Understanding Left Chest Pain: Could It Be Related to Cervical Issues?
Left chest pain and heat? Hello, doctor. I do not smoke, drink alcohol, or chew betel nut. I occasionally experience a dull pain in my left chest, which sometimes feels warm, located slightly towards the armpit. The frequency is irregular. I have previously undergone a breast ult...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The likelihood of left chest pain being related to cervical spine issues is very low. It is recommended to visit a thoracic medicine clinic for examination and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Could It Be Related to Cervical Issues?
Post-Operative Exercise Guidelines After Laminectomy Surgery
Postoperative Exercise After Kyphoplasty Hello Dr. Lai, I previously inquired about the issue of pedicle screw and plate fixation in posterior cervical decompression surgery, and I am still struggling with the decision to undergo the surgery. I enjoy running, practicing yoga, and...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Generally, a cervical collar is required for protection for 3 months post-surgery to allow for fusion. Once fusion is confirmed, gentle movements of the cervical spine should be performed. Other activities such as running and hiking should be acceptable if done in moderati...[Read More] Post-Operative Exercise Guidelines After Laminectomy Surgery
Concerns About Titanium Plate and Screw Loosening After Cervical Surgery
Regarding the issue of cervical vertebral plate screw loosening? Hello, Director Zhang. I underwent laminoplasty in December of last year due to nerve compression at cervical levels 5, 6, and 7, along with OPLL. The surgeon performed a XXXX Door Laminoplasty on me. I currently ha...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is rare to hear about the screws and plates used in spinal osteotomy procedures becoming dislodged, so there is no need to worry.[Read More] Concerns About Titanium Plate and Screw Loosening After Cervical Surgery
Two vs. Four Screws in Spinal Surgery: Which is More Secure?
Regarding vertebral body augmentation, are two screws or four screws more stable? Hello Director Lai, I am considering undergoing cervical laminoplasty, as I need mini screws and a plate for my C3 to C6 vertebrae. Given the critical nature of this procedure, I have reviewed numer...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Cervical laminoplasty is performed after posterior decompression, followed by plate fixation, similar to an open book. A simplified schematic diagram can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFzvA4xkuhk. As for the number of screws used to secure the plate, it de...[Read More] Two vs. Four Screws in Spinal Surgery: Which is More Secure?
Managing Post-Surgery Complications After Cervical Disc Replacement
Cervical spine surgery sequelae? Hello Doctor, I have a herniated disc at the C5-C6 level, which has caused severe pain and numbness radiating from my left shoulder, back, arm, and fingers. After undergoing artificial disc replacement surgery, the symptoms on the left side were i...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
After surgery, the emergence of new symptoms usually indicates that there may be an issue in certain areas. It is advisable to discuss any subsequent treatment for your condition with the original surgeon, as other physicians typically do not intervene in such cases.[Read More] Managing Post-Surgery Complications After Cervical Disc Replacement
Post-Surgery Intracranial Hemorrhage: Understanding Pupil Size Differences
Post-intracranial hemorrhage surgery Hello, my mother had an emergency craniotomy for a brain hemorrhage at the end of September last year. When she arrived at the hospital, both of her pupils were dilated, and the injury was to her right hemisphere. After the surgery, her left p...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Some people are born with unequal pupil sizes, making it difficult to determine if this is normal. It is recommended to consult a professional neurologist for an examination.[Read More] Post-Surgery Intracranial Hemorrhage: Understanding Pupil Size Differences
Managing Chronic Back Pain: Insights on Degenerative Spine Issues
Sharp pain and tingling in the left posterior mid-back? Hello, Doctor: I am a working professional with a habit of slouching, which often leads to shoulder and neck pain. I regularly receive chiropractic massages for relief, but I have been experiencing sharp and stabbing pain ne...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, it is suspected that there may be a spinal issue. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. An X-ray or MRI assessment is advised. Best wishes. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang[Read More] Managing Chronic Back Pain: Insights on Degenerative Spine Issues
Post-Surgery Nerve Issues: Left Hand Improvement, Right Hand Decline
After cervical cone surgery, the left hand improved while the right hand worsened? Hello Dr. Lai, I would like to ask about my condition. I underwent surgery due to fractures in my sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae. Before the surgery, I experienced numbness and weakness in my...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. You have already undergone surgery by physicians at another hospital, and there have been changes in your symptoms. Your condition is relatively complex, and it cannot be assessed accurately with just a few sentences. 2. It is recommended that the patient bring the orig...[Read More] Post-Surgery Nerve Issues: Left Hand Improvement, Right Hand Decline
Understanding Chronic Buttock Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Expert Insights
Persistent pain in the buttocks that prevents sitting, standing, or lying down? The patient has been experiencing severe pain in the buttocks (especially the right side) while sitting, standing, and lying down for a year. This pain began shortly after undergoing arthroscopic surg...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. If you have already undergone multiple ineffective treatments from other physicians and it is considered a complex case, it is not possible to diagnose and arrange treatment based solely on a few written words. It is recommended to make an appointment and have the patie...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Buttock Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Expert Insights
Post-Surgery Nerve Issues: Understanding Complications After Cervical Disc Replacement
Postoperative issues following cervical disc replacement at C5-C6 and artificial cage placement at C6-C7? Hello, my father is 58 years old. A month ago, he started experiencing numbness and pain in his right arm, hand, and fingers, which has affected his daily life. After a docto...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. After cervical spine surgery, if there are new upper limb symptoms that are not significant, you can observe and follow up in 2-4 weeks. 2. If there is sudden onset of lower back pain and pain in both knees while walking, these are not symptoms related to the cervical s...[Read More] Post-Surgery Nerve Issues: Understanding Complications After Cervical Disc Replacement
Understanding Diminished Responses in Brain Injury Patients
The mother's reactions are becoming increasingly diminished? My mother, who is 58 years old, was diagnosed with breast cancer metastasis to the brain at the end of April this year. On November 13, she fell at home, hitting the left side of her head, resulting in a wound with...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Based solely on your description and without seeing the brain CT scan, I cannot answer your question![Read More] Understanding Diminished Responses in Brain Injury Patients
Understanding L5 Vertebral Dislocation: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Liability
L5 vertebral spondylolysis Hello, Dr. Lai! Due to a collision between a child and a motorcycle, the other party was discharged from the emergency department the same day. They returned for follow-up visits twice within two months after the emergency visit, and the diagnosis repor...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. As you have researched, vertebral arch dislocation may have some congenital issues, and combined with postnatal activities such as exercise and heavy lifting, it may worsen. Sudden traumatic injuries can also exacerbate the condition. 2. Unless you can obtain the pa...[Read More] Understanding L5 Vertebral Dislocation: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Liability
Post-Surgery Concerns: Can I Remove Screws After Lumbar Fusion?
