Pregnancy Concerns After Multiple Failed Spine Surgeries: What to Know
I have undergone two surgeries on the lumbar spine at L4-5 and S1, but they have still been unsuccessful. Is it possible for me to become pregnant? Dear Dr. Lai, Hello! Thank you for your hard work. I am the patient who previously visited your clinic; I had a failed lumbar spine...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Sorry for the late reply, I've been busy. 1. Is my body able to handle this? I suggest you first consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist to confirm the presence of the embryo. If it is confirmed, I recommend you: "Be strong as a mother." First, take care o...[Read More] Pregnancy Concerns After Multiple Failed Spine Surgeries: What to Know
Why Does My Left Hand Go Numb When Washing? A Neurological Concern
When demonstrating the handwashing posture, the left half of the palm may experience numbness? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about an issue I've been experiencing. Every time I get home from work and first show the gesture of washing my hands, the left side of my palm b...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected that the nerves in your hand may be compressed. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. Wishing you the best with Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, a neurosurgeon.[Read More] Why Does My Left Hand Go Numb When Washing? A Neurological Concern
Can Microsurgery Help Repair a Severed Wrist Nerve?
The wrist was cut by a metal piece, leaving only a small portion of the nerve intact? I apologize, but I would like to ask about a family member who cut their wrist with a metal piece. The doctor mentioned that one of the nerves is almost completely severed. When we took him to t...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You should take your family member to the hospital to see a neurosurgeon for an assessment of the extent of the injury and to determine if microsurgery is necessary. Best wishes, Neurosurgeon Lai Chao-Kang.[Read More] Can Microsurgery Help Repair a Severed Wrist Nerve?
Post-Surgery Pain After Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Causes and Solutions
Postoperative pain after lumbar spondylolisthesis surgery? Hello Dr. Lai, I have been experiencing numbness in both legs after standing for a long time or walking for about 5 minutes (without pain), followed by weakness and loss of control over my movements. After an MRI diagnosi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Since this is not my surgical patient and there are no images available, I cannot provide a definitive response. However, since you have concerns and are unable to improve with the original physician, I recommend that you personally seek a consultation with another expert ...[Read More] Post-Surgery Pain After Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Causes and Solutions
Can Sympathetic Nerves Be Reconnected After Surgery?
Can the sympathetic nerves in the chest be reconnected? I underwent T4 sympathetic nerve resection for hyperhidrosis in June of this year, which has resulted in severe compensatory sweating and weakness in my hands and feet. After resting for three months, I returned to work, but...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: In Taiwan, hand sweat surgery has been regulated for many years, requiring careful preoperative evaluation and approval from health insurance units before proceeding. This is due to the fact that many patients experience similar issues, such as compensatory sweating. If yo...[Read More] Can Sympathetic Nerves Be Reconnected After Surgery?
Managing Compensatory Sweating After Thoracic Sympathectomy Surgery
I have a severe compensatory sweating issue? Doctor: I underwent T4 sympathetic nerve transection surgery in June of this year, and I am experiencing severe compensatory sweating postoperatively. Are there any medications or methods available to improve this compensatory sweating...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: The surgery for palmar hyperhidrosis has been regulated in Taiwan for many years, requiring careful preoperative assessment and approval from health insurance authorities before it can be performed. This is due to the fact that many patients experience similar issues, such...[Read More] Managing Compensatory Sweating After Thoracic Sympathectomy Surgery
Should I Consider Minimally Invasive Surgery for Disc Herniation?
MRI shows intervertebral disc herniation? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if there are two clearly protruding discs that are affecting the nerves, but the cartilage has not yet ruptured, should minimally invasive surgery be considered from the beginning? Current status: I have ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. An MRI is needed to assess the situation. 2. However, if you feel that your symptoms are manageable and do not affect your quality of life, you can initially try conservative treatment, including rest, a back brace, medication, and rehabilitation therapy, followed by co...[Read More] Should I Consider Minimally Invasive Surgery for Disc Herniation?
