Understanding Risks and Benefits of Artificial Disc Surgery for Spinal Stenosis
4.5 cm long bone spur At the age of 18, I had surgery for a bone spur at the L4-L5 level. Recently, I experienced discomfort and went for an examination, which revealed that another bone spur has developed at the same level. The doctor mentioned that I need to have an artificial ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Hello: I'm not sure if you're referring to the cervical spine or the lumbar spine. Essentially, to alleviate your discomfort, decompression surgery is generally necessary. An artificial disc replacement may not be required; a standard brace could also be sufficient. Eac...[Read More] Understanding Risks and Benefits of Artificial Disc Surgery for Spinal Stenosis
Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation and Pain Management Options
Cervical disc herniation issues? My mother experienced severe pain in her left arm six months ago, requiring steroid injections for pain relief. An X-ray indicated the presence of bone spurs in her neck, and further MRI was recommended. Unfortunately, in early September, she suff...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Hello: Nerve compression can cause pain. Treatments such as acupuncture or heat therapy may help alleviate the pain and discomfort, but these are only symptomatic relief and not a fundamental solution. It's likely that the symptoms will recur in a short period of time. Surge...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation and Pain Management Options
Understanding Surgical Options for Persistent Disc Herniation Pain
If physical therapy and manual therapy do not improve a herniated disc, is surgery necessary? Hello, Doctor: I usually exercise very little, but from January to the end of February 2014, I underwent intensive training in running. Suddenly, in early March 2014, I experienced sever...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, if the MRI has confirmed a herniated disc compressing the nerve, causing sciatica and significantly affecting your daily life, and conservative rehabilitation has been ineffective, it may be time to consider surgery. 1. You mentioned a minimally i...[Read More] Understanding Surgical Options for Persistent Disc Herniation Pain
Persistent Pain After Spine Surgery: Seeking Effective Treatment Options
After spinal disc surgery, if you are still experiencing pain and are unsure which hospital can help address this pain, it is advisable to consult with a pain management specialist or a neurosurgeon. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation and recommend appropriate treatment ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, there are several questions to consider: What is the patient's age and gender? What symptoms did you have before the surgery? What symptoms do you have after the surgery? Is there back pain or lower limb pain? Which area is painful? What type of surgery was performed?...[Read More] Persistent Pain After Spine Surgery: Seeking Effective Treatment Options
Post-Microdiscectomy: Understanding Leg Weakness and Numbness
Postoperative care after minimally invasive spine surgery? My family member underwent minimally invasive spine surgery at the end of September and has been experiencing difficulty applying pressure to the legs, along with feelings of soreness and numbness. The pain is intermitten...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, after surgery, it is common to experience soreness, weakness, and numbness for the first 2-3 months. However, if there is noticeable atrophy in the right leg, it is advisable to return for a follow-up consultation with the original surgeon for further evaluation. If a reas...[Read More] Post-Microdiscectomy: Understanding Leg Weakness and Numbness
Should You See a Doctor After a Baseball Hit to the Head?
I just got hit in the head by a baseball? During baseball practice, I was hit on the forehead by a baseball that was struck by a bat. At the moment, I didn't have any specific symptoms. However, after returning to my dorm and looking in the mirror, I noticed a swelling (appr...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Hello: It appears that the swollen area is a subcutaneous hematoma, which should not be a cause for concern. Apply ice for the first three days, followed by heat therapy. If there are persistent symptoms of dizziness, vomiting, or headache, it is recommended to visit a neurosurge...[Read More] Should You See a Doctor After a Baseball Hit to the Head?
Post-Surgery Nerve Pain: Understanding Symptoms After Cervical Spine Surgery
More than two months after cervical spine bone spur surgery, there is soreness and numbness on the left side? Hello, Doctor! My mother (nearly sixty years old) underwent surgery on her cervical spine (C4-C5) due to bone spurs at the end of September and early October. Although sh...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms you described, it is possible that the cervical nerve is being compressed, which may not necessarily be at the C4/C5 level, but could involve other levels as well. It is recommended to return to the neurosurgery outpatient clinic for a more detailed e...[Read More] Post-Surgery Nerve Pain: Understanding Symptoms After Cervical Spine Surgery
Understanding Brain Microvascular Malformations: Risks, Treatment, and Management
Cerebral microangioma Hello, my girlfriend, who is 37 years old, often experiences dizziness and headaches. After undergoing a brain MRI at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (without contrast), it was found that she has a cerebral microaneurysm with signs of hemorrhage (iron de...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Hello: The English term for 腦微血管瘤 is "cerebral microvascular malformation." Since the Chinese translation is quite ambiguous, it can be difficult to address your question without the correct English terminology! It is recommended to return to the neurosurgery outpatient...[Read More] Understanding Brain Microvascular Malformations: Risks, Treatment, and Management
Understanding Head Trauma Hematomas: Recovery and Care Tips
Cranial hematoma Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about my elder family member who fell a week ago and has a 3 cm hematoma on the occipital region with a 0.2 cm abrasion in the center. The hospital's X-ray and CT scans were normal, and the patient currently has no other di...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Hello: This is a subcutaneous hematoma, and the condition is considered normal. You can apply a warm compress now![Read More] Understanding Head Trauma Hematomas: Recovery and Care Tips
Post-Surgery Pain and Numbness: Understanding Recovery After Disc Surgery
Experiencing pain again four days after spinal disc surgery? I was diagnosed with an L5-S1 herniated disc three months ago and underwent minimally invasive surgery a few days ago to remove the herniation. After the surgery, aside from pain at the incision site, I also experienced...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, my personal speculation is that when your doctor mentioned the anesthesia losing its effect, they were likely referring to the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) that was stopped three days post-surgery. Additionally, the symptoms you described could have many potential ca...[Read More] Post-Surgery Pain and Numbness: Understanding Recovery After Disc Surgery
Is Hip Clicking Related to Lumbar Disc Herniation Symptoms?
