Understanding Water-Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Back Pain
Water-cooled radiofrequency ablation for lower back pain? Hello Doctor: My mother fell at the end of August last year and was diagnosed with a compression fracture of the first lumbar vertebra. She underwent a cryoablation procedure immediately, and on the same day post-surgery, ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Water-cooled radiofrequency ablation is primarily used for treating lumbar disc herniation, but it can also be applied in pain nerve block procedures. 2. Low-temperature bone cement is injected into vertebral fractures to accelerate the stabilization of the fracture. Bo...[Read More] Understanding Water-Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Back Pain
Understanding Post-Concussion Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Post-concussion syndrome? Hello, doctor. On January 2, 2019, I was involved in a motorcycle accident where I collided with another vehicle, causing me to be thrown off and hit my head. I don't remember whether my knee, buttocks, or head was the first point of impact. I did n...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is important to monitor whether the current symptoms worsen or persist without improvement. Generally, such symptoms tend to improve with adequate rest. If there is no improvement, a consultation with a neurosurgery outpatient clinic should be scheduled for further evaluation ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Concussion Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Thigh Nerve Compression: Treatment Options and Relief Strategies
Treatment options for femoral nerve compression? Hello Doctor, my mother has been experiencing a sensation of pressure and tingling in the groin area of her right thigh at night for the past four years. She often wakes up in the middle of the night feeling numb and needs to stand...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, There is often a feeling of pressure and a crawling sensation in the groin area, and I frequently wake up with numbness in the middle of the night. 1. It could be due to neuropathic groin pain. 2. It may also be caused by compression of the lumbar nerves. However, a scan...[Read More] Understanding Thigh Nerve Compression: Treatment Options and Relief Strategies
Managing Hyperhidrosis: Exploring Anticholinergic Medications and Alternatives
Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) Hello, Doctor! 1. I have been experiencing palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis for a long time. Currently, I am managing my hand sweating with iontophoresis, but it seems to have compensated with sweating all over my body and feet. I have tried t...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If you cannot coexist peacefully with hand sweating, you may consider trying medication short-term if you can accept the side effects. After that, reassess and decide whether to pursue long-term management. Wishing you well, Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang. 1. Glycopyrrola...[Read More] Managing Hyperhidrosis: Exploring Anticholinergic Medications and Alternatives
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Treatment Options Explored
After undergoing two spinal surgeries, if you experience a slippage of the L4-L5 vertebrae seven years later, what treatment options are suitable for minimally invasive surgery? Hello Doctor: My mother underwent spinal surgery years ago due to complications from a car accident, a...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. There is a slippage at the L4-L5 vertebrae with a fracture. Additionally, there have been two spinal surgeries, and the screws have been removed. Without support, the lumbar region is definitely more unstable and uncomfortable. 2. If you have tried medications and rehab...[Read More] Minimally Invasive Surgery for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Treatment Options Explored
Sinusitis or Eye Pressure? Navigating Chronic Pain and Diagnosis
Sinusitis or ocular pressure? Hello, Doctor. The patient has been experiencing pressure and dull pain in the upper part of the eyeball and between the eyebrows, along with eye fatigue and a desire to rest. They have undergone MRI of the brain by a neurologist multiple times, but ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
If you have already consulted with neurology and ENT specialists without finding any issues, it is advisable to consider a consultation with a neurosurgery clinic.[Read More] Sinusitis or Eye Pressure? Navigating Chronic Pain and Diagnosis
Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery and Autonomic Nervous System Disorders
Cervical spine surgery (autonomic nervous system dysfunction) Last year, I fell from an aluminum ladder and injured my cervical spine, which led to back pain, headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, blurred vision, palpitations, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, memory loss, a...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without a complete medical history, patient history, and neurological examination, it is difficult to provide an accurate answer. I apologize![Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery and Autonomic Nervous System Disorders
Understanding Intracranial Hemorrhage: What to Expect After Surgery
Intracranial hemorrhage Doctor, I would like to ask about my mother who had a car accident and suffered from intracranial hemorrhage. After the surgery, her brain did not show any signs of contraction, and her pupils remain dilated. The attending physician mentioned that the pupi...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without a complete medical history, patient history, and neurological examination, it is difficult to provide an accurate answer. I apologize![Read More] Understanding Intracranial Hemorrhage: What to Expect After Surgery
Understanding Ulnar Nerve Issues and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
Ulnar nerve issues at the elbow, wrist problems, and peripheral nerve injuries? Due to prolonged computer use (with the arm resting on the desk) and a habit of exercising, there is a sensation of numbness in the ulnar nerve area at the elbow (without pain). However, there is no d...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Basically, the surgery to cut the transverse carpal ligament is relatively safe and generally does not affect hand function.[Read More] Understanding Ulnar Nerve Issues and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
