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Scoliosis: Treatment Options and Impact on Daily Life
Are Aneurysms Hereditary? Understanding Risks and Symptoms
Will aneurysms be inherited? Dear Dr. Hong, I apologize for taking up your valuable time, but I have a question I would like to ask you. My mother suffered a brain hemorrhage two years ago due to a ruptured aneurysm. Fortunately, she survived and has not experienced any impact o...
Dr. Hong Xuyi Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, if you are experiencing abnormal headaches, it is essential to consult a neurologist for a differential diagnosis. As for whether aneurysms are related to genetics, aneurysms caused by specific genetic disorders (such as polycystic kidney dise...[Read More] Are Aneurysms Hereditary? Understanding Risks and Symptoms