Understanding Chronic Subdural Hematoma and Post-Surgery Concerns
Chronic subdural hematoma with scalp depression? Hello Doctor, My mother is 76 years old. In January of this year, she was diagnosed with chronic subdural hematoma and underwent a drainage surgery on her head. It has been almost six months since the surgery, and we have noticed...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Due to the drainage from the surgery, a small hole will be made in the head, which will naturally leave a slight indentation. If one is particularly concerned about it, a surgical procedure can be performed to correct it.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Subdural Hematoma and Post-Surgery Concerns
Is Nerve Block Therapy Effective for L4-L5 Disc Herniation Pain?
Intervertebral Disc Herniation Nerve Block Procedure Hello, is it appropriate to use nerve block therapy for nerve compression caused by an L4-L5 intervertebral disc herniation (resulting in numbness and pain on the outer thigh and calf, as well as lower back pain when extending ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Most patients can be suitable, but it still depends on the individual patient and MRI or other examinations to make a judgment. 2. There should be improvement in numbness, but it also depends on the degree of compression and damage; if the injury is severe, the effectiv...[Read More] Is Nerve Block Therapy Effective for L4-L5 Disc Herniation Pain?
Understanding Numbness in the Ring and Pinky Fingers: Causes and Self-Care Tips
Numbness in the ring finger and little finger? Hello doctor, I started feeling numbness in my little finger and ring finger yesterday. Today, in addition to the numbness in those fingers, I also feel a sensation of numbness in the palm below them and along the inner side of my ar...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It may be ulnar nerve neuropathy or another condition. You can start by applying a warm compress to the affected area and performing arm swinging exercises. If there is no improvement after one week, please consult a neurosurgeon. Best wishes from Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neuros...[Read More] Understanding Numbness in the Ring and Pinky Fingers: Causes and Self-Care Tips
Post-Car Accident Head Pain: Understanding Risks and Recovery Tips
I was in a car accident and hit the back of my head. It's been two weeks, and sometimes I experience severe headaches? Hello, doctor. My nephew was involved in a car accident with a classmate on April 26, where the classmate sustained a blow to the back of the head. The emer...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Post-traumatic symptoms from head injuries often include headaches and dizziness. It is important to rest, and with time, these symptoms typically resolve on their own.[Read More] Post-Car Accident Head Pain: Understanding Risks and Recovery Tips
How Long for Complete Absorption of Blood Clots After Stroke?
The complete absorption of a hematoma from a hemorrhagic stroke can take several weeks to months, depending on various factors such as the size of the hematoma, the individual's overall health, and the body's healing response? Hello doctor, my father is 64 years old. On...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Sir, the questions you asked are quite comprehensive. I cannot answer them solely based on a basal ganglia hemorrhage; I need to review the complete CT scan and conduct a thorough physical assessment of the patient. I apologize.[Read More] How Long for Complete Absorption of Blood Clots After Stroke?
Understanding Lumbar Pain: When to Seek Neurosurgery Consultation
Lumbar spine issues I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Initially, you thought your lower back pain was related to your menstrual cycle, but later you felt that something was not right as the pain persisted. You haven't experienced any falls or collisions, and you&#...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, please schedule another consultation with a neurosurgeon. May I ask if an MRI can be performed? It would be best to consult a neurosurgeon with a specialization in spinal disorders. Best wishes to Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, the Director of Spine Neurosurgery at Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Pain: When to Seek Neurosurgery Consultation
Managing C7 Vertebra Fracture: Sleep Positions and Recovery Tips
Fracture of the seventh cervical vertebra? If the seventh cervical vertebra is fractured due to a car accident and treated with a soft cervical collar without surgery, it is important to follow specific guidelines for sleeping and daily activities. 1. **Sleeping Position**: It ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
1. Side-lying, sleeping on the side - please wear a cervical collar as well. 2. For a normal person, fracture healing generally takes about 3 months. Therefore, wearing a cervical collar for 3 months is the safest option, so hospitalization for 3 months is not feasible. Thus, p...[Read More] Managing C7 Vertebra Fracture: Sleep Positions and Recovery Tips
Post-Operative Symptoms After Anterior Cervical Discectomy: What to Expect?
Inquire about the postoperative sequelae of anterior cervical discectomy? Hello Doctor: My father is currently in his 50s and has experienced an inability to move his neck up and down or side to side. After visiting the hospital, the doctor recommended surgery, and he underwent p...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: A few individuals may suggest starting rehabilitation first. Wishing you all the best. // Dr. Chao-Kang Lai, Department of Spine Surgery[Read More] Post-Operative Symptoms After Anterior Cervical Discectomy: What to Expect?
