Understanding Symptoms After a Head Injury: What to Expect
Brain issues On the evening of February 25, 2020, after falling from a height of 130 cm while repairing the ceiling, the back of my head struck the concrete floor. It has been 4 days since the incident, and the most painful point is when I press down behind my right ear. If I gen...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
In general, head and neck contusions typically heal within about a week. If pain persists, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with a neurosurgery clinic for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Symptoms After a Head Injury: What to Expect
Understanding Neck Pain After Spinal Surgery: When to Seek MRI?
Neck pain Hello Dr. Chang, I underwent a decompression surgery with laminectomy and spinal fusion with internal fixation for the L4-L5 intervertebral disc on November 21, 2019. The doctor mentioned that it could be an old injury from judo, which I was unaware of at the time, comb...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The amount of medical X-ray radiation is very low, and undergoing several dozen procedures a year generally poses no problem. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) involves no radiation at all, so there is no need for concern.[Read More] Understanding Neck Pain After Spinal Surgery: When to Seek MRI?
Understanding Neck and Shoulder Pain: Neurological Insights and Solutions
Shoulder and neck body issues? Hello doctor, for the past three months, I have been experiencing occasional mild pain and tightness in the middle of my left posterior neck. Sometimes, it extends to my left shoulder, causing discomfort, and occasionally, I also feel tightness in m...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: The preliminary assessment suggests a cervical nerve issue. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon and arrange for an MRI to evaluate the severity. Best wishes to you. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang[Read More] Understanding Neck and Shoulder Pain: Neurological Insights and Solutions
Understanding Cervical Disc Issues: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Cervical cone issue Recently, I watched an educational video about proper neck posture and intentionally adjusted my neck according to the recommendations. After working in this position for a day, I noticed pain when I looked down at home. Initially, I thought it was just muscle...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
This symptom does not resemble nerve compression due to a herniated disc. Typically, if X-rays show no issues, it is recommended to wear a soft cervical collar, take anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications, and rest for one to two weeks. If there is no improvement, a consul...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Disc Issues: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Trigeminal neuralgia? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing a dull pain in my right teeth, but occasionally when I swallow something, I feel a sudden sharp pain on the right side of my mouth. After trying to swallow a few more times, the pain goes away. I've a...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is advisable to consult a dentist first to rule out any dental issues before suspecting trigeminal neuralgia.[Read More] Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Understanding Persistent Dizziness: Causes, Tests, and When to Get an MRI
Dizziness for more than two months? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing dizziness and shoulder and neck pain for the past two and a half months. The symptoms include a constant feeling of dizziness throughout the day, without a sensation of spinning, nausea, unsteadiness while...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Your issue is complex, and it is difficult to provide a complete answer without a thorough physical examination and tests. I recommend consulting a neurology or neurosurgery outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Dizziness: Causes, Tests, and When to Get an MRI
Understanding Left Neck Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Left neck pain? Four years ago, I experienced numbness in my left fingers and pain in my arm. After an MRI examination, it was found that there was a herniated disc at the levels of C3-C4, C4-C5, C5-C6, and C6-C7, with the C5-C6 level being more severe. I did not undergo surgery ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
X-rays cannot visualize intervertebral discs, let alone nerves. If there is a suspicion of worsening disc herniation with nerve compression, it is best to perform an MRI again.[Read More] Understanding Left Neck Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Treatment Options for Cervical Myelopathy and Syringomyelia
Treatment of cervical syringomyelia I went to New Taipei Hospital for consultation due to tightness and pain in my neck and shoulders. An MRI on July 27 revealed that the nerve root is being compressed between the C4 and C5 vertebrae, and there is spinal cord compression between ...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Spinal cord compression can lead to sensory and motor neurological symptoms, including pain, numbness, and weakness in the neck and both upper limbs. If there is a presence of syringomyelia, it generally indicates irreversible damage to the spinal cord. Surgical intervention on t...[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Cervical Myelopathy and Syringomyelia
Understanding Neck and Head Issues After a Slip and Fall Accident
Slip and fall, head and neck issues? Hello, doctor. Last week, I slipped and fell backward due to a wet floor. I'm not sure if I hit the back of my head, but I felt dizzy and experienced tinnitus immediately after getting up. I've still been feeling somewhat dizzy these...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
A posterior impact to the head and neck raises concerns about potential injuries to the cerebellum or cervical spine. Symptoms may include dizziness, headaches, neck pain, and poor balance. If these symptoms persist without improvement, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation ...[Read More] Understanding Neck and Head Issues After a Slip and Fall Accident
Understanding Neck Stiffness and Dizziness After a Fall: What to Do?
Stiff neck Hello, I accidentally slipped backward five days ago and have been experiencing persistent dizziness. In the past two days, I've also noticed tingling in my scalp, and my shoulders and neck feel a bit stiff, making me hesitant to move. Is this a normal phenomenon?...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If you may have an injury to your cervical spine, you can try neck protection, heat therapy, and applying analgesic ointment. If there is no improvement or if the condition worsens, it is advisable to consult a neurosurgeon for evaluation. Wishing you well, Dr. Lai Chao-Ka...[Read More] Understanding Neck Stiffness and Dizziness After a Fall: What to Do?
