Understanding Vegetative State: Insights and Hope for Recovery
Vegetative state? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you a question. I have a friend who was in a car accident and suffered a brain injury. Currently, he is unable to take care of himself and relies on a feeding tube for nutrition. He cannot eat, walk, talk, or manage his bowel a...
Dr. Xiao Furen Reply:
1. If it is possible to know that someone is calling him, although his IQ is like that of a child, he should not be considered a vegetative state. As for whether he will recover and to what extent, that is uncertain. 2. Regarding care issues, assistance can be sought from the s...[Read More] Understanding Vegetative State: Insights and Hope for Recovery
Understanding Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Impact on Children After Vaccination
Guillain-Barré syndrome (acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy) I would like to ask what Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is, as my son, who is over one year old, developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) following the administration of a booster dose of the MMR vaccine. His...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Guillain-Barré Syndrome has caused weakness in the limbs since the age of one, and there are still difficulties in walking. It is likely a sequela of nerve damage, which may be challenging to recover from. It is advisable to first consult a neurologist to confirm the diagnosis, f...[Read More] Understanding Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Impact on Children After Vaccination
Understanding Brain Tumor Symptoms: What You Need to Know
What are the symptoms of a brain tumor? Hello Dr. Hsiao: What are the obvious symptoms if someone has a brain tumor? For the past month or two, I've been feeling something unusual with my scalp; it's not pain, but rather a tingling sensation. Sometimes it occurs on the ...
Dr. Xiao Furen Reply:
The symptoms of brain tumors are very diverse, but it is rare for them to present as scalp numbness; facial numbness is more common. If you are concerned, it is advisable to consult a specialist for an examination.[Read More] Understanding Brain Tumor Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Understanding Brain Injury After a Car Accident: Recovery and Risks
Car accident? My brother was in a car accident and has been in a coma for a week. He woke up after three days but his cognitive abilities seem to have regressed to that of a child, and he is also speaking nonsensically. The doctors mentioned that there are small blood clots in hi...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: First, the primary purpose of surgery by a neurosurgeon for patients with head trauma is to relieve pressure. Therefore, if the hematoma is not large, surgery is not necessary, as the hematoma will be absorbed naturally. In fact, the severity of the head injury is already ...[Read More] Understanding Brain Injury After a Car Accident: Recovery and Risks
Will Limb Lengthening Surgery Damage Nerves? Expert Insights
Will bone lengthening damage the nerves? Hello Dr. Ding! Four years ago, I was in a car accident that resulted in a comminuted open fracture of my right femur. I developed a bacterial infection and underwent eight surgeries. Eventually, my attending physician removed the shattere...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: In principle, limb lengthening surgery should not affect the nerves, and orthopedic surgeons pay special attention to this issue. However, this type of surgery falls within the scope of orthopedics. Please discuss this with your orthopedic surgeon and seek a second opinion...[Read More] Will Limb Lengthening Surgery Damage Nerves? Expert Insights
Post-Operative Overdrainage in Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Surgery
Is there a risk of excessive drainage after ventricular-peritoneal shunt surgery? Hello Doctor: My father underwent a ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery at National Taiwan University Hospital over a year ago due to a diagnosis of hydrocephalus. Recently, he exhibited symptoms sim...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: There is a possibility of excessive drainage with ventricular-peritoneal shunting (though it is rare). It is advisable to replace it with a drainage device that has a different (higher) pressure setting (there are three types of external drainage device pressures). It is b...[Read More] Post-Operative Overdrainage in Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Surgery
Understanding Persistent Lower Back Pain: When to Seek Specialist Help
Low back pain Hello Dr. Ding: One day at work, I suddenly felt pain in my lower back, and it hasn't improved since then. I went to a clinic, and the doctor said it was inflammation of the muscles on both sides of my lower back. However, the medication hasn't helped, and...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: If pain lasts for more than a month, it is important to pay special attention to whether there are other underlying issues. Significant causes of lower back pain include overuse of the spine, prolonged standing or sitting, maintaining a fixed posture for too long, and lift...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Lower Back Pain: When to Seek Specialist Help
Why Does the Brain Develop Indentations After Surgery for Head Injuries?
