Understanding Compensatory Sweating After Endoscopic Sympathectomy
excuse me? 1. Is there any hope for compensatory sweating below the chest after undergoing endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis? Are there any reversal surgeries available? 2. I've heard that if only the first and second segments are resected, recovery is pos...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) for palmar hyperhidrosis typically involves the cauterization of the second and third thoracic sympathetic ganglia. Compensatory hyperhidrosis is a common complication that can lead to new concerns. The surgical approach using cauterization...[Read More] Understanding Compensatory Sweating After Endoscopic Sympathectomy
Understanding Disc Herniation: Symptoms, Nerve Damage, and Disability Benefits
Herniated disc Hello Doctor: Nine years ago, I had a herniated disc at L4/L5/S1 that compressed my nerves, resulting in loss of sensation and inability to walk in my left leg. This month, I returned to the surgeon for electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies, which sho...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
Hello: If there is already atrophy in the calf before the surgery, it may not fully recover after the surgery. You can apply for a disability certificate only if the affected area impacts the mobility of the lower limb joints. Please provide your full name, ID number, and address...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: Symptoms, Nerve Damage, and Disability Benefits
Understanding Cervical Bone Spurs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care
Cervical osteophytes (bone spurs in the cervical spine) Hello, Dr. Cheng. Last year, I experienced neck stiffness for two consecutive months. After September, I noticed that I couldn't freely turn my head to either side. I thought it was okay and didn't pay much attenti...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
Bone spurs do not necessarily require surgery. Surgery may be needed if the bone spurs compress nerves or the spinal cord. To confirm the diagnosis, further imaging studies such as CT or MRI are necessary. My clinic hours are Monday afternoons and Wednesday mornings, Dr. Cheng.[Read More] Understanding Cervical Bone Spurs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care
Understanding Pain in the Thigh: Is It Really Sciatica?
Similar to sciatica but seems to be something else? Deep aching pain in the back of the thigh (up to the back of the knee, not reaching the calf), with a specific point near the lumbar spine that causes leg pain when pressed (the lower back does not hurt normally, only when press...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
The pain you described is indicative of sciatica; however, the underlying causes of sciatica could be related to the lumbar nerve roots, the pelvic plexus, or issues with the peripheral nerves of the lower extremities. It is advisable for you to consult a neurosurgeon for further...[Read More] Understanding Pain in the Thigh: Is It Really Sciatica?
Understanding Nerve Recovery After Injury: Timeline and Treatment Insights
excuse me? Hello Dr. Chang, I would like to ask you a question. I was injured when my electric folding bicycle was folded up and pinched my webbing, causing a lot of bleeding. Although I went to the hospital for suturing, it has been three months since then. At the time of suture...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Dear Zhongbin, The recovery of nerve damage depends on the extent of the injury, whether there is a complete rupture, and whether it involves central or peripheral nerves. Generally, recovery can take anywhere from 5-6 weeks to 4-5 months. If there is a complete rupture, the cha...[Read More] Understanding Nerve Recovery After Injury: Timeline and Treatment Insights
Can Stretching and Yoga Help Relieve Sciatica Pain?
Sciatic nerve Is it advisable to perform stretching or yoga exercises to strengthen the abdominal and back muscles during sciatica? If it causes pain while doing these exercises, should one continue? Are these exercises for treatment or prevention? Additionally, can the nerve its...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
Hello: During sciatica, it is possible to perform stretching or yoga exercises to strengthen the abdominal and back muscles. If it hurts while doing them, you should stop. Are these exercises for strengthening the abdominal and back muscles aimed at treatment or prevention? The n...[Read More] Can Stretching and Yoga Help Relieve Sciatica Pain?
Understanding Lipomas: Risks, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Questions about lipomas? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing mild numbness in my left foot for a year, occasionally accompanied by a tingling sensation. After undergoing an MRI, it was discovered that I have a lipoma on my spine. The doctor mentioned that surgery is the only t...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
1. The chance of a lipoma shrinking is low; there may be other underlying reasons. 2. If the tumor enlarges and compresses the spine and nerves, it is indeed possible. 3. The risk considerations vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. Sincerely, Dr. Zhang Yuan-chi, ...[Read More] Understanding Lipomas: Risks, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Shoulder Blade Pain: Is It Related to Spinal Injury?
Localized pain in the scapula? Hello Doctor: My spinal injury is located at the fourth vertebra above the pelvis, which was discovered through X-ray examination following a car accident twelve years ago (no surgical intervention was performed). Over the years, I have only experie...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: Based on what you have described, it seems to be an orthopedic issue. If the pain persists, you may visit the outpatient clinic to see if further examination is necessary. Best wishes.[Read More] Understanding Shoulder Blade Pain: Is It Related to Spinal Injury?