Postoperative lumbar spine surgery Hello Doctor: I underwent fusion surgery on my lumbar spine at L4, L5, and S1 in 2015, where 6 screws were implanted. The protruding parts at L4 and L5 were removed, and a spacer was placed at L5-S1. I still feel discomfort post-surgery. I have ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, 1. If the implanted spacer has fused, the fixation screws may be considered for removal. 2. What you are feeling as a protrusion needs to be evaluated in person. It is advisable to consult an experienced spine neurosurgeon for an examination. 3. Can the spacer displace...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: Can I Remove Screws After Lumbar Fusion?
Do I Need Surgery for My Herniated Cervical Disc? Expert Insights
Do I need surgery to replace my cervical intervertebral disc due to a herniated disc? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with hypotonic cerebral palsy. Last March, I suffered a fall that resulted in herniated discs at cervical levels 4 to 6. Initially, I experienced increased difficult...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Your question is too complex. Certain conditions require imaging studies and a personal physical examination to provide an answer. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgery outpatient clinic for evaluation.[Read More] Do I Need Surgery for My Herniated Cervical Disc? Expert Insights
Can I Get a Medical Certificate for Head Injury After an Accident?
Can I go to the hospital for a diagnosis certificate after a head injury? I'm sorry, I would like to ask Dr. Chang. My mother was in a car accident last November, where she hit her head and lost consciousness. At that time, her Glasgow Coma Scale score was 8, indicating seve...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
You can ask the physician who originally treated you to issue a medical certificate. Whether the sequelae can recover depends on the patient's clinical condition.[Read More] Can I Get a Medical Certificate for Head Injury After an Accident?
How Long Should I Monitor After a Forehead Injury from a Falling Branch?
Hit by a falling branch? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, while I was walking and waiting for the traffic light, I was hit on the forehead by a falling branch. At the time, my forehead was red and swollen, but I didn't have any other issues. After sleeping for a night, I feel mostl...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
If there is not much happening within three days, it is usually considered fine.[Read More] How Long Should I Monitor After a Forehead Injury from a Falling Branch?
Post-Discectomy Sciatica: Understanding Pain and Recovery Challenges
Post-operative nerve pain from the groin to the right leg, resulting in inability to walk? Hello Doctor: I am currently 49 years old. On August 21, 2020, I underwent surgery at a hospital in Taoyuan. The surgical procedures included: lumbar interbody fusion with posterior fusion ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Although you have worked hard to write a lot, I need more information for assessment and reasoning. Since I cannot see the patient or the imaging in person, I can only suggest that if the original surgeon is unable to improve your symptoms and you have other thoughts regar...[Read More] Post-Discectomy Sciatica: Understanding Pain and Recovery Challenges
Post-Surgery Complications After Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: A Patient's Experience
Postoperative Issues After Spinal Spondylolisthesis Surgery Three years ago, I underwent surgery on my lumbar spine at the L4-L5 levels. Currently, I need to wear compression stockings for support in order to walk. I also frequently experience urinary incontinence and require med...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Although you have worked hard to write a lot, I need more information for evaluation and reasoning. Since I cannot see the patient or the imaging directly, I can only suggest that you return for a follow-up appointment with the original surgeon to discuss your concerns. If...[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications After Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: A Patient's Experience
Head Injury Concerns for Dialysis Patients: What You Need to Know
Mother hit her head? Hello Doctor: My mother (52 years old) accidentally bumped her head against the edge of the range hood in the kitchen this morning (the edge is not sharp). She felt pain at the moment (which lasted for about one to two minutes) but there was no external injur...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The incidence of chronic subdural hematoma is low, and it cannot be prevented in advance; observation is required for one month.[Read More] Head Injury Concerns for Dialysis Patients: What You Need to Know
Understanding Dizziness and Nausea: Insights on AVMs and Neurological Concerns
Dizziness and nausea? 1. How can one distinguish projectile vomiting? 2. Is arteriovenous malformation of the brain a rare disease? 3. What is the probability of developing a brain arteriovenous malformation? 4. What is the cost of a brain MRI? 5. If someone has a brain a...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If the physician deems it appropriate, an MRI of the brain can be applied for under the National Health Insurance. If you are concerned about having related conditions, it is advisable to consult a nearby neurologist or neurosurgeon for evaluation. Regarding your other que...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Nausea: Insights on AVMs and Neurological Concerns