Why does the brain become sunken after surgery for a brain injury? Hello Doctor, my grandmother (76 years old) had a car accident four months ago, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. The doctors diagnosed her with intracranial hemorrhage, and she underwent two brain surgeries....
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: It may be the reservoir of the drainage tube, but since I cannot see it in person, I am unable to provide an answer. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Hsien-Wei, Neurosurgery.[Read More] Why Does the Brain Develop Indentations After Surgery for Head Injuries?
Managing Trigeminal Neuralgia: Options After Surgery Recurrence
Trigeminal neuralgia I would like to ask the doctor: My sister is 51 years old and underwent decompression surgery for trigeminal neuralgia. It has been 15 months since the surgery, and she has experienced a recurrence. What should we do now? Is it possible to undergo decompressi...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, after undergoing decompression surgery, it is not advisable to have another surgery. Other methods may be needed, such as medication or nerve blocks. Additionally, stereotactic surgery can also be used to address your issue. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Hsien-We...[Read More] Managing Trigeminal Neuralgia: Options After Surgery Recurrence
Understanding Post-Sleep Lower Back Discomfort: When to Seek Advanced Imaging?
Soreness in the lower back after waking up? Hello, doctor. After I wake up, I often feel soreness in my lower back, though it's not painful. This has been going on for a long time. Should I go to a major hospital for a CT scan, MRI, or other imaging studies? Which one would ...
Dr. Xiao Furen Reply:
1. Please first consult a physician for a medical history assessment and physical examination, and it is not always necessary to immediately undergo high-tech imaging tests, as health insurance may not cover them. Additionally, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) typically costs at ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Sleep Lower Back Discomfort: When to Seek Advanced Imaging?
Understanding Scoliosis and Sciatica: Alternative Treatments Explained
Scoliosis with sciatica? I would like to ask the doctor: A few years ago, I was in a car accident, and about a year later, I started feeling discomfort when standing or sitting. After an examination, it was found that I have scoliosis compressing the nerve in my right thigh. Howe...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Dear User: We are unable to understand the situation you described. Please take the time to visit our outpatient clinic for a proper diagnosis of your condition. Thank you, Hsinchu Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.[Read More] Understanding Scoliosis and Sciatica: Alternative Treatments Explained
Managing Compensatory Sweating After Surgery: Solutions and Tips
Postoperative issues with palmar hyperhidrosis? Hello Doctor: I had surgery at another hospital, and I am experiencing compensatory sweating, which is very bothersome. Is there any way to reduce the amount of sweating? The sweating on my back has increased significantly and is ve...
Dr. Xiao Furen Reply:
To my knowledge, there is currently no highly effective method without side effects; you might consider trying topical antiperspirants.[Read More] Managing Compensatory Sweating After Surgery: Solutions and Tips
Understanding Palmar Hyperhidrosis and Sympathetic Nervous System Differences
Inquiry about "palmar hyperhidrosis" and "sympathetic nervous system" (forwarded from the Director's mailbox)? Hello, I inquired about the differences between "palmar hyperhidrosis" and "sympathetic nervous system" on December 31. I wo...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello, I am a neurosurgeon. Since hyperhidrosis is within the specialty of neurosurgery, please allow me to provide you with an explanation. Palmar hyperhidrosis, commonly referred to as hand sweating, is characterized by excessive sweating of the palms, with some patients experi...[Read More] Understanding Palmar Hyperhidrosis and Sympathetic Nervous System Differences
Understanding Drainage Tubes in Neurosurgery: Concerns and Care
Drainage tube Hello: My mother has been in a vegetative state for four months due to a hemorrhagic stroke. At that time, she underwent surgery and had a drainage tube placed internally. Recently, she was hospitalized due to excessive phlegm in her lungs, and it was discovered tha...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: Examination of the function of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt. 1. Check if it collapses and does not refill. 2. If it cannot be compressed, a consultation with a neurosurgeon is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Drainage Tubes in Neurosurgery: Concerns and Care
Alternative Treatments for Sciatica: Beyond Surgery Options Explained
Is surgery the only way to cure sciatica, or are there other methods available? Doctor: Hello, is surgery the only way to cure sciatica? Are there other methods? I have had spinal displacement due to a car accident for several years now and have been relying on acupuncture and ma...
