Should My Elderly Father Undergo Skull Reconstruction After Head Injury?
Intracranial hemorrhage due to a car accident? On April 22 at 10:00 AM, my father was involved in a car accident. That afternoon, he experienced intracranial hemorrhage exceeding 30% of blood volume, necessitating an emergency surgery that evening to relieve intracranial pressure...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello; after a physician assesses that the brain condition is relatively stable, it is generally recommended to reattach and secure the skull defect. Besides improving the aesthetic appearance after cranial reconstruction and protecting the extremely delicate brain tissue, it als...[Read More] Should My Elderly Father Undergo Skull Reconstruction After Head Injury?
Post-Spinal Surgery: Understanding Right Leg Pain and Recovery Challenges
Post-operative pain in the right leg after spinal surgery? Hello Doctor: I am consulting on behalf of my mother. She underwent surgery on July 26 for spondylolisthesis at levels L2, L3, and L4. Before the surgery, she experienced significant pain in her left leg and lower back, w...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You have right-sided sciatica. Please consult with your original surgeon, as it may be due to inflammation combined with blood or blood clots causing irritation, or it could be due to other reasons. If medication treatment is ineffective and X-ray results are normal, pleas...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Understanding Right Leg Pain and Recovery Challenges
Understanding Foot Pain and Numbness: Could a Herniated Disc Be the Cause?
Only experiencing numbness in the soles of the feet and a tingling sensation in the lower limbs? Hello, doctor. Since November 2021, I have experienced sudden pain and numbness in the left sole of my foot while playing basketball. After a month, the right foot also started to fee...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Cervical spinal cord lesions presenting solely with foot symptoms are rare, but they can occur. It is recommended that if you 1. experience severe and intolerable symptoms, or 2. have significant neural compression evident on MRI that can explain your condition, you may co...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain and Numbness: Could a Herniated Disc Be the Cause?
Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain: Seeking Answers for Lasting Relief
Daily Disturbances I have been experiencing persistent pain from my neck to my shoulders, and sometimes it even extends to my fingers, causing numbness. Recently, this pain has spread to my deltoid area. When I press on the side of my cervical spine and then release, I feel a str...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected to be cervical spine degeneration, commonly cervical disc herniation, which compresses the nerves. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon and undergo X-rays, or even an MRI, to assess the condition. Best wishes from Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of the S...[Read More] Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain: Seeking Answers for Lasting Relief
Understanding Foot Pain and Numbness: Is Cervical Disc Herniation the Cause?
Only experiencing numbness in the soles of the feet and a tingling sensation in the lower limbs? Hello Doctor. Since November 2021, I have experienced sudden pain and numbness in the left sole of my foot while playing basketball. After a month, the right foot also began to feel s...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Cervical spinal cord lesions presenting solely with foot symptoms are rare, but they can occur. It is recommended that if you 1. experience severe and intolerable symptoms, and 2. MRI imaging shows significant neural compression that can explain your condition, you may con...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain and Numbness: Is Cervical Disc Herniation the Cause?
Understanding Recovery from Subdural Hemorrhage in Elderly Patients
An 81-year-old patient has experienced a hemorrhage in the superficial area of the right hemisphere of the brain? Hello Doctor: My mother was sent to the emergency room on July 22 due to excessive drowsiness. A CT scan revealed bleeding in the posterior superficial area of the ri...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: The human brain is an extremely intricate organ. Most injuries cause damage at the moment of bleeding. If the patient responds to family members' calls and the amount of bleeding is not significant, some physicians may advocate for conservative treatment. Generally, b...[Read More] Understanding Recovery from Subdural Hemorrhage in Elderly Patients
Understanding Recovery from Subdural Hemorrhage in Elderly Patients
An 81-year-old patient has experienced a hemorrhage in the superficial area of the right hemisphere of the brain? Hello Doctor: My mother was sent to the emergency room on July 22 after falling into a deep sleep. A CT scan revealed bleeding in the posterior superficial area of th...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: The human brain is an extremely intricate organ. Most injuries cause damage at the moment of bleeding. If the patient responds to family calls and the amount of bleeding is not significant, some physicians may advocate for conservative treatment. Generally, bleeding will g...[Read More] Understanding Recovery from Subdural Hemorrhage in Elderly Patients
Understanding Eye Discomfort: When to See a Neurologist or Ophthalmologist
I have been feeling that my right eye is not fully open for a long time? Hello, doctor. For the past three months, I have been experiencing a sensation where my right eye does not fully open upon waking up (it feels like it only opens about 80-90%). This results in my left eye ap...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
You can schedule an appointment with either the neurosurgery or neurology department.[Read More] Understanding Eye Discomfort: When to See a Neurologist or Ophthalmologist
Understanding Recovery from Right Brain Hemorrhage in an 80-Year-Old
Cerebral hemorrhage in the superficial region of the right hemisphere in an 80-year-old patient? Hello, Doctor: My mother had a 60cc hemorrhage in the right cerebral hemisphere on July 23, 2022. It has not affected her motor strength, but she has been sleeping a lot. She responds...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
1. Typically, it can be fully absorbed within a month. 2. Since we are unaware of the patient's current condition, please consult the original attending physician. 3. It is possible.[Read More] Understanding Recovery from Right Brain Hemorrhage in an 80-Year-Old
Managing Sciatica During Pregnancy: Understanding Disc Herniation Risks
Herniated disc compressing nerves at 18 weeks of pregnancy? Hello Doctor, I am currently 18 weeks pregnant and experiencing severe pain when walking or sitting. I have sharp, shooting pain and numbness from my left hip down to my calf, and I am limping with a misaligned posture d...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If you suddenly experience weakness and soreness in your thigh and knee, this symptom may indicate a more serious condition. Since lumbar spine surgery requires X-rays, there is a risk of fetal radiation exposure. Generally, expectant mothers are encouraged to endure the d...[Read More] Managing Sciatica During Pregnancy: Understanding Disc Herniation Risks