Uncontrolled Tongue Movement and Speech Issues After Brain Surgery: Causes and Insights
Involuntary movements of the tongue while speaking? I have a question to ask. About six months ago, my mother noticed that her speech became unclear, similar to having a "thick tongue," and her tongue would move involuntarily while speaking, which occurred quite frequen...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
After the removal of a lesion, although symptoms may be expected to improve or resolve, if the nerves (especially in the brain) were originally compressed or damaged, the nerve injury may remain irreversible even after the lesion has been excised. The removal of the lesion is int...[Read More] Uncontrolled Tongue Movement and Speech Issues After Brain Surgery: Causes and Insights
Understanding Persistent Left Leg Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Left foot numbness? Hello Dr. Chiu, I have been experiencing frequent numbness and tingling in my left leg, extending from my buttocks to my heel, particularly in the heel area. The symptoms worsen when I stand still for a few minutes or squat down to use the toilet, but I have n...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: 1. Inferior vena cava obstruction may cause the reported symptoms. 2. MRI is very accurate for intervertebral disc diseases and spinal cord disorders, and there should be no blind spots. 3. Please consult a psychiatrist regarding whether antidepressants can cause periphera...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Left Leg Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Post-Surgery Fever and Complications in Spine Fracture Patients
Confusion Hello! I have a perplexing question. A patient fell from a height and sustained an L3 burst fracture. After being admitted to the hospital, they underwent surgery for internal fixation. On the third day post-surgery, the patient began to experience fever. Despite multip...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Dear Mr. Lun, Hello, when considering infection issues, there are many factors to take into account. The most common sites are still the lungs, urinary tract, and surgical sites. It is also important to consider the pattern of fever; if it has led to myelitis, then general antib...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Fever and Complications in Spine Fracture Patients
Post-Surgery Concerns for Tendon and Nerve Injury Recovery
Please ask questions regarding tendon rupture surgery? Hello, my husband has a tendon rupture on the inner side of his left forearm near the wrist, along with some small nerve injuries, resulting in an open wound. He has undergone surgery for suturing. The doctor mentioned that t...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: For issues related to peripheral nerves and tendons, please consult with an orthopedic surgeon (Dr. Chou Hung-Chang).[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns for Tendon and Nerve Injury Recovery
Understanding Chronic Back Pain: Seeking Answers for Nighttime Discomfort
I experience back pain every night when I go to sleep? I am a 30-year-old male who has generally been healthy and has not suffered from any serious illnesses throughout my life. However, since early October 2006, I suddenly experienced an issue one night when I was unable to get ...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Based on your description, I am unable to provide suitable advice. I recommend that you visit the Department of Immunology and Rheumatology for further examination. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Hsien-Wei, Neurosurgery, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health. 960712[Read More] Understanding Chronic Back Pain: Seeking Answers for Nighttime Discomfort
Post-Surgery Concerns for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Pain and Muscle Atrophy
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Postoperative Questions Dear Dr. Ding, Due to my work, I have been using the computer for a long time, which has caused numbness and pain in both of my hands. It has affected my daily life to the point where I have difficulty even eating. After undergoin...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: Your condition may indicate that the nerves have not yet recovered. It is recommended that you visit a neurology outpatient clinic for a detailed evaluation. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Hsien-Wei, Neurosurgery.[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Pain and Muscle Atrophy
Can Brain Tumors Undergo Second Radiation Therapy?
Can a brain tumor be treated with radiation therapy twice? My father is 71 years old and was diagnosed with lung cancer a few years ago at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital. After undergoing chemotherapy for the lungs, the cancer metastasized to the brain. He then received radi...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: It is best to discuss with the radiation oncologist regarding the initial dosage, as it is unknown. If it is a single lesion, surgery may be considered. Best wishes, Dr. Yu-Shu Chiu.[Read More] Can Brain Tumors Undergo Second Radiation Therapy?
Understanding Post-Trauma Neurological Symptoms: When to See a Specialist
Brain..? Hello doctor, I have a question. I was in a car accident in the past, and the physician issued a report stating: head trauma, cerebral edema, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and atlantoaxial dislocation without associated nerve root paralysis. It has been quite some time since ...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Please visit the neurosurgery outpatient clinic. Dr. Yu-Shu Chiu.[Read More] Understanding Post-Trauma Neurological Symptoms: When to See a Specialist
Understanding Nerve Compression at Spinal Levels 2-3: Surgery Options and Risks
Compression of the nerves at the levels of the 2nd to 3rd vertebrae? I have compression of the nerves at the C2-C3 vertebrae! Previously, I experienced pain in my lower body and right leg, but now my right leg is weak and my left leg has cramping pain. Is surgery absolutely neces...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: I have not seen your imaging or conducted an examination, so I cannot make a determination. I recommend that you visit the outpatient department of a hospital for evaluation by a specialist. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Hsien-Wei, Neurosurgery.[Read More] Understanding Nerve Compression at Spinal Levels 2-3: Surgery Options and Risks
Post-Surgery Risks and Complications of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Patient's Concern
Lumbar disc herniation (L2, L4) has been surgically treated due to nerve compression. If a recurrence occurs requiring another surgery, what are the potential postoperative complications, and is the risk of a second surgery high? Thank you! I am a 34-year-old female who has under...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Ms. Chuang: Hello! Due to a herniated disc (L2-L4) compressing the nerves, I underwent surgery. The doctor advised against pregnancy. It has been over two years since the surgery, and I have been diligently doing rehabilitation, but my body still feels very weak, with my legs exp...[Read More] Post-Surgery Risks and Complications of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Patient's Concern
Understanding Anxiety and Fatigue: A Journey Through Neurological Concerns
I'm not sure which department to see? Hello, doctor. Since my freshman year, I have been playing on the computer for an average of about 15 hours a day, and I often stay up late, sometimes going two or three days without sleep. I also binge on late-night snacks, and my weigh...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: Based on what you have mentioned, I think it would be beneficial for you to consult with a psychiatrist for a thorough discussion. Best wishes, Dr. Yu-Shu Chiu.[Read More] Understanding Anxiety and Fatigue: A Journey Through Neurological Concerns
Understanding Disc Herniation: Surgery Risks and Recovery Insights
Herniated disc Hello Dr. Chiu, In 2002, I experienced lower back pain and pain in my right thigh. I underwent an MRI, which revealed a herniated disc at the L4-L5 level that was compressing a nerve. After undergoing rehabilitation (including heat therapy, electrical stimulation,...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: If there is a clear diagnosis of a herniated intervertebral disc confirmed by MRI, surgical treatment is usually the best option. Generally, a microsurgical approach is used, with an incision of about 3-4 centimeters and only one incision. Patients can typically be dischar...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: Surgery Risks and Recovery Insights