Understanding Subdural Hematoma: Insights and Prognosis After Brain Injury
Subdural hematoma Dear Dr. Ding, My father is 54 years old. On December 13, he fell from a 2-foot high ladder, landing on his left side. He was conscious during the fall and attempted to speak but was unable to. He even tried to get up. When the ambulance arrived, the paramedics...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
I apologize, your questions are quite complex, so I will provide an introduction based on my personal experience regarding your inquiries: 1. Given the current condition of my father, can he be classified as a persistent vegetative state (PVS) or does it require several months f...[Read More] Understanding Subdural Hematoma: Insights and Prognosis After Brain Injury
Is Surgery the Only Option for Lumbar Disc Issues? Expert Advice Needed
Hello, Dr. Cheng! Dear Dr. Cheng, After my consultation, the doctor informed me that my lumbar spine at the L4-L5 levels shows dark areas on the MRI and recommended surgery. Is there truly no other option available, and is surgery the only way forward? My symptoms include occasi...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
An MRI showing a dark intervertebral disc indicates decreased water content and reduced elasticity. This does not necessarily mean that surgery is required. Generally, it is important to assess whether the disc is herniated and compressing the nerve, and if conservative treatment...[Read More] Is Surgery the Only Option for Lumbar Disc Issues? Expert Advice Needed
Can Torn Finger Ligaments Be Reattached? Expert Insights and Costs
Reattachment of finger ligaments Hello Dr. Cheng, I would like to ask you a question. Many years ago, I suffered a deep cut on my thumb from glass. At that time, the exterior was stitched up with hundreds of stitches, but the tendon was not reattached. As a result, my thumb can...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
1. The inability to flex the thumb normally and apply force after an injury years ago may be due to: (1) the tendon cannot be reattached as described, (2) scar tissue contracture, (3) adhesive capsulitis of the joint, (4) adhesion of ligaments and tendons. 2. Given that several...[Read More] Can Torn Finger Ligaments Be Reattached? Expert Insights and Costs
Understanding Whiplash Injuries: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Whiplash injury? Hello Dr. Chiu, I would like to ask the following questions. On September 24th, while I was waiting at a red light with both feet on the ground, someone ran the red light and hit me from the left rear. The car did not overturn, but it was damaged. Since both of m...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Please copy the MRI images and schedule an appointment with neurosurgeons Dr. Cheng Zhong or Dr. Hong Xu-Yi for further examination and evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Whiplash Injuries: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Pituitary Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Pituitary tumor Hello Dr. Ding: I underwent an MRI examination... In September, the results indicated a pituitary tumor (the January examination showed pituitary hyperplasia). The neurologist mentioned that there is slight pressure on the optic nerve and the vomiting center. My p...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
If your prolactin level is only 88, it is possible that your pituitary tumor is not very large. However, without seeing your MRI, I cannot provide a well-informed recommendation. Symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, and weakness in the hands are not always necessarily c...[Read More] Understanding Pituitary Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Spontaneous vs. Non-Spontaneous Brain Hemorrhage and Hematoma
Cerebral hemorrhage and cerebral hematoma? (1) To determine whether a hemorrhagic stroke (intracerebral hemorrhage) or a hematoma is spontaneous, clinicians typically assess the patient's medical history, risk factors (such as hypertension, anticoagulant use, or trauma), and...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Intracerebral hemorrhage and hematoma are simply different terms for intracranial bleeding. Therefore, the two conditions refer to the same issue. (1) Essentially, both are assessed based on the physician's experience and the location of the bleeding. (2) This falls under th...[Read More] Understanding Spontaneous vs. Non-Spontaneous Brain Hemorrhage and Hematoma
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury After a Car Accident: Guidance for Caregivers
Traumatic brain injury from car accidents? Hello Doctor: My brother, who is 37 years old, suffered a traumatic brain injury with intracranial fractures and bleeding (damage to the right frontal lobe) due to a car accident. After surgery, he was temporarily placed in a nursing hom...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: Regarding your brother's intracranial hemorrhage from the car accident, although his symptoms may be caused by the head trauma, there are many causes related to mental illness, which are actually two sides of the same coin. Therefore, it is important to investigate wh...[Read More] Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury After a Car Accident: Guidance for Caregivers
Understanding Lumbar Burst Fractures and Nerve Injury Management
Lumbar vertebra burst fracture with spinal nerve injury? Hello Doctor: 1. I underwent lumbar spine surgery approximately ten years ago, during which I had a total of three to four surgeries. Recently, I have been experiencing lower back pain, leg numbness, and a burning sensati...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Dear Jack, After surgery for lumbar nerve compression, it is common for some neurological symptoms to persist. This is because the relief of nerve compression does not always guarantee a return to original function. Currently, there are no specific treatment options available, a...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Burst Fractures and Nerve Injury Management
Understanding Dynamic Stabilization Surgery for Lumbar Disc Herniation
Could you please provide more details about the specific questions you have regarding Dr. Dennis's non-fusion system fixation surgery? Hello Doctor, today I took my family member to see a doctor for a herniated lumbar disc. After reviewing the MRI, the doctor said surgery is...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
The surgery itself is very safe, and endoscopic surgery is also a safe procedure. Best wishes, Dr. Yu-Shu Chiu.[Read More] Understanding Dynamic Stabilization Surgery for Lumbar Disc Herniation
Exploring Alternative Treatments for Brain Cell Degeneration After Hemorrhage
Cerebral cell pathology Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about my boyfriend who had a brain hemorrhage due to an accident ten years ago. At that time, surgery was deemed too risky, so he did not undergo a procedure to clear it. Now, he is experiencing issues with brain cell deg...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello, ma'am: Regarding your boyfriend's brain lesions, I am unable to answer your questions as your information is not very clear. Could you please provide his detailed medical history and pathology slide data? If it is a malignant brain tumor, the currently available ...[Read More] Exploring Alternative Treatments for Brain Cell Degeneration After Hemorrhage
