Traveling After Cerebrovascular Surgery: Can I Fly to Japan?
Moyamoya disease Hello Doctor: I underwent intracranial and extracranial vascular anastomosis surgery in January and April this year due to a hair-like cerebrovascular disease. My recovery has been good, and I have been attending regular follow-up appointments. After my appointme...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
You should ask the surgeon who performed the operation about this issue![Read More] Traveling After Cerebrovascular Surgery: Can I Fly to Japan?
Post-Surgery Concerns After Endoscopic Disc Herniation Treatment
Postoperative Issues Following Endoscopic Discectomy Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my condition. I underwent decompression surgery for a herniated disc at levels L3, L4, and L5 on September 18. Three weeks have passed, and I have been experiencing a burning sensation ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You have already undergone endoscopic discectomy at another hospital and are experiencing the neurological discomfort you described. You should communicate this with your surgeon, as they are the most familiar with the details of the surgical procedure. If you feel that yo...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns After Endoscopic Disc Herniation Treatment
Understanding Coma After Car Accident: Recovery and Potential Outcomes
Coma due to a car accident? In the case of a car accident where the ambulance arrived and there was no heartbeat or pulse, CPR was performed in the ambulance, successfully restoring the heartbeat. However, upon arrival at the hospital, the doctor indicated there was a brain hemor...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The information is unclear and cannot be answered. Since there is bleeding, once a CT scan of the brain is performed, it will definitely identify the location of the bleeding. There will always be a Glasgow Coma Scale score, with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 15. It cannot be a...[Read More] Understanding Coma After Car Accident: Recovery and Potential Outcomes
Understanding Lumbar Spondylolisthesis and Surgical Options
Spondylolysis with lumbar spondylolisthesis? Hello Doctor, four years ago I visited a physician due to lower back pain, and the doctor diagnosed me with a fracture of the lamina at the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. Recently, during a follow-up visit, the doctor mentioned tha...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. If there is a spondylolysis with accompanying lumbar spondylolisthesis, it will not heal on its own. If you feel your symptoms are manageable, then coexist peacefully with it. However, if your symptoms are bothersome and you want a definitive solution, then consider sur...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spondylolisthesis and Surgical Options
Understanding Chronic Subdural Hematoma After Car Accidents: Care and Recovery
Traumatic brain hemorrhage from a car accident? My grandfather was in a car accident in Pingtung on April 13 of this year. At the time, he didn't seem to have any serious injuries, only some minor abrasions. The local hospital in Pingtung only examined his external injuries ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Theoretically, as long as the initial neurological impairment is not severe, almost complete recovery is possible. Whether the patient can live independently or requires assistance from others needs to be assessed in detail; it is difficult to answer this question online.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Subdural Hematoma After Car Accidents: Care and Recovery
Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Treatment Options and Insights
Radicular syndrome with hand numbness? My mother has been experiencing numbness in her middle and index fingers after prolonged activities such as reviewing documents, washing dishes, brushing her teeth, and combing her hair over the past two years. A doctor diagnosed her with ce...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Since the nerve conduction study indicates two underlying issues simultaneously, and there has been no improvement after wrist surgery, cervical spine surgery may need to be considered.[Read More] Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Treatment Options and Insights
Understanding Post-Traumatic Head Injuries: Symptoms and Medical Documentation
Post-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage sequelae following a car accident? Hello, doctor. I was in a car accident four months ago, during which I lost consciousness and have no memory of the incident. The diagnosis was: intracranial hemorrhage; cerebral contusion combined with sku...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Basically, having sequelae does not mean one cannot write; it depends on the physician's professional judgment.[Read More] Understanding Post-Traumatic Head Injuries: Symptoms and Medical Documentation
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
Essential Considerations for Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt and Anti-Siphon Devices
I would like to inquire about the special considerations regarding the implantation of adjustable ventriculoperitoneal shunts and anti-siphon devices? Hello! I am a social worker serving individuals with disabilities. Recently, one of my clients has an implanted ventriculoperiton...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Strong magnetic materials include powerful magnets (not regular magnets) and devices that generate strong magnetic fields, such as medical MRI machines, but do not include mobile phones or computers. However, areas with strong magnetic fields are usually marked, as otherwise, ite...[Read More] Essential Considerations for Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt and Anti-Siphon Devices
Post-Craniectomy Care: Essential Tips for Recovery at Home
Craniectomy Due to a ruptured aneurysm, my mother had her skull removed for decompression. She is currently being cared for at home, but the skull has not been replaced. I would like to know what precautions should be taken. Aside from avoiding pressure and impact, can she functi...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Yes, that's correct. In the neurosurgery outpatient clinic, it's important to return the skull as soon as possible.[Read More] Post-Craniectomy Care: Essential Tips for Recovery at Home
Understanding Neurological Issues: Exploring Oral Symptoms and MRI Findings
Brain issues Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing some discomfort in my oral cavity for over five months. I have consulted with specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery, dentistry, otolaryngology, neurology, and rheumatology, but so far, none have been able to provide a co...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
To be honest, what you said is too complicated, and it's difficult to answer these questions online. I recommend discussing this with a neurosurgery outpatient clinic and a physician.[Read More] Understanding Neurological Issues: Exploring Oral Symptoms and MRI Findings
Understanding Nerve Compression: Diagnosing Back Pain and Muscle Strain
Nerve compression Due to unexplained itching in the right foot and easy fatigue and swelling in the right calf and right buttock, along with pain radiating to the left side of the thigh and groin, I consulted a neurosurgeon. An X-ray revealed that the L4 and L5 intervertebral dis...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
In theory, a muscle strain should not affect nerve conduction studies. If the cause remains unclear, it is recommended to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Nerve Compression: Diagnosing Back Pain and Muscle Strain
Is Penetrating Bone Screws a Standard Treatment for L5-S1 Issues?
