Understanding Prolactin Levels: When to See a Specialist for Treatment
Prolactin Hello doctor, I have been experiencing irregular menstruation for about eight years, starting when I was in high school. I thought it was due to academic stress, as I suddenly gained 10 kilograms in the middle of one month (which I have not been able to lose despite eat...
Dr. Hong Xuyi Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, it seems you have been troubled by irregular menstrual cycles and weight issues for some time. Many hormonal interactions can affect menstrual performance, such as elevated prolactin levels, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and luteal phase d...[Read More] Understanding Prolactin Levels: When to See a Specialist for Treatment
Gas Poisoning: Concerns About Brain Damage After Exposure
Gas poisoning? The gas stove was accidentally turned off, and I didn't realize it until half an hour later when I noticed a strong gas smell throughout the entire house. I quickly turned it off, and it took about half an hour for the smell to dissipate. Besides feeling short...
Dr. Hong Xuyi Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the main component of gas is aliphatic hydrocarbons, which are non-toxic, colorless, odorless, and tasteless (the odor of gas is intentionally added for safety purposes, typically a foul-smelling compound like hydrogen sulfide). Therefore, unl...[Read More] Gas Poisoning: Concerns About Brain Damage After Exposure
Effective Solutions for Excessive Hand Sweating: Beyond Surgery
Palmar hyperhidrosis Dr. Hong: Hello, in recent years, my hands have been sweating continuously, sometimes when the weather is hot and sometimes when I am nervous. Besides surgery (because the risks of surgery are too high), are there any other effective and lasting methods?
Dr. Hong Xuyi Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, there are no other effective and lasting methods besides surgery.[Read More] Effective Solutions for Excessive Hand Sweating: Beyond Surgery
Understanding Hyperhidrosis: Treatment Options and Risks Explained
Hyperhidrosis of the feet I have been suffering from palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis for many years. Recently, when I consulted a doctor, he explained that conventional surgery is not effective in addressing plantar sweating. He recommended high-frequency thermal therapy, which ...
Dr. Shao Guoning Reply:
Hello, in response to your questions: 1. The simultaneous treatment of palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis is performed through endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy targeting the second and third thoracic sympathetic ganglia, with a 100% cure rate for palmar hyperhidrosis, while the ...[Read More] Understanding Hyperhidrosis: Treatment Options and Risks Explained
Understanding Severe Hand Sweating: Treatment Options and Recovery Time
I have severe hyperhidrosis of the hands? Hello, Vice Dean. My palmar hyperhidrosis is inherited from my father. Compared to others, mine seems to be more severe because my hands sweat continuously even with a slight increase in temperature or just a little exercise. I have looke...
Dr. Shao Guoning Reply:
Dear A-Mao, In response to your question, you can go home on the same day as the surgery for palmar hyperhidrosis. Within the first two days post-surgery, you may experience chest tightness and pain, which will gradually lessen. After the surgery, you should avoid raising your a...[Read More] Understanding Severe Hand Sweating: Treatment Options and Recovery Time
Are Aneurysms Hereditary? Understanding Risks and Symptoms
Will aneurysms be inherited? Dear Dr. Hong, I apologize for taking up your valuable time, but I have a question I would like to ask you. My mother suffered a brain hemorrhage two years ago due to a ruptured aneurysm. Fortunately, she survived and has not experienced any impact o...
Dr. Hong Xuyi Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, if you are experiencing abnormal headaches, it is essential to consult a neurologist for a differential diagnosis. As for whether aneurysms are related to genetics, aneurysms caused by specific genetic disorders (such as polycystic kidney dise...[Read More] Are Aneurysms Hereditary? Understanding Risks and Symptoms
Understanding Numbness in Big Toes After Hiking: Causes and Solutions
After hiking, my big toe is numb? I have a question to ask you... Two weeks ago, I went hiking (for about ten hours). Although my legs were sore and painful the next day, they improved after a few days. Now I can walk freely, but I still feel a bit of numbness in both of my big t...