Understanding Brain Hemorrhage: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Cerebral hemorrhage Hello Dr. Chang, I would like to ask about an elderly patient who was still able to walk but fell and was sent for dialysis. The dialysis unit was not informed in a timely manner, so some anticoagulants were administered. After the dialysis, a CT scan of the b...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Hello, due to the numerous variations, it is difficult to make a judgment. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Zhang Yuanyi, Neurosurgeon, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Brain Hemorrhage: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Understanding Headaches After Meningioma Surgery: Insights and Solutions
Headache Hello, Director: I underwent surgery two years ago for multiple meningiomas. Due to the size and depth of the sellar meningioma, it was removed in two stages: first, the majority was excised, and then I underwent stereotactic radiosurgery. In April, an MRI showed a reduc...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
Common types of headaches include tension-type headaches and migraines. You have multiple meningiomas, but they are all small, which should not cause headaches due to increased intracranial pressure. However, tumors in the sella turcica (which should be referred to as the sphenoi...[Read More] Understanding Headaches After Meningioma Surgery: Insights and Solutions
Why Sleeping on Your Back Might Be Harmful: A Neurosurgical Perspective
It is not advisable to sleep on your back? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to answer my questions. Two years ago, I had a habit of sleeping on my back, which allowed me to fall asleep easily. Recently, I have changed my sleeping habits and now sleep on my side. As a result...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Dear Cats: In response to your inquiry, please find the following: 1. Uncertain. 2. Cervical spine issues are also a possibility. At this moment, it is not possible to determine the need for examination based solely on the description of the problem. Please visit a nearby outpati...[Read More] Why Sleeping on Your Back Might Be Harmful: A Neurosurgical Perspective
Lower Back Pain: Seeking Further Treatment After Weeks of Rehab
Lumbar strain? Symptoms: On June 6, 2009, I experienced a sudden pain in my lower back, with spasms extending from my buttocks to the back of my knees, and tightness in my calf muscles. Medical history: I have been taking medication (pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and muscl...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: Continuing physical therapy should lead to improvement. Best wishes, Dr. Yu-Shu Chiu.[Read More] Lower Back Pain: Seeking Further Treatment After Weeks of Rehab
Understanding Cervical Bone Spurs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care
Cervical osteophytes (bone spurs in the cervical spine) Hello, Dr. Cheng. Last year, I experienced neck stiffness for two consecutive months. After September, I noticed that I couldn't freely turn my head to either side. I thought it was okay and didn't pay much attenti...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
Bone spurs do not necessarily require surgery. Surgery may be needed if the bone spurs compress nerves or the spinal cord. To confirm the diagnosis, further imaging studies such as CT or MRI are necessary. My clinic hours are Monday afternoons and Wednesday mornings, Dr. Cheng.[Read More] Understanding Cervical Bone Spurs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care
Break Free from Shyness: Innovative Surgery for Facial Blushing
Sympathetic nerve block procedure Hello Doctor: Please take your time to read this article! A surgical procedure invented in Spain can treat shyness and blushing. Many people are naturally shy, especially in public settings, where they turn red as soon as they speak. Spanish doct...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: Your question cannot be answered. Please visit the outpatient clinic for an evaluation. Wishing you well, Dr. Yu-Shu Chiu.[Read More] Break Free from Shyness: Innovative Surgery for Facial Blushing
Understanding Left-Sided Pain: When to See a Neurosurgeon
Left-sided pain issues? Hello Dr. Cheng, I would like to consult you regarding the issue of "left-sided pain." My mother is 56 years old and has been experiencing body pain for the past year. The areas where she feels pain include her neck, back, lower back, calves, an...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
Your mother is experiencing pain that ranges from her neck and back down to her lower limbs, and it is localized to the left side of her body. If the pain is caused by neuropathy, the issue may be in the brain or neck; however, brain lesions are often accompanied by headaches, di...[Read More] Understanding Left-Sided Pain: When to See a Neurosurgeon
Can Surgery Help Alleviate Pain from Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Hello Doctor: My father has developed peripheral neuropathy due to diabetes. After a visit to the neurology department at Veterans General Hospital in June last year, he was diagnosed with moderate to severe neuropathy. The doctor prescribed gabapen...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy cannot be improved through surgical intervention.[Read More] Can Surgery Help Alleviate Pain from Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?
Persistent Headache After a Fall: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Headache Hello: I have been experiencing persistent headaches for almost a week after slipping down the stairs. Should I seek medical attention? The pain is only severe when I move my head; otherwise, it feels dull and not as intense. Thank you!
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: If you experience headaches that cause you concern and affect your daily life, it is best to seek medical evaluation. Best wishes, Dr. Chiu Yu-Shu.[Read More] Persistent Headache After a Fall: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding a Bump on the Back of the Head: What You Need to Know
There is a protrusion on the back of the head? While studying, I suddenly felt a slight, unusual pain in my brain, so I touched my head and discovered a small bump on the back of my skull. There was no external trauma or impact; I found it by chance. Doctor, what could this situa...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Dear Mr. Yu-Hao, Hello, the normal human anatomy includes a protrusion at the back of the neck known as the "external occipital protuberance," which may be what you are feeling. However, it could also be indicative of other issues. It is difficult to assess through ema...[Read More] Understanding a Bump on the Back of the Head: What You Need to Know