Understanding Leg and Foot Pain: A Guide for Diabetic Patients
Regarding pain from the thigh to the calf and foot? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to consult you about a situation I experienced. I have a history of type 2 diabetes. The night before last, after I finished my walking exercise and returned home, I...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It may be sciatica; I recommend seeing a neurosurgeon for examination. Best wishes. // Director Lai Chao-Kang, Spine Neurosurgery.[Read More] Understanding Leg and Foot Pain: A Guide for Diabetic Patients
Recovery Timeline for Skull Fractures in Children: What to Expect
Recovery from a skull fracture? Hello, I would like to consult a physician. An eight-year-old child experienced a severe head injury while playing, resulting in a skull fracture and underwent surgery for hemostasis (epidural hematoma). It has been three months post-surgery, and c...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Generally, it takes about three months for a fracture to heal, and the brain should also be more stable by then. For exercise, it is recommended to start with gentle activities. If you want to engage in high-impact exercises like jumping rope or running, which can cause si...[Read More] Recovery Timeline for Skull Fractures in Children: What to Expect
Post-Surgery Memory Confusion: Understanding Behavioral Changes After Hydrocephalus Surgery
After the surgery for hydrocephalus, there is confusion and a constant desire to go home? Hello Dr. Lai, My father suffered a head injury due to a work accident in late October last year, resulting in a skull fracture, intracranial hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and fronta...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: I would like to answer your question directly, but your records indicate that the surgeries were performed at other hospitals, so I cannot provide you with a definitive answer. Wishing you all the best.[Read More] Post-Surgery Memory Confusion: Understanding Behavioral Changes After Hydrocephalus Surgery
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 You Fly with a Permanent Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt?
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt Hello Dr. Chang, I apologize for bothering you. I previously asked about the possibility of flying with a permanent drainage catheter. My friend has a self-funded ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Can they fly with this type of device? Thank you.
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is usually acceptable.[Read More] Can You Fly with a Permanent Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt?
Understanding Stroke Causes: Are They Exclusively CNS Disorders?
Causes of Stroke Is a stroke always classified as a disorder of the central nervous system? Are there other potential causes, or is it 100% a problem related to the central nervous system?
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The brain is part of the central nervous system, so a stroke in the brain is certainly a central nervous system disorder![Read More] Understanding Stroke Causes: Are They Exclusively CNS Disorders?
Head Injury Concerns: Do I Need to Worry About Brain Bleeding?
Head issues Hello doctor, I accidentally hit my head while taking the bus last Sunday. Since it was a long trip, I only applied ice about an hour later. At the moment of impact, I felt pain briefly but had no other sensations. Over the past few days, I've occasionally felt a...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The likelihood of bleeding is very low.[Read More] Head Injury Concerns: Do I Need to Worry About Brain Bleeding?
Choosing the Best Surgery for Hydrocephalus: Spinal vs. Brain Drainage
Which surgical method is more effective for hydrocephalus? Hello doctor, my mother has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus at the age of 69. After evaluations from two doctors, one suggested that spinal drainage carries minimal risk, while the other recommended brain drainage. When...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is the standard procedure, and the vast majority of hydrocephalus cases worldwide undergo this surgery. However, patients may have concerns due to the direct puncture of the brain to implant the catheter. 2. Lumbar-peritoneal (LP) shun...[Read More] Choosing the Best Surgery for Hydrocephalus: Spinal vs. Brain Drainage
Understanding Infant Head Bumps: Causes, Concerns, and Treatments
Regarding swelling of the infant's head? Hello, Doctor! My son is over 7 months old. At birth, we noticed a hard protrusion on the back of his head, and recently it seems to have grown larger (or perhaps it's due to head growth?), and it appears somewhat red. We recentl...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Cerebral cysts may be congenital and are generally unrelated to bony lesions.[Read More] Understanding Infant Head Bumps: Causes, Concerns, and Treatments
Understanding Severe Hand and Foot Sweating: Causes and Treatment Options
Severe palmar-plantar hyperhidrosis? Since entering high school, I often experience excessive sweating in my hands and feet, whether I'm using my phone, engaging in social activities, or riding a bike—the grips are always wet, which is very bothersome. My hands are always da...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, currently the only definitive treatment is thoracoscopic surgery. However, there is a risk of compensatory sweating as a side effect. Unless you are truly suffering and can accept the potential long-term consequences, I suggest you think carefully. It is also advisable to ...[Read More] Understanding Severe Hand and Foot Sweating: Causes and Treatment Options
Persistent Leg Pain and Burning Sensation After Spinal Surgery: Next Steps
Numbness and tingling in the left foot accompanied by a burning sensation on the dorsum of the foot? Dear Dr. Lai, I have an 82-year-old elder at home who has been experiencing numbness in the left leg (from behind the left knee to the sole of the foot) for about ten years. Addi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on what you mentioned: 1. After the surgery, the symptoms of soreness and burning sensation have not improved at all. Are there any other possible causes? 2. We live in New Taipei City; do you have any recommended hospitals, doctors, specialties, or treatment methods...[Read More] Persistent Leg Pain and Burning Sensation After Spinal Surgery: Next Steps
Persistent Numbness and Pain After Finger Injury: What to Know
Pinching your fingers can cause pain and numbness? Hello Doctor: About a week ago, I accidentally got my left index finger caught in a machine at work. I went to see an orthopedic specialist and had an X-ray, which showed no bone injury. However, the area that was pinched has bee...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If the orthopedic X-ray shows no signs of fractures, finger movement is smooth, and there is no obvious pallor or bruising, it is likely just a muscle, fascia, or periosteal contusion. It has been a week, so you can try applying heat and using anti-inflammatory ointment. M...[Read More] Persistent Numbness and Pain After Finger Injury: What to Know