Dr. Shao Guoning Reply:
Hello: In response to your question: If you've been walking for too long and are experiencing numbness in your feet, there are two possible reasons. One is nerve compression, which occurs when the superficial nerves in your back are compressed due to prolonged walking, leadi...[Read More] Understanding Numbness in Big Toes After Hiking: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Arm Cramps: Causes and Concerns in Neurology
Muscle cramp In the past year, I have frequently experienced muscle cramps in my arm that are not painful but feel uncomfortable. My blood pressure ranges between 85 and 140. I would like to consult a physician about the possible causes. Thank you.
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Frequent muscle cramps in the arm that are not painful can have several possible causes. One possibility is involuntary contractions (known as focal spasms), which would require further examination to rule out any issues related to the brain. Another possibility is that it may si...[Read More] Understanding Arm Cramps: Causes and Concerns in Neurology
Understanding Tendon Inflammation and Nerve Compression: A Case Study
Question Hello Doctor: My mother is 42 years old and often experiences pain in her hand for a long time whenever she lifts heavy objects. Even clapping her hands is difficult for her. This issue has troubled her for a long time, and recently it has become quite severe; she feels ...
Dr. Hong Xuyi Reply:
Hello: In response to your inquiry, I recommend that your mother visit a neurosurgery outpatient clinic. The pain in her upper limb could be due to tendonitis or possibly cervical nerve compression. The symptoms may share some similarities but also have distinct differences. A cl...[Read More] Understanding Tendon Inflammation and Nerve Compression: A Case Study
Understanding Headaches: Where Does the Pain Really Come From?
Regarding headaches? We all know that the brain itself does not have pain receptors, so how does a headache occur, and where does the pain originate?
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
There are many causes of headaches, such as increased intracranial pressure, irritation of the meninges (meningitis, subarachnoid hemorrhage), tension-type headaches caused by muscle tightness in the head and neck, peripheral neuropathies (occipital neuralgia, postauricular neura...[Read More] Understanding Headaches: Where Does the Pain Really Come From?
Understanding Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Causes and Differences Explained
Subarachnoid hemorrhage Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. First, my inquiries are: (1) What are the differences between the subarachnoid space, subdural space, arachnoid mater, and dura mater? Additionally, (2) what can cause subarachnoid hemorrh...
Dr. Hong Xuyi Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the meninges consist of three layers from outer to inner: the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. The space between the arachnoid mater and pia mater is called the subarachnoid space. The main causes of subarachnoid hemorrhage are twof...[Read More] Understanding Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Causes and Differences Explained
Wrist Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Effective Treatment
Wrist Hello, my mother experiences pain in her wrist even when not moving it, and sometimes her hand swells a bit. The pain can be quite uncomfortable. My mother is a taxi driver and has visited the hospital. Some doctors suggested gout, while others mentioned tendonitis, but the...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello! Since there are no visible deformities, a complete diagnosis cannot be made. However, based on your description, the likelihood of tendonitis is higher. Therefore, you can start with heat therapy and also visit our outpatient clinic so that I can provide a more detailed di...[Read More] Wrist Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Effective Treatment
Understanding Thoracic Scoliosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Thoracic scoliosis Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about a health check my company conducted previously. The report indicated that I have "thoracic scoliosis." What is "thoracic scoliosis" and how should it be treated? Additionally, I have another question. ...
Dr. Shao Guoning Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, scoliosis tends to undergo significant changes during adolescence, while it is less likely to progress in adulthood. Surgical intervention is only considered for severe cases of scoliosis; mild curvature typically requires only regular health ...[Read More] Understanding Thoracic Scoliosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Can Vision Loss from Brain Hemorrhage Improve Over Time?
Is there a chance for visual field loss to improve? Two years ago, I underwent surgery due to a brain hemorrhage, and I have had left-sided hemianopia since then. Is there a chance that this condition can improve? The doctor mentioned that my issue was caused by an arteriovenous ...
