Understanding Mild Carotid Atherosclerosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Mild carotid atherosclerosis Hello Dr. Chang, In the past three weeks, I have frequently felt a bit dizzy while eating, and I also experience occasional dizziness at other times, sometimes with a sensation of spinning. I have visited an otolaryngologist for dizziness tests and ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
This issue falls under the field of neurology.[Read More] Understanding Mild Carotid Atherosclerosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Understanding Treatment Options for Lumbar Compression Fractures
Compression fracture of the second lumbar vertebra due to a fall? Hello, my mother, born in 1944, had an accident on June 4th when she accidentally stepped into a gap and fell to the ground, resulting in a crush fracture of her second lumbar vertebra due to gravitational impact, ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: A. When performing an MRI, in addition to assessing the degree of vertebral collapse, it is also important to evaluate whether there is nerve compression. B. Generally, if the vertebral height is collapsed by 1/2 and there are symptoms of buttock and leg pain due to nerve ...[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Lumbar Compression Fractures
Understanding Herniated Discs: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Surgery Insights
Herniated disc Hello, Doctor. On April 21 of last month, I was diagnosed with a herniated disc, specifically a herniation of the intervertebral disc between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the first sacral vertebra, with nerve compression (left-sided). I subsequently consulted four...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
A physician must not administer treatment, prescribe medication, or issue a diagnosis certificate without conducting a personal examination (in cases of complex conditions, a detailed medical history is required).[Read More] Understanding Herniated Discs: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Surgery Insights
Post-Surgery Facial Numbness After Brain Tumor Treatment: Options and Risks
Treatment for facial numbness after brain tumor surgery? Hello Doctor, my mother underwent surgery for a meningioma a year ago and subsequently received stereotactic radiosurgery. Since then, she has been experiencing persistent facial numbness and tingling. She has been on medic...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
What are the causes of facial numbness? Is it caused by a brain tumor? Without detailed medical history, it is not possible to provide an answer.[Read More] Post-Surgery Facial Numbness After Brain Tumor Treatment: Options and Risks
Post-Surgery Nerve Issues: Understanding Toe Mobility After Sacral Fracture
One month ago, there was a major car accident, and surgery was performed on the sacrum. The toes of the left foot are noticeably less responsive? In early April, I was involved in a severe car accident that resulted in a fracture of my sacrum, nearly leaving me paralyzed. I under...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Your description cannot be directly answered. You should first consult the original surgeon. Alternatively, bring your pre-operative and post-operative X-rays, MRIs, and other examination data to consult with another spine specialist. Wishing you the best.[Read More] Post-Surgery Nerve Issues: Understanding Toe Mobility After Sacral Fracture
Post-Surgery Leg Cramps After Lumbar Disc Herniation: Causes and Solutions
Postoperative leg cramps after herniated disc surgery? Hello, I underwent surgery on the fifth lumbar vertebra and the first coccygeal vertebra about three weeks ago due to a rupture of the intervertebral disc, which caused a herniation that compressed the nerve in my left leg. F...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to first return to the original surgeon for evaluation. If there is no clear improvement, then seek assistance from another neurosurgeon. Wishing you the best.[Read More] Post-Surgery Leg Cramps After Lumbar Disc Herniation: Causes and Solutions
Head Injury Concerns: Managing Symptoms and Seeking Solutions
Head trauma? About a month ago, around February 15, I was playing in the school dormitory and forgot there was a beam above me. I hit my head on it when I stood up, approximately twice. The next day, I started feeling unwell, experiencing slight dizziness, difficulty concentratin...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Please schedule an appointment for the neurosurgery outpatient clinic.[Read More] Head Injury Concerns: Managing Symptoms and Seeking Solutions
Understanding Neurosurgery Challenges: A Patient's Journey and Hope
Hello, Dr. Chang! Hello Dr. Chang! I am Lin Huang-Po, the brother of your patient from December 29, 2015. Currently, my brother has had his left cranial bone removed by the doctors and brought back by the family. He is also suffering from pneumonia and sepsis. The doctors have ad...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
I'm sorry, I was abroad last week and couldn't respond to questions in real time. Actually, Huangfu's condition was not optimistic from the beginning, and the chances of waking up are really low. Of course, if the situation worsens, there would be no need to replac...[Read More] Understanding Neurosurgery Challenges: A Patient's Journey and Hope
Understanding Olfactory Dysfunction After Head Trauma: Causes and Insights
Olfactory dysfunction following head trauma? Hello, Doctor. Three months ago, I fainted and hit the back of my head. Since then, I have lost my sense of smell. I have undergone both CT and MRI scans, which showed a skull fracture but no other abnormalities. I also visited an ENT ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Unfortunately, I must inform you that currently, there are no specific tests to confirm olfactory nerve damage, nor is there a specific treatment available.[Read More] Understanding Olfactory Dysfunction After Head Trauma: Causes and Insights
Choosing Between Traditional and Minimally Invasive Surgery for Sciatica
Surgical Issues Related to Sciatica Three months ago, I suddenly started experiencing pain at work, which requires lifting heavy objects. I went to Asia University Hospital for an MRI, and they told me that my fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae and the fifth lumbar vertebra are co...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Lumbar nerve compression is causing your sciatica, leading to pain and discomfort. If you are not satisfied with the pain relief from conservative treatment, it is indeed time to consider more aggressive treatment options. 1. Radiofrequency ablation: This can provide tem...[Read More] Choosing Between Traditional and Minimally Invasive Surgery for Sciatica
Understanding Neck Pain During Rotational Movements: Causes and Solutions