Post-Head Injury: Persistent Swelling and Worsening Dizziness Concerns
After a head injury, the swelling has not subsided and dizziness has worsened? Hello Doctor: My mother (63 years old) slipped and fell in the bathroom a week ago, hitting the back left side of her head (no external injury but with noticeable swelling). She immediately went to the...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is recommended to return to the neurosurgery outpatient clinic for an examination.[Read More] Post-Head Injury: Persistent Swelling and Worsening Dizziness Concerns
Understanding Hydrocephalus: Treatment Options for Severe Cases in Elderly Patients
Hydrocephalus, resulting in complete body paralysis and loss of consciousness? My mother is 84 years old. In early May of this year, she underwent surgery for a brain hemorrhage at Shin Kong Hospital. After being discharged, she had a urinary catheter in place, was conscious, and...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without a detailed physical examination and imaging reports, it is not possible to answer such questions online. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgery outpatient clinic for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Hydrocephalus: Treatment Options for Severe Cases in Elderly Patients
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 the time, I was unsure if there was any damage, so I went to an orthopedic doctor for an X-ray. The doctor said there were no fractures in my skull. After two months, I consulted ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Basically, a minor impact from two years ago should not have any effects now. If you experience any discomfort, please schedule an appointment with a neurologist.[Read More] Understanding Head Trauma: Long-Term Effects and Concerns
Post-Surgery Complications of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Patient's Journey
Abnormal Conditions After Surgery for Intervertebral Disc Stenosis and Herniation Hello Doctor, I would like to consult you regarding my condition. I have been diagnosed with L4-L5 disc stenosis and L5-S1 disc herniation. On February 10th of this year, I underwent endoscopic deco...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello Xiaowen: Physical therapy can be implemented. However, you have already undergone two surgeries by other doctors, and the situation is more complex. The second surgery was 1.5 months ago. It is advisable to have a physician evaluate whether an MRI follow-up is necessary. Be...[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Patient's Journey
Post-Traumatic Intracranial Hemorrhage: Follow-Up Care and Concerns
Follow-up for traumatic intracranial hemorrhage? On May 22, my mother was involved in a car accident and was sent to the hospital. She suffered a right skull fracture, traumatic intracranial hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, subdural hematoma, and contusion with hemorrhage in ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Blood clots will be absorbed, and the chance of rebleeding is low; prevention is not possible.[Read More] Post-Traumatic Intracranial Hemorrhage: Follow-Up Care and Concerns
Understanding Spinal Fusion: Pros and Cons of Coflex Implants
Spinal fusion self-funded implants Hello, Director Zhang! I have rheumatoid arthritis and the following conditions: my bone density is relatively okay, but I have vertebral slippage, spinal instability, vertebral collapse, and a herniated disc, which necessitates spinal fusion su...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
There are many different methods and techniques for spinal surgery, making it impossible to explain each one in detail. It is recommended that you find a trusted physician and place your confidence in them.[Read More] Understanding Spinal Fusion: Pros and Cons of Coflex Implants
Understanding Dizziness Duration After Brain Hemorrhage: What to Expect
Duration of dizziness in cerebral hemorrhage? Hello Doctor, my mother was in a car accident on June 17th in the afternoon. She suffered a direct impact to her head, and after an emergency CT scan, it was found that she had slight intracranial hemorrhage. After evaluation by the e...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Increasing dizziness is abnormal. Generally, dizziness can alleviate within 1-2 weeks.[Read More] Understanding Dizziness Duration After Brain Hemorrhage: What to Expect
Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion Techniques: What You Need to Know
Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion Hello, Director Lai! I have rheumatoid arthritis, and my wound healing and bone density are okay. However, I have some instability and collapse in my L4 and L5 vertebrae. The doctor mentioned that the oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) is not ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello Ms. Amin: You inquired about OLIF last month, and now you are asking about other surgical options for the L4-5 spondylolisthesis. You might be experiencing decision fatigue! I understand your hesitation. In fact, rheumatoid arthritis combined with L4-5 spondylolisthesis is ...[Read More] Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion Techniques: What You Need to Know
Understanding Post-Surgery Numbness After Lumbar Disc Surgery
Hello, doctor? I underwent a discectomy for a herniated disc on May 27, and I have a stabilizer installed. Before the surgery, I experienced numbness in both feet, but now, 20 days post-operation, my feet are still numb. Is this normal? Will it get better? My doctor prescribed B1...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, I suggest that in this post-surgery situation, you should consult your original surgeon for further evaluation. Since you chose him initially, it's important to trust his expertise. Additionally, you have not provided any pre-operative imaging or post-operative images...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Numbness After Lumbar Disc Surgery
Understanding Back Pain, Chest Tightness, and Spinal Compression Symptoms
Lower back pain, chest tightness, dizziness, spinal compression? Hello doctor, after undergoing an iliac vein catheter examination in early April, I began to experience discomfort in my lower back and buttocks. The back pain worsened, and about two months ago, while stretching my...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, the preliminary assessment suggests issues related to the spine and autonomic nervous system. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon (spine neurosurgeon) for further evaluation and to arrange for examinations. Best wishes from Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Chief of Spine Neurosu...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain, Chest Tightness, and Spinal Compression Symptoms