Understanding Possible Causes of Lower Back Pain in Young Adults
Possible Causes of Lower Back Pain Hello Doctor: I am 19 years old and have ankylosing spondylitis. Previously, I only experienced pain in my buttocks, and I have been stable on Salazopyrin. However, in the past six months, I have been experiencing pain in the spinal area behind ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: I have reviewed your condition and recommend that you visit a hospital to see a specialist in neurosurgery or orthopedics. You should get an X-ray first to assess whether there is a fracture, which will allow for appropriate treatment. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neuro...[Read More] Understanding Possible Causes of Lower Back Pain in Young Adults
Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery: Key Considerations for Recovery
Cervical spine spinal cord injury, laminectomy decompression surgery, discectomy, mobile artificial intervertebral disc? The mother is 62 years old and has diabetes, but it is uncertain whether she has osteoporosis. She fell off her bike on the road and was urgently taken to the ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: A. The principles of surgical treatment for cervical spinal cord injury are 1. Decompression 2. Reconstruction. You have already undergone posterior decompression (without fixation), but if your symptoms have not improved and follow-up MRI shows significant anterior compre...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery: Key Considerations for Recovery
Post-Surgery Nerve Pain: Understanding Persistent Foot Numbness and Back Pain
Persistent leg numbness and occasional lower back pain after disc rupture surgery? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask on behalf of my husband: He underwent minimally invasive surgery for a herniated disc. Before the surgery, he experienced significant pain and numbness, but afte...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Postoperative pain has improved relatively quickly, but the numbness is indeed more difficult to recover from. If you are not satisfied with the answers from your original physician, and while postoperative pain has improved, you still feel residual symptoms of numbness, w...[Read More] Post-Surgery Nerve Pain: Understanding Persistent Foot Numbness and Back Pain
Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Surgery
Dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) Hello Doctor: My mother underwent a transarterial embolization procedure for tinnitus at the end of August. The procedure was performed near the area below her ear, with access from the groin up to the neck. Immediately after waking up from the ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon to evaluate the spinal cord or sympathetic nerves in the head and neck region for any lesions. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Surgery
Understanding Head Trauma: Long-Term Effects and Concerns
Head trauma Hello, Doctor. Two years ago, I was struck on the head by a metal pipe while working. At that time, I was unsure if there was any issue, so I went to an orthopedic doctor for an X-ray, and the doctor said there was no fracture in the skull. After two months, I saw a n...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. According to medical principles, head trauma should be monitored for 3 months. If there is no further deterioration, the injury is considered stable. 2. If there is indeed intracranial hemorrhage, it will typically resolve and be absorbed within 1-2 months (similar to h...[Read More] Understanding Head Trauma: Long-Term Effects and Concerns
Post-Spinal Fusion Surgery: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options
Post-spinal fusion surgery I have rheumatoid arthritis and underwent surgery on June 23 for L4-L5 instability (with a Romeo cage and health insurance screws). Due to osteoporosis with a T-score of -2.4, I experienced collapse and pain, which led to a second surgery for adjustment...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Due to the varying complexity of individual medical conditions, it is not possible to provide specific explanations for each person's condition.[Read More] Post-Spinal Fusion Surgery: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options
Can Nerve Damage from Car Accidents Be Repaired?
Can nerve damage from a car accident be repaired? Doctor, I would like to ask about my nephew who suffered facial fractures and nerve damage due to a car accident. Currently, he is unable to move his left eye and has weakness in his eyelid, making it impossible for him to open it...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is not possible to determine the duration and severity of the injury, and therefore, individual conditions cannot be explained.[Read More] Can Nerve Damage from Car Accidents Be Repaired?
Understanding Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Sacral Fractures in Elderly Patients
Caused by a car accident? 1. I would like to ask if a 70-year-old woman who has sustained a subarachnoid hemorrhage and an incomplete fracture of the sacrum due to a minor car accident (where the car lightly touched her and she fell backward) can expect these injuries to heal on ...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
I hope to visit the outpatient clinic for an evaluation of my current condition.[Read More] Understanding Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Sacral Fractures in Elderly Patients
Post-Discectomy Concerns: Recurring Numbness and Hip Pain Explained
Questions after intervertebral disc decompression? Hello, doctor! About two years ago, I underwent a simple lumbar discectomy, where only the herniated portion of the disc was removed. When I initially reviewed the MRI, the doctor mentioned that the nerve was severely compressed,...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected that the likelihood of a protrusion recurrence is high. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon for evaluation and to arrange an MRI. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Post-Discectomy Concerns: Recurring Numbness and Hip Pain Explained
Understanding Intradural Cysts: Risks and Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery
Intramedullary cyst of the spine Hello Doctor, my mother previously underwent surgery for a herniated disc, during which screws were placed. Now, it has been found that there is a cyst on the inner side of the vertebrae below the screws, which is pressing on a nerve. The consulti...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without detailed imaging and medical history, it is not possible to provide an answer.[Read More] Understanding Intradural Cysts: Risks and Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery
Fainting and Persistent Headache: Should I Worry About a Concussion?
