Understanding Communication Challenges After Brain Injury: Is It Aphasia?
Brain injury - auditory comprehension (communication difficulties) and visual comprehension levels? Hello Doctor: Since the car accident two months ago, I have been experiencing strange phenomena. Over the past two months, I have noticed that when I answer phone calls, I often ha...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: Brain injuries can have many sequelae, and the symptoms will vary depending on the location of the injury. Most patients clinically show continuous improvement and can benefit from rehabilitation therapy. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may also be consulted to aid in brain reco...[Read More] Understanding Communication Challenges After Brain Injury: Is It Aphasia?
Understanding Delayed Brain Hemorrhage After Car Accidents: A Patient's Guide
Concussion or delayed intracranial hemorrhage from a car accident? Hello Dr. Zhao! My mother was involved in a car accident six years ago, where her left posterior brain impacted the left side window. The force was significant, but the airbags did not deploy. At that time, we app...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: Generally, delayed intracerebral hemorrhage is most likely to occur within one week of an acute bleed, while chronic bleeding may occur within three months. The likelihood of occurrence is significantly lower after six years. However, if there has been a history of trauma,...[Read More] Understanding Delayed Brain Hemorrhage After Car Accidents: A Patient's Guide
Post-Discectomy Pain: Understanding Recovery and Future Risks
Postoperative care for herniated disc surgery? I apologize, I had spinal disc surgery three months ago, where only part of the disc was removed and nothing was implanted. Sometimes I still experience pain in my buttocks, and when sitting, if my back is not straight and my head is...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Your condition may indicate that the nerves have not fully healed. It is also possible that scar tissue is adhering to the nerves, or it could be a sign of recurrence. Of course, there may be other reasons as well. I recommend that you bring your pre-operative and pos...[Read More] Post-Discectomy Pain: Understanding Recovery and Future Risks
Head Injury from Bumping: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Head trauma - impact injury Doctor, I have a question. This afternoon (February 28), while I was organizing my home, I squatted down to look for something. When I stood up, I forgot there was something above me and instinctively stood up, resulting in a significant impact on the ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You experienced an incident on February 28, and today is March 1, which means it has been nearly 24 hours. If your symptoms persist, especially if you have severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, seizures, or weakness in your limbs, you should see a doctor as soon as possible....[Read More] Head Injury from Bumping: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Should Skull Reconstruction Be Done for Comatose Patients After Severe Head Injury?
In cases of severe head trauma from a car accident where the patient has been in a coma for several months, is it necessary to first repair the skull? My mother is in her 50s and was involved in a serious car accident in mid-October, resulting in severe head trauma and coma, alon...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: For general traumatic brain injuries, early assessment and reduction of swelling are important. If possible, skull fractures can be repaired early, which can be beneficial for brain recovery. You may want to consult with a neurosurgeon for evaluation at Changhua Hospital, ...[Read More] Should Skull Reconstruction Be Done for Comatose Patients After Severe Head Injury?
Best Pillows for Herniated Discs: Finding Comfort and Support
What type of pillow is recommended for a herniated disc? Hello Director Lai, I have been dealing with cervical disc herniation for 18 years. Back then, I experienced constant pain while awake, but after a year of rehabilitation, the pain disappeared. I have been very mindful of m...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: According to evidence-based medicine, when selecting a pillow, the key points are for back sleeping or side sleeping: 1. The area between the head, neck, and shoulders should have proper support (there should be no gaps, and the neck should not be suspended). 2. The cervic...[Read More] Best Pillows for Herniated Discs: Finding Comfort and Support
Head Injury Concerns: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Bump
Head trauma Hello doctor, yesterday when I was closing the rear car door, I accidentally hit my dad's head without noticing. He was conscious at the time but felt a lot of pain and has a small bruise on the top of his head. Today, he has no other discomfort. Is there a possi...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The likelihood of intracranial hemorrhage is low; however, if there is persistent headache and dizziness, immediate medical attention should be sought.[Read More] Head Injury Concerns: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Bump
Could It Be Subarachnoid Hemorrhage? Understanding Severe Headaches
Is it a subarachnoid hemorrhage? I started experiencing high blood pressure and severe headaches after eating pork the day before yesterday. The pain is worse than before, as if there is a stone pressing on my head. Sometimes I feel a bit better and manage to sleep, but I still w...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Neurology.[Read More] Could It Be Subarachnoid Hemorrhage? Understanding Severe Headaches
Managing Post-Car Accident Head Pain: Effective Relief Strategies
Post-traumatic sequelae from a car accident? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about an incident on January 16 where I sustained a head injury in a car accident. At the time, I did not feel nauseous, and the emergency department assessed that there was no concussion. However, si...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is recommended to schedule a consultation with a neurosurgeon.[Read More] Managing Post-Car Accident Head Pain: Effective Relief Strategies
Understanding Disc Herniation: When to Seek MRI for Back Pain Relief
Herniated disc Hello doctor, I have been experiencing persistent lower back pain, which is so severe that it even hurts to walk. My shoulders and neck are also very tense, and when I feel discomfort in my neck, it can lead to headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Additionally, I have...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You may have nerve compression in your cervical spine and also have lesions in your lumbar spine. If you have already tried conservative treatment along with injection therapy without improvement, it is recommended to consider scheduling an MRI for further evaluation. Best...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: When to Seek MRI for Back Pain Relief