Head Injury Concerns: Potential Risks and Management After Impact
Top of the head impact issues? Hello Director Chang, Today, while I was getting into a government van, I didn't notice the height difference and hit my head hard against the door frame. It was very painful at the moment, and the pain radiated to the back of my head. By the ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Based on your description, it seems to be a mild head injury. If discomfort persists, you may want to schedule an appointment with a surgical outpatient clinic for further evaluation.[Read More] Head Injury Concerns: Potential Risks and Management After Impact
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 Chiropractic Care: Risks and Benefits for Spinal Health
Spinal and cervical adjustment? Hello doctor, I have had scoliosis since I was in the first year of junior high school until the first year of high school. When I was in the third year of junior high, I went to the hospital for rehabilitation, but they didn't mention anythin...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The quality of chiropractic care varies widely; if it has already caused you discomfort, it's best to stop.[Read More] Understanding Chiropractic Care: Risks and Benefits for Spinal Health
Understanding Disc Herniation: Severity, Treatment Options, and Surgery
The severity of a herniated disc and the decision to undergo surgery? Hello Doctor, earlier this year I experienced muscle tightness in my back (with a forward protrusion on the right side). During the Lunar New Year, I began to have lower back pain and numbness in my legs (with ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The nucleus pulposus at the L5-S1 level can be absorbed, but if left untreated for a long time, it will degenerate, become dehydrated, and harden, making it more difficult to manage later. Additionally, the intervertebral height will gradually decrease, which can lead...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: Severity, Treatment Options, and Surgery
Is Heat Therapy Safe for Neck Pain and Nerve Compression?
Neck heat therapy issues? Hello Doctor, I am currently 37 years old and experiencing neck and shoulder pain with numbness in my hands. I have been undergoing rehabilitation since December of last year, and in April, I had an MRI at the hospital which showed a herniated disc at th...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Rehabilitation may improve your symptoms (neck and shoulder pain, hand numbness). However, it will not fundamentally resolve the issue of the herniated disc at the C5-6 level compressing the nerve by about one-third. 2. Heat therapy should not be too hot (over 45 degree...[Read More] Is Heat Therapy Safe for Neck Pain and Nerve Compression?
Understanding Head Masses: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Head mass When I was a child, around elementary or middle school, I had an accident while riding a bike and hit the back of my left head. The swelling has not gone down and is still present to this day. I remember having a severe headache in high school that made me vomit, and th...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is difficult to understand what has happened based solely on your description. It is recommended to visit a neurosurgery outpatient clinic for examination and consultation.[Read More] Understanding Head Masses: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Managing C7 Vertebra Fracture: Sleep Positions and Recovery Tips
Fracture of the seventh cervical vertebra? If the seventh cervical vertebra is fractured due to a car accident and treated with a soft cervical collar without surgery, it is important to follow specific guidelines for sleeping and daily activities. 1. **Sleeping Position**: It ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
1. Side-lying, sleeping on the side - please wear a cervical collar as well. 2. For a normal person, fracture healing generally takes about 3 months. Therefore, wearing a cervical collar for 3 months is the safest option, so hospitalization for 3 months is not feasible. Thus, p...[Read More] Managing C7 Vertebra Fracture: Sleep Positions and Recovery Tips
Post-Operative Symptoms After Anterior Cervical Discectomy: What to Expect?
Inquire about the postoperative sequelae of anterior cervical discectomy? Hello Doctor: My father is currently in his 50s and has experienced an inability to move his neck up and down or side to side. After visiting the hospital, the doctor recommended surgery, and he underwent p...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: A few individuals may suggest starting rehabilitation first. Wishing you all the best. // Dr. Chao-Kang Lai, Department of Spine Surgery[Read More] Post-Operative Symptoms After Anterior Cervical Discectomy: What to Expect?
Understanding Shoulder and Neck Pain Radiating to Arm Discomfort
Shoulder and neck pain radiating to the arm? I have been experiencing shoulder and neck pain for several years. A few years ago, an X-ray showed that my cervical vertebrae at the C5 level are curved, along with degenerative arthritis. I was prescribed medication and advised to ta...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, you have cervical nerve compression, which is causing nerve pain. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. Best wishes to you. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Chief of Spine Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Shoulder and Neck Pain Radiating to Arm Discomfort
Post-Car Accident Head Issues: Understanding Concussion Symptoms and Recovery
Head injuries after a car accident? Hello Dr. Chang, It has been almost a month since I was involved in a car accident. I was riding my motorcycle when a car making a U-turn hit the left side of my vehicle. At the time, I was conscious and was thrown about half the height of th...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Yes, this is post-concussion syndrome. It requires plenty of rest for self-improvement, and there is no need for an MRI.[Read More] Post-Car Accident Head Issues: Understanding Concussion Symptoms and Recovery