I fainted a couple of days ago, and since that evening, I have been experiencing persistent headaches? Hello Doctor, a couple of days ago, I think I overheated from wearing too many clothes, and on top of that, I injured my hand at work and started bleeding. Initially, I felt sym...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Recommendation for outpatient examination at the hospital.[Read More] Fainting and Persistent Headache: Should I Worry About a Concussion?
Head Injury in Elderly: Understanding Risks and Symptoms After a Fall
Elderly person sustained a head injury? Hello, Dr. Chang! I would like to ask you about my father, who is 65 years old. He has a history of chemotherapy, fibrosis in the head and neck region, and chronic low blood pressure. Four days ago, he experienced dizziness and fell from hi...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
If the elderly person experiences any discomfort or if you have any concerns, please visit a nearby hospital to register for a consultation.[Read More] Head Injury in Elderly: Understanding Risks and Symptoms After a Fall
Understanding Your Symptoms: When to Consult a Neurosurgeon
Medical consultation Hello, I have been feeling persistently lethargic, primarily starting with a dizzy sensation from the back of my neck. I also experience chest pain, numbness in my big toe, occasional facial twitching (similar to eyelid twitching), frequent tinnitus, stomach ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
You can schedule an appointment with the neurology department.[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: When to Consult a Neurosurgeon
Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation: To Operate or Not?
Cervical intervertebral disc herniation..? Hello Dr. Lai: I visited for arm numbness and pain last November, and it was found that I have a herniated disc at the C5 and C6 vertebrae. At that time, I underwent traction therapy and acupuncture, which helped a bit, but I did not ful...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Whether to perform surgery for cervical disc herniation compressing the nerves depends on: 1. The urgency of the situation, such as if there is already paralysis or weakness; 2. The effectiveness of conservative treatments, such as medications and physical therapy; if thes...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation: To Operate or Not?
Deciding on Life Support: A Family's Dilemma After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Family member suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage after a car accident and lost consciousness? Hello, doctor. My grandfather suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a car accident. After the incident, he received emergency care and was intubated, but he has not regained consciou...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Based on patient rights, patients can discuss requests for extubation with their physician at any time.[Read More] Deciding on Life Support: A Family's Dilemma After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Sciatica I have been suffering from lower back pain for at least two years without seeing a doctor. The pain comes and goes, and when I turn over in bed, I experience sharp pain from my lower back to my buttocks and thighs. Sometimes the pain is so severe that I am afraid to move...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: The symptoms suggest sciatica, which is usually caused by lumbar spondylolisthesis or herniated discs that compress the nerves. However, to confirm the diagnosis, X-rays combined with MRI are needed. Considering that you are 30 weeks pregnant, it is generally recommended f...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Causes of Numbness and Tingling in the Heels: When to Seek Help
Tingling and prickling sensations in the heel? Recently, after sitting for about an hour, my heels start to feel numb and tingly. I also experience this numbness and tingling in my feet while sleeping, which wakes me up. What could be the possible causes, and which specialty shou...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: The possible diagnoses are 1. plantar fasciitis or 2. lumbar radiculopathy extending to the heel, or 3. other conditions. You may consult 1. neurosurgery, 2. orthopedics, or 3. rehabilitation medicine for further evaluation. Wishing you a speedy recovery. By Dr. Lai Chao-K...[Read More] Causes of Numbness and Tingling in the Heels: When to Seek Help
Should You See a Doctor After a Minor Head Injury?
Hit the side of the head? Two days ago, I slipped while getting out of bed and hit the side of my head (near the ear) against the bedside table. I was very close to the table when I hit it, and the sound was quite loud. At the moment of impact, I was fully conscious and didn'...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
You may continue to monitor the situation, but if symptoms worsen, please seek medical attention promptly.[Read More] Should You See a Doctor After a Minor Head Injury?
Understanding Hydrocephalus Diagnosis and Lumbar Surgery Concerns
Diagnosis of hydrocephalus and issues related to lumbar abdominal surgery? Hello, Doctor. My mother has been experiencing frequent falls over the past two years, with two incidents where she hit the back of her head. For the past six months, she has felt weakness in her legs, and...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
A lumbar drainage test can confirm whether the symptoms are caused by hydrocephalus.[Read More] Understanding Hydrocephalus Diagnosis and Lumbar Surgery Concerns
Neck and Back Issues After a Motorcycle Accident: What You Need to Know
Cervical and lumbar spine issues after a car accident? A month ago, I was in a motorcycle accident where a motorcycle suddenly came out in front of me. I braked hard, and both myself and the motorcycle fell to the right, with my body impacting the ground on the right side, includ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
If you continue to feel unwell, please return to the outpatient clinic for an examination. Without detailed imaging studies, we cannot provide an answer.[Read More] Neck and Back Issues After a Motorcycle Accident: What You Need to Know