Understanding Treatment Options for Cervical Myelopathy and Syringomyelia
Treatment of cervical syringomyelia I went to New Taipei Hospital for consultation due to tightness and pain in my neck and shoulders. An MRI on July 27 revealed that the nerve root is being compressed between the C4 and C5 vertebrae, and there is spinal cord compression between ...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Spinal cord compression can lead to sensory and motor neurological symptoms, including pain, numbness, and weakness in the neck and both upper limbs. If there is a presence of syringomyelia, it generally indicates irreversible damage to the spinal cord. Surgical intervention on t...[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Cervical Myelopathy and Syringomyelia
Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery and Sympathetic Nerve Issues
Cervical spine surgery (sympathetic nerve) Hello Dr. Lai: I fell from a ladder and injured my cervical spine, which has resulted in back pain, headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, blurred vision, palpitations, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, memory loss, anxiety, gastroin...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. If you have undergone surgery at another hospital and have not experienced any improvement after 4 months, you can undergo an MRI examination for evaluation; there is no such thing as "only X-rays." 2. Your symptoms may be caused by cervical spinal cord nerve ...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery and Sympathetic Nerve Issues
Understanding Post-Procedure Pain After Bone Cement Surgery
Issues After Bone Cement Procedure Hello, I would like to ask about my grandmother. A few days after her vertebroplasty surgery, she experienced back soreness, and after a few more days, she still feels nerve pain in her back. What could be the reason for this? Shouldn't the...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: There are many types of spinal disorders in the elderly, and the spine consists of several vertebrae, not just one type of treatment like vertebroplasty. It is recommended to return for a follow-up examination. Wishing you all the best.[Read More] Understanding Post-Procedure Pain After Bone Cement Surgery
Head Injury Concerns: Potential Risks and Management After Impact
Top of the head impact issues? Hello Director Chang, Today, while I was getting into a government van, I didn't notice the height difference and hit my head hard against the door frame. It was very painful at the moment, and the pain radiated to the back of my head. By the ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Based on your description, it seems to be a mild head injury. If discomfort persists, you may want to schedule an appointment with a surgical outpatient clinic for further evaluation.[Read More] Head Injury Concerns: Potential Risks and Management After Impact
Understanding Dizziness After a Fall: Is It a Concussion?
I feel a bit dizzy? About a week ago, I fell off my bike. At the time, I was fully conscious, had no head injuries, and did not forget anything, only sustaining some superficial wounds. I went to Hengchun Hospital for wound dressing, where I was given pain medication. The next da...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is not a concussion, but it is a head injury that can also cause symptoms such as dizziness and other sequelae. Taking medication and getting plenty of rest should help improve the condition.[Read More] Understanding Dizziness After a Fall: Is It a Concussion?
Optimal Time Interval Between Two Neurosurgery Procedures for Aneurysm Removal
Interval between two surgeries on the same limb? Doctor: Hello, I am a 50-year-old office worker. In December of last year, a health check revealed through MRI that I have a brain aneurysm on both the left and right sides of the cerebral cavity, each measuring 1 cm. In March of t...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
There is no specific regulation on how long one must wait before undergoing another procedure, but it is advisable to rest for at least three months. Alternatively, if craniotomy is not performed, embolization can also be utilized.[Read More] Optimal Time Interval Between Two Neurosurgery Procedures for Aneurysm Removal
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
Understanding Coma Recovery After a Car Accident: Key Insights
Unconscious due to a car accident? Hello Doctor, my younger brother is 21 years old. On June 12, he was in a car accident and arrived at the hospital with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 12. After intubation, the doctors assessed his GCS to be 7. They mentioned that his motor...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Diffuse hemorrhage and diffuse axonal injury are not the same. One refers to diffuse hemorrhage, while the other refers to diffuse axonal injury.[Read More] Understanding Coma Recovery After a Car Accident: Key Insights
Post-Operative Care Challenges for Craniopharyngioma Patients
Postoperative care issues following craniopharyngioma surgery? Hello Dr. Lai, my father underwent surgery for a craniopharyngioma in May and is currently resting at home. His condition is as follows: 1. He is experiencing diabetes insipidus, but the doctor has not prescribed an...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The diabetes insipidus is excessive; it is recommended to return to the original surgeon for a follow-up. 2. This excessive diabetes insipidus can interfere with the body's fluid and electrolyte balance, leading to potential issues such as shock, which poses a risk...[Read More] Post-Operative Care Challenges for Craniopharyngioma Patients
Understanding Hydrocephalus: Drainage Issues and Patient Experiences
Hydrocephalus - Drainage Issues Hello, Doctor! My mother has been experiencing dizziness and difficulty walking due to intracranial hemorrhage from a head injury. Initially, we thought it was temporary, but it has persisted. Some doctors suspect it might be hydrocephalus, which c...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
After ventricular-peritoneal shunt placement, the ventricles may not necessarily decrease in size; the key point is whether there is an improvement in symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Hydrocephalus: Drainage Issues and Patient Experiences