Is there a relationship between herniated discs and the popping sound in the hip joint? Hello, I went to a major hospital for an examination because my foot was experiencing numbness and tingling. The result was a herniated disc at the L4-L5 level. However, since I have to comple...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, if there is a popping sound when the hip or pelvis rotates, it is generally considered to be a friction sound from the intra-articular tissues. However, it could also be due to other issues. I recommend seeking a nearby physician for evaluation. ...[Read More] Is Hip Clicking Related to Lumbar Disc Herniation Symptoms?
Recovery from Nerve Damage After Motorcycle Accident: What to Expect
Car accident resulting in numbness and pain in the limbs, unable to move? Hello, Doctor. My father had an accident while riding his motorcycle in the mountains at 6 PM and was found at 4 AM. He was unable to move his left side due to his position, which caused swelling, and his l...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
This is a case of compartment syndrome causing nerve compression and resulting in nerve damage. To be honest, there are not many effective treatment options; essentially, it is a matter of waiting for it to heal on its own. If you have any other concerns, please come to the outpa...[Read More] Recovery from Nerve Damage After Motorcycle Accident: What to Expect
Understanding Nerve Damage: Symptoms and Treatment After an Accident
Numbness and tingling? Hello, two years ago I was in a car accident where the left side of my buttocks and the outer thigh were possibly run over, and I have been experiencing a feeling of swelling ever since. The left side of my buttocks feels somewhat numb, and occasionally I e...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The issue is a bit complex and difficult to address online; it is recommended to visit the outpatient clinic for a detailed consultation.[Read More] Understanding Nerve Damage: Symptoms and Treatment After an Accident
Understanding Nerve Compression Symptoms After Illness: A Guide
Experiencing intermittent soreness and numbness in multiple muscle groups throughout the body? Recent situation: On October 28th, I had a severe cold with symptoms of fever, sore throat, and phlegm. After receiving an injection and resting, I currently only have a lingering cough...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The condition is complex; it is recommended to visit an outpatient clinic for neurological examination and consultation for treatment.[Read More] Understanding Nerve Compression Symptoms After Illness: A Guide
Post-Operative Challenges After Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery
Postoperative Care After Endoscopic Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery Hello Dr. Lai, I am experiencing numbness in my right leg, cramping in my calf, and pain in my lower back due to a herniated disc. I am unable to walk for more than three minutes (examinations revealed a herniati...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, based on your description, your condition seems quite serious (initially severe pain in the right lower limb, which improved post-surgery, but has now changed to severe lower back pain). I recommend that you first consult with the original surgeon to address your concerns....[Read More] Post-Operative Challenges After Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery
Understanding Subdural Hematoma and Post-Surgery Complications in Elderly Patients
Grandma fell and has a subdural hematoma? Hello, I would like to ask about my grandmother (89 years old). She fell and hit the back of her head, resulting in a subdural hematoma in the frontal lobe. At the time of the injury, she was fully conscious. However, around the third day...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
A small amount of air entering the brain generally has little effect, but if the volume of air is excessive, or if it enters the bloodstream and causes an embolism, it can have significant consequences.[Read More] Understanding Subdural Hematoma and Post-Surgery Complications in Elderly Patients
Understanding Post-Surgery Complications: Brain Hemorrhage and Hydrocephalus
Spider web mold Dear Dr. Ding, My mother was admitted to the emergency room at the end of September due to severe headaches. After examinations, the hospital diagnosed her with a cerebral hemorrhage and she was immediately taken to surgery. After the operation, the doctor discov...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Due to the lack of imaging studies and not having personally participated in the surgery, I am unable to assess your mother's postoperative condition. The description regarding hydrocephalus is unclear; is it communicating hydrocephalus or cerebral edema? The treatment for b...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Complications: Brain Hemorrhage and Hydrocephalus
Understanding Ongoing Brain Bleeding After a Car Accident: A Patient's Journey
Continuous minor bleeding in the brain due to a car accident? Dr. Ding: Hello, my mother is 56 years old. She was involved in a car accident on October 5th and was discharged from the emergency room with a diagnosis of concussion. On October 8th, she complained of severe headache...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Due to incomplete information and the lack of direct examination, the following advice is based solely on experience. The term "persistent bleeding" is difficult to understand; if there were truly persistent bleeding, it would indicate that coagulation function is sever...[Read More] Understanding Ongoing Brain Bleeding After a Car Accident: A Patient's Journey
Improving Oculomotor Nerve Injury: Treatment Options and Recommendations
Oculomotor nerve injury Hello Doctor: My mother is 64 years old and suffered an injury to her oculomotor nerve in a car accident, which has resulted in one eye being unable to move up and down. This has caused double vision, dizziness, and prolonged weakness from staying at home ...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Due to the incomplete nature of your information, I can only provide advice based on experience. It is not uncommon for brain nerves to be damaged in head trauma; however, unless the specific location of the injury and whether there is a complete rupture can be determined, it is ...[Read More] Improving Oculomotor Nerve Injury: Treatment Options and Recommendations
Understanding the Connection Between Mental and Physical Health Issues
Psychiatry? Ophthalmology? Neurology? What is the greater likelihood that psychological factors cause physiological issues, or that physiological issues lead to psychological discomfort? Hello, I am 21 years old and have a history of seeking psychiatric treatment over the past si...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
It is recommended that you start with a visit to a family medicine physician.[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Mental and Physical Health Issues