Understanding Spinal Fusion Surgery: Risks and Benefits for Seniors
Evaluation of Spinal Fusion Surgery Hello, doctor. My mother is 71 years old and has chronic diseases. Currently, she experiences difficulty walking for extended periods, accompanied by lower back pain and numbness in both legs. She has undergone X-rays and an MRI, and the doctor...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Spinal disorders that compress nerves can cause symptoms such as aching, cramping, numbness, weakness, and limping. While these conditions are not life-threatening, they can significantly impact quality of life and dignity. In severe cases, they may lead to impaired mobili...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Fusion Surgery: Risks and Benefits for Seniors
Post-Surgery Pain Management: Understanding Discomfort After Disc Surgery
Hello Dr. Lai: Issues after intervertebral disc herniation surgery? Dear Director Lai, I apologize for taking up your time with this lengthy message, but I would like to know what the next steps should be. 1. After waking up from surgery, I experienced pain in my left lower bac...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. After lying flat for an extended period, the compressed nerves can become more vulnerable. Under certain conditions, poor blood circulation in the surrounding area may trigger pain and numbness, which is not uncommon. You can apply warmth through heat packs, adjust yo...[Read More] Post-Surgery Pain Management: Understanding Discomfort After Disc Surgery
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
Understanding Complications of L3 Spinal Surgery: A Patient's Journey
Misplacement of L3 pedicle screw in lumbar spine surgery? Hello, doctor. My father is 72 years old. Preoperative X-rays showed signs of scoliosis and spondylolisthesis, with complaints of inability to walk for long periods due to lower back pain and numbness in his legs when sitt...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Postoperative follow-up shows that the original symptoms have not improved and have worsened after surgery. If imaging reveals that a steel screw has penetrated the nerve canal, there are no other options but to adjust and perform another surgery (unless the patient is ...[Read More] Understanding Complications of L3 Spinal Surgery: A Patient's Journey
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 Cauda Equina Syndrome: Recovery, Surgery, and Treatment Options
Cauda equina syndrome Hello Doctor, I fell from the fourth floor on August 13, resulting in cauda equina syndrome, with compression at vertebrae 7 and 12, as well as a pelvic fracture and bilateral crush fractures of the feet. The doctor initially mentioned a minimally invasive p...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Cauda equina syndrome is a severe neurological injury. An MRI is needed to assess where the affected segments are and to determine if there are conditions for surgical decompression and spinal reconstruction. 2. If surgery is indicated, it should be performed as earl...[Read More] Understanding Cauda Equina Syndrome: Recovery, Surgery, and Treatment Options
Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation: To Operate or Not?
Cervical intervertebral disc herniation..? Hello Dr. Lai: I visited for arm numbness and pain last November, and it was found that I have a herniated disc at the C5 and C6 vertebrae. At that time, I underwent traction therapy and acupuncture, which helped a bit, but I did not ful...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Whether to perform surgery for cervical disc herniation compressing the nerves depends on: 1. The urgency of the situation, such as if there is already paralysis or weakness; 2. The effectiveness of conservative treatments, such as medications and physical therapy; if thes...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation: To Operate or Not?
Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Sciatica I have been suffering from lower back pain for at least two years without seeing a doctor. The pain comes and goes, and when I turn over in bed, I experience sharp pain from my lower back to my buttocks and thighs. Sometimes the pain is so severe that I am afraid to move...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: The symptoms suggest sciatica, which is usually caused by lumbar spondylolisthesis or herniated discs that compress the nerves. However, to confirm the diagnosis, X-rays combined with MRI are needed. Considering that you are 30 weeks pregnant, it is generally recommended f...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain: Seeking Answers for Lasting Relief
Daily Disturbances I have been experiencing persistent pain from my neck to my shoulders, and sometimes it even extends to my fingers, causing numbness. Recently, this pain has spread to my deltoid area. When I press on the side of my cervical spine and then release, I feel a str...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected to be cervical spine degeneration, commonly cervical disc herniation, which compresses the nerves. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon and undergo X-rays, or even an MRI, to assess the condition. Best wishes from Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of the S...[Read More] Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain: Seeking Answers for Lasting Relief
Understanding Eye Discomfort: When to See a Neurologist or Ophthalmologist
I have been feeling that my right eye is not fully open for a long time? Hello, doctor. For the past three months, I have been experiencing a sensation where my right eye does not fully open upon waking up (it feels like it only opens about 80-90%). This results in my left eye ap...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
You can schedule an appointment with either the neurosurgery or neurology department.[Read More] Understanding Eye Discomfort: When to See a Neurologist or Ophthalmologist
Understanding Facial and Head Numbness: Causes and Treatment Options
Numbness and swelling in the head and face? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing numbness and swelling in my head and face every day for over ten years. Last year, I went to Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital for a neurological examination of my head and facial nerves, and the...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms require an evaluation of intracranial lesions and facial nerve disorders... Additionally, a detailed investigation of the cervical spine nerves may be necessary. Based on your description [...lying semi-reclined on the bed with your head turned to the right w...[Read More] Understanding Facial and Head Numbness: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Latest Minimally Invasive Treatments
Spinal instability due to spondylolisthesis? Hello, Director Lai. I am an RA. MRI shows L4-5 spondylolisthesis with spinal instability, herniated disc compressing the nerve, and narrowing of the intervertebral space. Symptoms include lumbar pain, right lower limb neuropathic pain...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The OLIF procedure you mentioned is relatively novel, and its advantages are generally as you described. However, it should be noted that OLIF accesses the spine from the anterolateral approach and employs an indirect decompression technique, which means it may not ac...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Latest Minimally Invasive Treatments
Understanding Spine Surgery: Managing Pain and Recovery Challenges
Spinal surgery Hello Doctor: My father has been experiencing pain and numbness in his legs, which radiates from his lower back down to the soles of his feet. After being diagnosed at the hospital, it was determined that the degeneration of the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae wa...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, high-frequency thermal coagulation therapy can be considered; however, the patient needs to come to the clinic for an evaluation. Additionally, it is recommended to bring recent MRI and X-ray images from the original hospital, copied onto a disc....[Read More] Understanding Spine Surgery: Managing Pain and Recovery Challenges
Can Brain Tumors Cause Pressure in the Nasal Cavity?