Dr. Hong Xuyi Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions: 1. Arteriovenous malformations are abnormal blood vessels that remain from embryonic development, with an annual bleeding risk of approximately 1-4%, which is not related to hypertension, smoking, or alcohol consumption. 2. The left-sided vis...[Read More] Can Vision Loss from Brain Hemorrhage Improve Over Time?
Understanding Post-Surgery Pain: A Young Woman's Struggle with Disc Issues
Lower back pain can be excruciating! Doctor: Hello! I am a 22-year-old girl experiencing weakness. Since undergoing surgery for a herniated disc on April 1st of this year, I feel like my life has turned black and white. Why is that? After the surgery on April 1st, I experienced s...
Dr. Xu Xianda Reply:
Hello, Miss: Regarding your condition of herniated disc, the current treatment approach primarily focuses on long-term rehabilitation. Given your situation, having undergone two surgeries and experiencing inflammation, as well as neurological symptoms in your right lower limb, ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Pain: A Young Woman's Struggle with Disc Issues
Chronic Back Pain After Multiple Surgeries: Seeking Answers and Relief
Persistent lower back pain and discomfort? Doctor: Hello! I am a 22-year-old girl experiencing weakness. Since undergoing surgery for a herniated disc on April 1st of this year, I feel like my life has turned black and white. Why is that? After the surgery on April 1st, I have be...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello, Xin Yu! Based on what you have described, it appears that much of your information is incomplete, making it difficult to determine your specific condition. However, generally speaking, the course of illness you described could be indicative of failed back surgery syndrome,...[Read More] Chronic Back Pain After Multiple Surgeries: Seeking Answers and Relief
Understanding Back Pain: When to Seek Specialist Care
Back pain I have severe pain in the center of my back (around the spine), which worsens when I turn or bend over, and it has been persistent. I went to a local hospital for consultation about two hours later, where the physician (on-call at night) noted in my medical record "...
Dr. Xu Xianda Reply:
Dear Mr. Hong, There are numerous causes of lower back pain. Generally, if there has been heavy lifting or intense physical activity prior to the onset of pain, it may be due to a strain of the back muscles, which can typically be managed with anti-inflammatory medications and m...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain: When to Seek Specialist Care
Can You Smell Your Own Body Odor? Understanding the Issue
Can you smell your own body odor? Since around the fourth grade, I have often heard people around me say, "What a bad smell, what is that?" or they would give me strange looks. Gradually, I realized that I might have body odor, but I can't smell it myself. I'm...
Dr. Xu Xianda Reply:
If it has caused disruptions in your daily life, please schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.[Read More] Can You Smell Your Own Body Odor? Understanding the Issue
Desperate for Relief: A Young Girl's Struggle with Post-Surgery Pain
Incurable pain - please save me!!! Doctor: Hello! I am a 22-year-old girl experiencing weakness. Since undergoing surgery for a herniated disc on April 1st of this year, I feel like my life has turned black and white. Why is that? After the surgery, I have been experiencing signi...
Dr. Shao Guoning Reply:
Hello: In response to your question: Your situation is unfortunate, but such cases are not common. Typically, young women with sciatica are treated conservatively, and surgery is only considered if there is a herniated disc that cannot be managed otherwise. Even after surgery, sc...[Read More] Desperate for Relief: A Young Girl's Struggle with Post-Surgery Pain
Can Sweat Glands in Feet Be Removed? Exploring Surgical and Alternative Options
Is it possible to remove the sweat glands in the feet? I have a hereditary condition that often causes excessive sweating in my hands and feet, which is quite bothersome. However, I've heard that after surgery, the condition may return after some time. Are there other ways t...
Dr. Shao Guoning Reply:
Hello Ms. Gao Yuhui: The latest surgical method for palmar hyperhidrosis is thoracoscopic sympathectomy. This procedure is covered by health insurance. The most common postoperative issue is compensatory hyperhidrosis, where sweating may shift to areas such as the back and thighs...[Read More] Can Sweat Glands in Feet Be Removed? Exploring Surgical and Alternative Options