Lumbar vertebral screw penetration? I have a L5-S1 vertebral arch dissociation, but the intervertebral disc is normal, and I have osteoporosis with a T-score of -2.6. After a medical diagnosis, the doctor performed a minimally invasive cortical bone screw fixation at L5-S1. Post-...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. It is true that some physicians may consider the patient's condition or their medical habits, which could lead to the screws penetrating the vertebrae. 2. Your postoperative symptoms may not necessarily be related to the screws penetrating the vertebrae. 3. We have...[Read More] Is Penetrating Bone Screws a Standard Treatment for L5-S1 Issues?
Understanding Spasticity and Pain Management After Neurosurgery
Stiff Person Syndrome Dear Dr. Chang Jun-Wei, I am a patient who has consulted at multiple hospitals and undergone a series of tests including blood biochemistry, 24-hour urine analysis, and peripheral nerve examinations, which included sensory and motor evoked potentials, senso...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Your question is too complex to be answered online based solely on the information you provided.[Read More] Understanding Spasticity and Pain Management After Neurosurgery
Understanding Prolonged Recovery After Spinal Fusion Surgery: Key Insights
During the follow-up examination, the doctor said that the bone has not yet formed, and I need to continue wearing the brace. It has been almost a year? Due to a grade 4.5 spondylolisthesis, I underwent minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery. I had two surgeries on February 3 a...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. According to what you mentioned: <...it's just been a year, is this normal, doctor?...> Generally, bone healing for young individuals should take about 3 months. However, you have undergone three surgeries. The pathway for the steel nails may have caused stru...[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Recovery After Spinal Fusion Surgery: Key Insights
Understanding Pituitary Tumors and Post-Surgery Recovery Challenges
Regarding my father's pituitary tumor and related issues? Hello doctor, my father suddenly experienced severe headaches, high fever, and vomiting at the end of last month, which led to an emergency visit. It was discovered that he has a pituitary tumor. After a lumbar punctu...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Although I would like to help you, your question is too complex, and without medical history and results from imaging studies such as CT scans, it is really difficult to provide an answer. I recommend scheduling an appointment with your father's attending physician to discus...[Read More] Understanding Pituitary Tumors and Post-Surgery Recovery Challenges
Understanding Head Injuries: Symptoms and Concerns After a Fall
Head issues About three weeks ago, while playing with my puppy, I hurriedly dove into a blanket and hit the top of my head hard. At that moment, it hurt a lot (I was immediately worried about a possible intracranial hemorrhage). Now, I am experiencing some dizziness, hand tremors...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Chronic subdural hematoma is very rare in young individuals; I have personally never seen a case in someone under 15 years old, so there is no need to worry too much. However, if you are truly uncomfortable, please schedule an appointment with a neurosurgery clinic for an evaluat...[Read More] Understanding Head Injuries: Symptoms and Concerns After a Fall
Post-Traumatic Head Injury: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Post-head trauma Doctor: Hello. My father, who is 80 years old, suffered a head injury from a car accident two months ago. He has been regularly visiting Mackay Memorial Hospital for follow-up. Initially, there was a slight amount of intracranial hemorrhage, and the doctor said i...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
1. If there are no issues after two months, then there is likely nothing to worry about, and theoretically, a CT scan is not necessary. 2. It could possibly be a normal anatomical structure.[Read More] Post-Traumatic Head Injury: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Painful Bumps at the Back of the Head: When to Seek Help
Occipital bone lump There are multiple small hard lumps located on the right side of the back of your head, approximately 5 centimeters from your ear, which sometimes cause pain when pressed, while at other times there is no sensation. Recently, you have been experiencing a dull ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Please schedule an appointment with the neurosurgery outpatient clinic for a physician examination.[Read More] Understanding Painful Bumps at the Back of the Head: When to Seek Help
Understanding Brain Injections: Benefits, Risks, and Recovery After Surgery
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt, hydrocephalus, brain tumor? Hello Doctor, my father underwent surgery last August due to a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. After the surgery, he developed hydrocephalus and underwent another procedure to have a drainage catheter installed. However, hi...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Yes, there is no such thing as a "brain-stabilizing injection" in medicine. For headaches, pain relievers are administered, and for dizziness, antiemetics are given. The term "brain-stabilizing injection" was created to reassure the public.[Read More] Understanding Brain Injections: Benefits, Risks, and Recovery After Surgery