Understanding Spinal Laminectomy and Internal Fixation Surgery
Laminectomy with internal fixation surgery? I suffered a thoracic vertebra fracture due to a car accident, which caused a dislocation that compressed the nerves. I underwent surgery for laminectomy and internal fixation. I have the following questions: 1. Can the internal fixatio...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. If the fracture and bone screws have healed and fused, it may be considered for removal. However, if there are no specific discomforts, it is usually not necessary to remove them intentionally. 2. After laminectomy, it will certainly affect the stability of the spine, w...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Laminectomy and Internal Fixation Surgery
Post-Surgery Complications After Cervical Spine Injury: What to Expect
Cervical spine surgery complications? While stopped at a red light, I was struck from behind by a truck, resulting in injuries to my cervical spine at levels C4 and C5. I underwent cervical spine surgery and had metal screws inserted. After the surgery, I received traditional Chi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You have repeated questions, so I will answer them here. 1. If you have improved after surgery, it indicates that your nerves were severely damaged before the procedure. You will need to be patient, take medication, and undergo rehabilitation, with follow-up from your ph...[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications After Cervical Spine Injury: What to Expect
Understanding Whiplash Injuries: Recovery After Car Accident Neck Surgery
Cervical spine surgery due to a car accident? Over two months ago, I was hit directly from behind by a truck while waiting at a red light. After initial treatment for my external injuries, I was about to go home, but I started experiencing persistent pain in my neck. The orthoped...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You have repeated your question, so I will answer it here. 1. If you have improved after surgery, it indicates that your nerves were more severely damaged before the procedure. You will need to be patient and continue with medication and rehabilitation, while your physicia...[Read More] Understanding Whiplash Injuries: Recovery After Car Accident Neck Surgery
Post-Spinal Surgery: Understanding Urinary and Bowel Dysfunction
Post-spinal surgery, there may be difficulties with bowel and bladder function? In June 2017, I went to the hospital for an examination, and the doctor diagnosed me with a herniated disc at the L4 and L5 levels, recommending surgery. The procedure involved removing the damaged di...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Based on what you described: What is my current condition? I would like to understand my situation. Can I know which nerve is damaged? Is there a possibility of recovery? I plan to go to the hospital for further examination, but which department should I start with? Response: 1. ...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Understanding Urinary and Bowel Dysfunction
Understanding Herniated Discs: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Surgery Insights
Herniated disc Hello, Doctor. On April 21 of last month, I was diagnosed with a herniated disc, specifically a herniation of the intervertebral disc between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the first sacral vertebra, with nerve compression (left-sided). I subsequently consulted four...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
A physician must not administer treatment, prescribe medication, or issue a diagnosis certificate without conducting a personal examination (in cases of complex conditions, a detailed medical history is required).[Read More] Understanding Herniated Discs: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Surgery Insights
Post-Accident Recovery: Managing Pelvic Misalignment and Nerve Issues
In May 2016, I was involved in a car accident that resulted in a pelvic misalignment and numbness in my little finger? Hello Dr. Chang, I was in a car accident last year and suffered a comminuted fracture of the first lumbar vertebra. In June 2017, I underwent surgery to remove s...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without seeing imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans, it is really difficult to answer your question. I recommend bringing your imaging reports and complete medical history to an outpatient clinic to discuss with a physician.[Read More] Post-Accident Recovery: Managing Pelvic Misalignment and Nerve Issues
Choosing Between Traditional and Minimally Invasive Surgery for Sciatica
Surgical Issues Related to Sciatica Three months ago, I suddenly started experiencing pain at work, which requires lifting heavy objects. I went to Asia University Hospital for an MRI, and they told me that my fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae and the fifth lumbar vertebra are co...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Lumbar nerve compression is causing your sciatica, leading to pain and discomfort. If you are not satisfied with the pain relief from conservative treatment, it is indeed time to consider more aggressive treatment options. 1. Radiofrequency ablation: This can provide tem...[Read More] Choosing Between Traditional and Minimally Invasive Surgery for Sciatica
Facial Nerve and Hearing Issues: Insights on Surgery and Recovery
Facial nerve and hearing issues? Hello Dr. Chang, I have been experiencing facial nerve twitching on my right side for nearly three years. I have continuously seen a neurosurgeon and have been taking Vitamin B and Rivotril 0.5mg for almost two years. The doctor believes it is not...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
I think this should be asked to the surgeon, as only they know whether any nerves were damaged during the procedure.[Read More] Facial Nerve and Hearing Issues: Insights on Surgery and Recovery
Understanding L5-S1 Nerve Root Disorders: When to Seek Surgery
L5-S1 radiculopathy Hello, I am a patient with a herniated disc. At the end of 2014, I underwent an MRI and nerve conduction studies, which confirmed that my L4-L5 disc was herniated and compressing the nerve fibers. After surgery, my symptoms of leg numbness and weakness did not...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on what you described: After enduring for more than two years... (the lower back pain only occurred in the first six months, and later gradually evolved into numbness and weakness in the legs) but the numbness makes it difficult to sit or stand, and the quality of sl...[Read More] Understanding L5-S1 Nerve Root Disorders: When to Seek Surgery
How to Diagnose Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: A Patient's Guide
How is autonomic nervous system dysfunction diagnosed? - Follow-up question? On Friday, I suddenly felt a painful cramping sensation in my heart, which extended slightly to the inner side of my arm and lasted for five minutes. I was scared I was having a myocardial infarction, so...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Currently, there are no definitive medical tests that can confirm autonomic nervous system dysfunction. To make this diagnosis, it is typically necessary to rule out other conditions through various tests, leading to the conclusion of "autonomic nervous system dysf...[Read More] How to Diagnose Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Lumbar Cysts: Symptoms, Surgery, and Recovery Insights
Lumbar cyst? Last July, an MRI revealed a cyst in my lumbar spine. At that time, the doctor did not indicate any specific issues, only stating that it was congenital. Recently, I have been experiencing a dull ache on the left side, and since last year, I have had pain in the top ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Your symptoms: <..Recently, there has been a sensation of soreness on the left side, and since last year, after sitting for a long time, I experience pain in the left foot when I stand up, which improves after walking for a while...> This may not necessarily be ca...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Cysts: Symptoms, Surgery, and Recovery Insights
Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: Symptoms and Solutions
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction can cause persistent numbness in the limbs and scalp? At the beginning of January, while working at my computer, I suddenly experienced a sharp pain in my heart, followed by numbness in my limbs. If I didn't get up and move around, I felt...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You may consider further evaluation of the brain and cervical spinal cord. Wishing you well.[Read More] Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: Symptoms and Solutions
Unexplained Right Leg Numbness in a 70-Year-Old: Seeking Answers
My father is 70 years old and experiences numbness in his right foot, but various tests have not revealed any underlying cause? Dear Doctor, My father is 70 years old and has been experiencing gradual numbness in his right foot for about two years (the left foot has not shown an...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. It is recommended to further evaluate whether it is a cerebrovascular accident (stroke) or a condition affecting the upper cervical and thoracic spinal cord nerves. Consider if there is room for further treatment. Best wishes. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Department of Neurosu...[Read More] Unexplained Right Leg Numbness in a 70-Year-Old: Seeking Answers