Dr. Xiao Furen Reply:
Sciatica is actually a symptom, and it is important to identify the underlying cause. In your case, the symptoms may be due to a lumbar vertebral slip caused by trauma. If conservative treatment is ineffective, surgical stabilization may need to be considered. For details regardi...[Read More] Alternative Treatments for Sciatica: Beyond Surgery Options Explained
Understanding Hyperhidrosis: Why Do My Hands Sweat More in Certain Situations?
Hyperhidrosis I have hyperhidrosis, but I tend to sweat more at school (once I start sweating, it's hard to stop). However, when I wear dress shoes, I sweat less from my hands (though they still get a bit damp). When I wear athletic shoes, I definitely sweat from my hands, a...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello! Regarding hyperhidrosis, endoscopic surgery can be used to treat most cases of palmar sweating by disrupting the sympathetic nerves at the second and third thoracic vertebrae. In some individuals, this may reduce plantar sweating, while in others, it may actually increase ...[Read More] Understanding Hyperhidrosis: Why Do My Hands Sweat More in Certain Situations?
Understanding Hyperhidrosis: When to Consider Surgery for Hand Sweating
Hyperhidrosis I just found out that surgery for hyperhidrosis can only be performed on adults. I experience sweating almost all over my body, but only my hands and feet sweat excessively. Even when I wear a jacket and play basketball under the hot sun, I only sweat a little on my...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello! Regarding hyperhidrosis, endoscopic surgery can be used to treat most cases of palmar sweating by disrupting the sympathetic nerves at the second and third thoracic vertebrae. In some individuals, this may reduce plantar sweating, while in others, it may actually increase ...[Read More] Understanding Hyperhidrosis: When to Consider Surgery for Hand Sweating
Understanding Head Pain After Trauma: When to Seek Medical Imaging
Please inquire about the issue of head pain? Hello Dr. Ding: About six years ago, I was hit on the head by a small iron ball with a diameter of 3 centimeters in a parabolic manner. Although I only felt a bit of pain at the time and did not notice any external injuries or signs of...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: Your headache may not be significantly related to your previous head injury, and currently, there is no need for extensive testing. I recommend consulting a neurologist to explore potential treatment options. Additionally, X-rays will not be helpful for this issue and will...[Read More] Understanding Head Pain After Trauma: When to Seek Medical Imaging
Understanding Finger Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Finger pain Hello, regarding the phenomenon of fingertip pain, it has been occurring for a long time (many years). The main symptoms are as follows: 1. Pain (tingling) occurs in the fingertips of both hands, excluding the thumbs. 2. It only happens in winter or when it is colder....
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: This situation may be significantly related to your poor blood circulation. It is recommended that you see a neurologist, and if necessary, further examinations may be required. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Hsien-Wei, Neurosurgery.[Read More] Understanding Finger Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Head Injuries in Children: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Pediatric head injury Doctor, my one-year-old daughter accidentally hit her head while playing yesterday afternoon. The back of her head struck the ground, and she initially just cried. However, in the evening, she started to vomit, so we rushed her to the hospital. The doctor sa...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: If you experience vomiting immediately after eating, it may be necessary to consider gastrointestinal disorders. Vomiting caused by head trauma is quite specific and differs from vomiting due to general gastrointestinal issues. Therefore, I recommend that you follow up at ...[Read More] Understanding Head Injuries in Children: Symptoms and When to Seek Help