Understanding Irregularities in the Occipital Region: A Neurosurgical Perspective
Regarding the issue of irregularities in the occipital region? Hello, doctor. About a month ago, I noticed some irregularities in the center of the back of my head (specifically at the intersection of a line extending horizontally from the upper part of my ear and a line extendin...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. As your previous orthopedic doctor mentioned, it should be a normal skull. 2. A CT scan has also been performed, and if the doctor determines it to be normal, you can feel more at ease. 3. If you are still concerned, consider consulting a neurosurgeon for another evalua...[Read More] Understanding Irregularities in the Occipital Region: A Neurosurgical Perspective
Understanding Post-Surgery Confusion After Brain Hemorrhage Drainage
Altered consciousness after drainage of a cerebral hemorrhage? Hello, doctor! My father was sent to the hospital three weeks after a fall due to headaches. After examination, he was found to have a subdural hematoma. The physician recommended drainage for quicker recovery (and he...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without detailed computed tomography and examinations, it is not possible to provide an interpretation or prognosis based on specific medical conditions.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Confusion After Brain Hemorrhage Drainage
Understanding Post-Concussion Symptoms: Headaches and Focus Issues
Head-related consultation? Hello, doctor. Four years ago (during middle school), I slipped and fell while running in a hurry, hitting the back of my head. Since then, I've experienced some mild migraines and difficulty concentrating. Is this considered a normal aftereffect? ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. If you started experiencing symptoms such as migraines and difficulty concentrating immediately after the impact, it may be a post-concussion syndrome. However, it is uncommon for these symptoms to persist for more than three months. 2. If you developed the aforemention...[Read More] Understanding Post-Concussion Symptoms: Headaches and Focus Issues
Chronic Brain Hemorrhage: Understanding Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Chronic cerebral hemorrhage with hematoma compressing the brain? Hello Dr. Zhang, my father (born in 1943) had a severe head injury from a fall down the stairs at the end of August, resulting in significant bleeding that required emergency care. A CT scan at that time showed only...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without detailed CT scans and neurological examinations, it is not possible to determine an accurate treatment plan. It is recommended to bring the discharge summary and CT scans to an outpatient appointment for discussion with the physician.[Read More] Chronic Brain Hemorrhage: Understanding Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Is It Safe to Fly Years After Skull Surgery? Understanding the Risks
Is there still a high risk of flying years after cranial surgery? Hello, doctor. I was in a serious car accident four years ago, during which I sustained a brain injury and had a portion of my skull about the size of a fist removed. Later, a titanium plate was used to replace the...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
There is basically no risk anymore, but it is still advisable to consult with the surgeon who originally performed your operation.[Read More] Is It Safe to Fly Years After Skull Surgery? Understanding the Risks
Can Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Go Unidentified on Scans?
Subarachnoid hemorrhage with no identifiable bleeding source? Is it possible that a relative diagnosed with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to sudden severe headache might still not have a detectable bleeding source after undergoing relevant imaging studies?
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It's possible.[Read More] Can Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Go Unidentified on Scans?
Understanding Head Injuries from Motorcycle and Bicycle Accidents
Injuries caused by car accidents? A collision between a motorcycle and a bicycle resulted in a fall that caused head trauma, leading to initial loss of consciousness and confusion. Bystanders attempted to rouse the individual with no response, and then a second motorcycle struck ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Yes, it is a concussion, it will.[Read More] Understanding Head Injuries from Motorcycle and Bicycle Accidents
Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery: Key Considerations for Recovery
Cervical spine spinal cord injury, laminectomy decompression surgery, discectomy, mobile artificial intervertebral disc? The mother is 62 years old and has diabetes, but it is uncertain whether she has osteoporosis. She fell off her bike on the road and was urgently taken to the ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: A. The principles of surgical treatment for cervical spinal cord injury are 1. Decompression 2. Reconstruction. You have already undergone posterior decompression (without fixation), but if your symptoms have not improved and follow-up MRI shows significant anterior compre...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery: Key Considerations for Recovery
Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Surgery
Dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) Hello Doctor: My mother underwent a transarterial embolization procedure for tinnitus at the end of August. The procedure was performed near the area below her ear, with access from the groin up to the neck. Immediately after waking up from the ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon to evaluate the spinal cord or sympathetic nerves in the head and neck region for any lesions. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Surgery
Understanding Head Trauma: Long-Term Effects and Concerns
Head trauma Hello, Doctor. Two years ago, I was struck on the head by a metal pipe while working. At that time, I was unsure if there was any issue, so I went to an orthopedic doctor for an X-ray, and the doctor said there was no fracture in the skull. After two months, I saw a n...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. According to medical principles, head trauma should be monitored for 3 months. If there is no further deterioration, the injury is considered stable. 2. If there is indeed intracranial hemorrhage, it will typically resolve and be absorbed within 1-2 months (similar to h...[Read More] Understanding Head Trauma: Long-Term Effects and Concerns