Understanding Cervical Spine Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Cervical cone issue Last year, I experienced tinnitus in my left ear, neck pain, and left chest tightness, so I visited the outpatient department of neurosurgery. The doctor requested a cervical MRI, and the report is as follows: **Summary of Imaging Findings** Multiplanar mu...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is difficult to determine the issue based solely on the report. It is recommended to visit a neurosurgery specialty clinic for a detailed physical evaluation in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Thumb Tremors: Is It Related to Cervical Disc Issues?
Tremor of the left thumb? Ten years ago, I had an MRI that showed herniated discs at the cervical levels C3-C4-C5, with symptoms that fluctuate in severity. When I feel uncomfortable, I go for physical therapy, but recently my discomfort has increased. Turning my neck to the left...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected to be a symptom of cervical nerve involvement. Given your age and symptoms, there is little likelihood of brain issues or Parkinson's disease. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of the Spine Surgery Department, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Thumb Tremors: Is It Related to Cervical Disc Issues?
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 Chronic Dizziness: Exploring Neck and Shoulder Connections
Chronic dizziness Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing long-term dizziness (not vertigo, and I do not feel unbalanced). I do not have any chronic illnesses and have consulted a neurologist. My EEG results were normal, and I have been taking a medication called Nootropil for a ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without a detailed physical examination, it is impossible to determine; it could be present or it could be absent.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Dizziness: Exploring Neck and Shoulder Connections
Understanding Head Injuries: What to Do After a Fall
Fell and hit the back of the head? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I accidentally fell and hit the back of my head. It immediately swelled up significantly, and aside from the redness, swelling, and pain at the impact site, there were no other unusual symptoms that day. I applied ice, ...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: Common symptoms of head trauma include concussion symptoms, headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Typically, these symptoms will gradually improve. If there are any changes, you can follow up at a neurosurgery outpatient clinic. Generally, after 48 hours, you may appl...[Read More] Understanding Head Injuries: What to Do After a Fall
Understanding Post-Car Accident Head Injuries and Symptoms
Head injury from a car accident? Hello, Doctor. A few days ago, I was in a car accident where I hit a tree. The left side of my face is bruised and swollen, and there are slight fractures in my orbital bone and skull. I have bruises on my neck and limbs. The doctor said it would ...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: You can schedule an appointment for a consultation in the neurosurgery department for a detailed evaluation and examination. Issues related to trauma can sometimes manifest later. If new problems arise, further examinations can be arranged for confirmation. Changhua Hospit...[Read More] Understanding Post-Car Accident Head Injuries and Symptoms
Understanding the Causes of Arm Numbness Upon Waking Up
The causes of waking up with numbness in the arm? Hello, Doctor! Recently, I have noticed that sometimes while sleeping, I unconsciously raise one arm above my head (resting it on the pillow behind my head rather than pressing it underneath). When I wake up, the entire arm feels ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. It is suspected that you may have issues related to cervical nerve, shoulder and neck, or even brachial plexus, which could lead you to unconsciously sleep in this position to relieve pressure in those areas. This posture can affect blood circulation in the shoulder a...[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Arm Numbness Upon Waking Up
Understanding Right Shoulder and Neck Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Right shoulder and neck pain? I would like to ask the doctor. I'm not sure if it's because I got water in my ear after showering a few days ago, but I kept shaking my head to the left, and the next day I felt pain at the junction of my right shoulder and neck, as if it ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: The initial assessment suggests a deep muscle fascia strain in the shoulder and neck area, leading to inflammation. It is also important to consider possible compression of the cervical nerves. It is recommended to wear a cervical collar at home, apply heat (switch to ice ...[Read More] Understanding Right Shoulder and Neck Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
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
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 Nerve Compression and Surgery Risks in Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical osteophytes compressing nerve edema? Consulting a physician: My mother is experiencing sharp pain in the right side of her back and stiffness in her neck and shoulders. Aside from these symptoms, there are no other issues. However, to clarify the cause of these problems,...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You are correct, and the doctor is also correct; this is actually a matter of risk assessment and probability (high probability events vs. low probability events). 1. MRI confirms that the nerve is being compressed, causing your mother's symptoms, which is the reali...[Read More] Understanding Nerve Compression and Surgery Risks in Cervical Spondylosis
Managing Neck Pain and Chest Discomfort: Insights from Neurosurgery
Chest pain, back issues? Last week, I visited a neurosurgeon and underwent an MRI. The report is as follows: **Summary Imaging Findings** Multiplanar multisequence MRI of the cervical spine without contrast enhancement shows: - **Alignment**: Grade I retrolisthesis at C4-5 ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Please describe your symptoms to the rehabilitation physician and provide the aforementioned cervical spine MRI report or images to the doctor. Ask for their opinion and request to arrange a rehabilitation program, which will generally focus on cervical traction. Best wish...[Read More] Managing Neck Pain and Chest Discomfort: Insights from Neurosurgery
Understanding Shoulder and Neck Sounds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Shoulder and neck sound concerns? Recently, I've been experiencing occasional cracking sounds at the junction of my shoulder and cervical spine. Sometimes, even when I move my shoulder or take a deep breath, I hear noises, but it doesn't happen when I only move my neck....
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, it is suspected that the joint connecting the shoulder to the cervical spine is producing abnormal sounds. This may be due to being underweight, lack of exercise, and insufficient flexibility. The noise during movement could be attributed to a lack of synovial fluid, simil...[Read More] Understanding Shoulder and Neck Sounds: When to Seek Medical Advice
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
Head Injury in Elderly: Understanding Risks and Symptoms After a Fall
Elderly person sustained a head injury? Hello, Dr. Chang! I would like to ask you about my father, who is 65 years old. He has a history of chemotherapy, fibrosis in the head and neck region, and chronic low blood pressure. Four days ago, he experienced dizziness and fell from hi...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
If the elderly person experiences any discomfort or if you have any concerns, please visit a nearby hospital to register for a consultation.[Read More] Head Injury in Elderly: Understanding Risks and Symptoms After a Fall
Understanding Your Symptoms: When to Consult a Neurosurgeon
Medical consultation Hello, I have been feeling persistently lethargic, primarily starting with a dizzy sensation from the back of my neck. I also experience chest pain, numbness in my big toe, occasional facial twitching (similar to eyelid twitching), frequent tinnitus, stomach ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
You can schedule an appointment with the neurology department.[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: When to Consult a Neurosurgeon
Understanding Irregular Headaches: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Irregular headaches (right upper, frontal, etc.) Hello Doctor, I started experiencing persistent headaches last week. During the day, the headaches occur irregularly and in different locations. However, the right upper frontal area and the right lower temple are more common. I ha...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
You can visit the hospital for examination and evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Irregular Headaches: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Risks of Early Ear Stone Repositioning After C5-C6 Disc Surgery
C5-C6 artificial disc replacement and otolith repositioning procedure? Hello, Doctor. At the end of last month, I underwent cervical spine surgery at the C5-C6 level due to bone spurs and a herniated disc, and I had an artificial disc implanted. This month, I had a canalith repos...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If the procedure is performed gently and with a protective neck collar, it is still feasible to treat the condition of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) by professional medical staff. Please continue to follow up! Wishing you health and safety. By Dr. Lai Chao-Ka...[Read More] Risks of Early Ear Stone Repositioning After C5-C6 Disc Surgery