Can a brain tumor compress the nasal cavity? Since October 2021, I have been experiencing a feeling of pressure and tightness in the right nasal cavity (without pain). I have consulted with an otolaryngologist and a dentist to rule out issues such as nasopharyngeal cancer or dent...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Under normal circumstances, brain tumors do not compress the nasal cavity.[Read More] Can Brain Tumors Cause Pressure in the Nasal Cavity?
Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms: Nerve Issues After Thoracic Surgery
Thoracic spine issues Hello, doctor! I had surgery last June for thoracic spinal stenosis that was compressing my nerves, but nearly a year after the surgery, I still experience persistent numbness in my legs. I later returned for follow-up visits and had an MRI to assess the com...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Very likely.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms: Nerve Issues After Thoracic Surgery
Post-Surgery Nerve Pain: Understanding Scar Tissue Impact and Treatment Options
Surgical excision of the area behind the knee? Doctor, I have been experiencing numbness and pain in my calf for a year after surgery! During this time, I have undergone rehabilitation and received medication injections, but there has been no significant improvement. Recently, I ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: I recommend that you consult with a pain specialist or a neurosurgeon to arrange for a series of tests such as nerve conduction studies and electromyography. After that, an assessment can be made regarding the possibility of further treatments, such as pain nerve block pro...[Read More] Post-Surgery Nerve Pain: Understanding Scar Tissue Impact and Treatment Options
Understanding Cervical Fusion and Artificial Discs: Can Surgery Relieve Nerve Pain?
Cervical fusion at levels C3-C4 and artificial disc replacement at levels C5-C6? Hello, Director! I am an RA and I have decided to undergo surgery for my cervical spine, specifically C3-C4 fusion and C5-C6 artificial disc replacement. I also have symptoms of lumbar disc herniatio...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: Cervical disc herniation, if it causes nerve root compression, may lead to lower limb weakness. Symptoms may improve to some extent after decompression surgery; however, since I have not reviewed your MRI in detail, I cannot make the most accurate assessment. I recommend t...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Fusion and Artificial Discs: Can Surgery Relieve Nerve Pain?
Dealing with Stiff Fingers After Motorcycle Accident: When to See a Neurosurgeon?
After a motorcycle accident, the fingers became stiff after healing from the injury? My injured right middle, ring, and little fingers are currently stiff and unable to bend normally, and the tender tissue that has grown is painful. Should I see a neurosurgeon, or do I need to pu...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: After a motorcycle accident, your fingers are stiff and unable to bend normally after healing. I recommend the following: 1. Consult a hand surgeon (usually affiliated with plastic surgery or orthopedics) to evaluate whether there are issues such as joint, ligament, or ten...[Read More] Dealing with Stiff Fingers After Motorcycle Accident: When to See a Neurosurgeon?
Understanding Disc Herniation After Tailbone Injury: Symptoms and Treatment
Herniated disc Hello, doctor. Three weeks ago, I fell down the stairs and sustained a coccygeal fracture. Initially, the pain was not severe, and my mobility began to improve. However, since last week, the area above my coccyx in the lumbar region has become very swollen and pain...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description: "The area around my lower back has become very swollen and painful, and my left leg often experiences sharp pain from my lower back to the sole of my foot... My lower back is sore except when lying down, and my left foot is increasingly numb...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation After Tailbone Injury: Symptoms and Treatment
Understanding Chronic Subdural Hematoma: Risks and Recovery Insights
Chronic subdural hematoma Hello Doctor: My father underwent a chronic subdural hematoma on January 22, initially receiving an external ventricular drain placement. On January 26, the hospital informed us that there was still a significant amount of cerebrospinal fluid, and consid...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
1. The placement of a drainage tube is recommended to not exceed one week. 2. This requires a comprehensive assessment of neurological function and a CT scan; it cannot be answered online.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Subdural Hematoma: Risks and Recovery Insights