Neck rotation causes pain? I would like to ask, when I tilt my head to the left or right, I don't feel any pain, but when I rotate my head, especially during physical education classes, I experience pain on the left side when turning to the back left. Additionally, I have no...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, it is suspected to be a cervical spine issue, possibly related to your posture during activities. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgery outpatient clinic for some examinations. Best wishes. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Changhua Hospital[Read More] Understanding Neck Pain During Rotational Movements: Causes and Solutions
Facial Nerve and Hearing Issues: Insights on Surgery and Recovery
Facial nerve and hearing issues? Hello Dr. Chang, I have been experiencing facial nerve twitching on my right side for nearly three years. I have continuously seen a neurosurgeon and have been taking Vitamin B and Rivotril 0.5mg for almost two years. The doctor believes it is not...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
I think this should be asked to the surgeon, as only they know whether any nerves were damaged during the procedure.[Read More] Facial Nerve and Hearing Issues: Insights on Surgery and Recovery
Understanding L5-S1 Nerve Root Disorders: When to Seek Surgery
L5-S1 radiculopathy Hello, I am a patient with a herniated disc. At the end of 2014, I underwent an MRI and nerve conduction studies, which confirmed that my L4-L5 disc was herniated and compressing the nerve fibers. After surgery, my symptoms of leg numbness and weakness did not...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on what you described: After enduring for more than two years... (the lower back pain only occurred in the first six months, and later gradually evolved into numbness and weakness in the legs) but the numbness makes it difficult to sit or stand, and the quality of sl...[Read More] Understanding L5-S1 Nerve Root Disorders: When to Seek Surgery
Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation and Nerve Root Compression
Is there a nerve root compression issue due to cervical intervertebral disc herniation? Hello Doctor: I currently have a problem with cervical disc herniation. After undergoing an MRI and follow-up consultation, it has been confirmed that I have a herniated disc. However, I still...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: According to what you mentioned, the report states... 1. Can the signal intensity of the cervical cord be determined solely from the MRI images? 2. Are there nerve roots within the dural sac? 3. If there is compression on the dural sac and it is a central herniation, can i...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation and Nerve Root Compression
Severe Headaches and Nausea: Understanding Migraine Symptoms and Treatment
Severe headache accompanied by vomiting? Hello, Dr. Chang. About five years ago, I was slapped by my mother for making a mistake, and that night I went to the emergency room with severe headaches and nausea. It was the first time I experienced such intense pain. The doctor prescr...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Please visit the neurology outpatient clinic for an examination.[Read More] Severe Headaches and Nausea: Understanding Migraine Symptoms and Treatment
Understanding Disc Herniation and Ankylosing Spondylitis: Can They Coexist?
Herniated disc. Ankylosing spondylitis? I injured myself in the first year of junior high school, and since then, I have experienced lower back pain for about seven years. Later, I was diagnosed with a herniated disc, which is pressing on a nerve. Can the nerve become damaged? Ad...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, based on what you mentioned: 1. "If a herniated disc compresses a nerve, will the nerve die?" Answer: It depends on the location and severity of the nerve compression. If the compression is severe or prolonged, it may lead to nerve damage. It is advisable to obta...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation and Ankylosing Spondylitis: Can They Coexist?
How to Diagnose Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: A Patient's Guide
How is autonomic nervous system dysfunction diagnosed? - Follow-up question? On Friday, I suddenly felt a painful cramping sensation in my heart, which extended slightly to the inner side of my arm and lasted for five minutes. I was scared I was having a myocardial infarction, so...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Currently, there are no definitive medical tests that can confirm autonomic nervous system dysfunction. To make this diagnosis, it is typically necessary to rule out other conditions through various tests, leading to the conclusion of "autonomic nervous system dysf...[Read More] How to Diagnose Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: A Patient's Guide
Deciding on Acoustic Neuroma Surgery: Expert Opinions and Patient Dilemma
Deciding on surgery for a vestibular schwannoma is challenging? I have consulted four hospitals and four neurosurgeons regarding my condition. I currently have poorly controlled diabetes and an acoustic neuroma approximately 2 cm in size, which only slightly touches the brainstem...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
A 2 cm neuroma can actually be treated with a gamma knife![Read More] Deciding on Acoustic Neuroma Surgery: Expert Opinions and Patient Dilemma
Post-Surgery Recovery: Managing Pain and Exercise After Lumbar Disc Surgery
Herniated disc Hello Dr. Lai, I weigh 73 kg and am 175 cm tall. Two months ago, I underwent traditional surgery for a lumbar disc herniation at the L4-L5 level and had a dynamic stabilizer implanted. The pressure on my left leg has resolved, and the incision has healed well. I ha...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Your description is very thoughtful. However, please discuss these details with your original surgeon during your follow-up appointment. Wishing you all the best.[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery: Managing Pain and Exercise After Lumbar Disc Surgery
Understanding Lumbar Cysts: Symptoms, Surgery, and Recovery Insights
Lumbar cyst? Last July, an MRI revealed a cyst in my lumbar spine. At that time, the doctor did not indicate any specific issues, only stating that it was congenital. Recently, I have been experiencing a dull ache on the left side, and since last year, I have had pain in the top ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Your symptoms: <..Recently, there has been a sensation of soreness on the left side, and since last year, after sitting for a long time, I experience pain in the left foot when I stand up, which improves after walking for a while...> This may not necessarily be ca...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Cysts: Symptoms, Surgery, and Recovery Insights