Post-Operative Issues After Lumbar Fusion Surgery: Common Symptoms and Solutions
Lumbar L345 fusion surgery, postoperative issues? Hello, Dr. Lai. I underwent a lumbar spinal fusion surgery at the L3-L5 levels on April 17. Monthly X-ray follow-ups have shown good recovery, but starting from the fifth week, I have been experiencing some soreness (not pain) on ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Some patients may experience discomfort within 2-4 weeks post-surgery. 2. Others may have delayed symptoms that appear 4-5 weeks later. 3. Initially, take medication, apply heat, and undergo rehabilitation. If there is no improvement, please consult the surgeon who perf...[Read More] Post-Operative Issues After Lumbar Fusion Surgery: Common Symptoms and Solutions
Post-Operative Issues After Lumbar Fusion Surgery: Common Symptoms and Solutions
Lumbosacral fusion surgery at the L3-L5 levels, postoperative complications? Hello, Dr. Lai. I underwent a lumbar spinal fusion surgery at the L3-L5 levels on April 17th. Monthly X-ray follow-ups have shown good recovery, but starting from the fifth week, I have been experiencing...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Some patients may experience discomfort within 2-4 weeks post-surgery. 2. Others may have delayed symptoms that appear 4-5 weeks later. 3. Initially, take medication, apply heat, and undergo rehabilitation. If there is no improvement, please consult the surgeon who perf...[Read More] Post-Operative Issues After Lumbar Fusion Surgery: Common Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Disc Herniation: Symptoms, Treatment, and MRI Insights
Herniated disc I would like to consult Dr. Lai regarding my condition. I have cervical spine compression at levels C4, C5, and C6 affecting the spinal cord, and a ruptured intervertebral disc at the lumbar spine L5-S1. I underwent an anterior cervical discectomy on February 22. P...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. If there is severe preoperative compression of the cervical spinal cord that has already caused damage, some patients may experience abnormal sensations postoperatively and may require medication in conjunction with rehabilitation therapy. 2. It is also occasionally obs...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: Symptoms, Treatment, and MRI Insights
Post-Operative Consultation for L5-S1 Fusion Surgery Complications
Postoperative Consultation for L5-S1 Surgery Hello Dr. Lai, I previously underwent an anterior spinal fusion surgery due to grade II spondylolisthesis at the L5-S1 level. (Before the surgery, I experienced persistent pain on the left side, while the right side had no symptoms.)...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Indeed, some individuals may experience symptoms on the opposite side after a dislocation is reduced, which could be due to temporary discomfort in the new environment following the renovation of an old house. 2. It would be advisable to discuss this further with the or...[Read More] Post-Operative Consultation for L5-S1 Fusion Surgery Complications
Post-Surgery Recovery Challenges After Lumbar Disc Rupture: Seeking Solutions
Postoperative care after lumbar disc herniation surgery? Dear Doctor, I underwent two surgeries in 2020 for L3-4-5 lumbar spine stabilization with interbody fusion devices. My recovery was good, and three months post-surgery, I returned to delivering food. After nearly a year, ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If the damage is severe before surgery, the postoperative recovery may not be ideal. Your condition is more complex. We need to review MRI and other imaging studies to provide you with a clearer assessment and recommendations. You can bring a series of MRIs for a consultat...[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery Challenges After Lumbar Disc Rupture: Seeking Solutions
Understanding Tongue Weakness After Brain Surgery: Causes and Recovery
Half of the tongue is flaccid? Hello, doctor. I underwent a resection surgery for an intracranial hemangioma last November, located in the cerebellum, which was compressing the brainstem and cerebellum. Before the surgery, I experienced symptoms such as hand numbness, left-sided ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Hemangiomas are benign, but they can affect the function of nearby nerves, and the specific functions impacted are related to the location of the hemangioma.[Read More] Understanding Tongue Weakness After Brain Surgery: Causes and Recovery
Understanding Recovery After Aneurysm Rupture and Coiling Surgery
Ruptured cerebral aneurysm, subarachnoid hemorrhage, has undergone embolization surgery? Hello Doctor, thank you very much for taking the time to respond. On Day 0, my father experienced a sudden severe headache on the morning of December 2nd. He was taken to the hospital half ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
1. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy does not have a specific intervention time; it can begin once the condition is stable. 2. After regaining consciousness, a physician can reassess the situation. 3. It's really difficult to say.[Read More] Understanding Recovery After Aneurysm Rupture and Coiling Surgery
Understanding Recurrent Hydrocephalus: Long-Term Management and Concerns
The condition of hydrocephalus is recurrent? Hello Doctor: My mother (65 years old) underwent a ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery for hydrocephalus in June of this year. She has been regularly returning for follow-up appointments to assess her postoperative condition and determi...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Theoretically, with the presence of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, continuous drainage of cerebrospinal fluid can be maintained, significantly reducing the likelihood of developing hydrocephalus again.[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Hydrocephalus: Long-Term Management and Concerns
Understanding Subdural Hematoma and Hydrocephalus: Treatment Options Explained
Subdural hematoma and hydrocephalus? Dear Vice President, 1. My father had a history of stroke due to hypertension seven years ago. The medical advice indicated that the bleeding was minimal, and he was observed for spontaneous absorption without surgery. He has left-sided hemip...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
1. Subdural hematoma cannot be resolved by third ventriculostomy. Third ventriculostomy is a procedure used to manage hydrocephalus.[Read More] Understanding Subdural Hematoma and Hydrocephalus: Treatment Options Explained
Understanding Stroke and Spinal Cord Injury in ICU Patients
Currently in the intensive care unit, experiencing a stroke affecting the right side of the body, with spinal cord injury? Hello, currently in the intensive care unit, the patient has suffered a stroke affecting the right side of the body, with right pupil dilation and cerebellar...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If a malignant tumor has invaded the brain, including the cerebrum and cerebellum, and there is unilateral pupil dilation, along with a craniotomy for decompression already performed... the patient's condition is actually quite pessimistic, and the chances of recovery...[Read More] Understanding Stroke and Spinal Cord Injury in ICU Patients
Understanding Recovery Time After Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery
Questions about cervical spine surgery and artificial discs? I would like to ask about my recent cervical disc herniation. I am considering undergoing a self-funded artificial disc replacement surgery. Considering the recovery time, I would like to know, doctor, how long it typic...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If your preoperative symptoms do not include walking issues, but rather pain and numbness in the shoulders and upper limbs, as my postoperative patients, you can attempt to get out of bed and walk on the same day. Once the wound is clean (approximately one week), you can r...[Read More] Understanding Recovery Time After Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery
Post-Spinal Surgery: Understanding Unilateral Ankle Edema and Numbness
Postoperative edema below the ankle in one leg after spinal surgery? My father developed an abscess between the 5th and 7th vertebrae that was compressing the nerves during the Lunar New Year. He underwent surgery and drainage of the abscess, and after being discharged, he has be...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: There are several possible speculations: 1. The original spinal nerves may have been damaged prior to surgery, resulting in incomplete recovery postoperatively. 2. There may be local peripheral nerve or vascular lesions in the foot's fascia. 3. There could be poor blo...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Understanding Unilateral Ankle Edema and Numbness
Understanding Post-Concussion Syndrome: Risks and Recovery Insights
Post-Concussion Syndrome Consultation Hello Dr. Zhao, I was hospitalized in the emergency department for 3 days due to a head injury 4 months ago (I was 19 years old at the time). I lost consciousness until I regained it after the ambulance arrived, and there were no seizures at ...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: After a brain injury, seizures may occur. It is recommended that patients maintain a regular and normal lifestyle to reduce the frequency of seizures. You have currently returned to a normal life and your postoperative condition is good. Many symptoms will improve, and mai...[Read More] Understanding Post-Concussion Syndrome: Risks and Recovery Insights
Managing Post-Surgery Neurological Scarring After Brain Tumor Removal
Neurogenic scar tissue after brain tumor surgery? Hello Dr. Chang, I had a brain tumor removed in mid-last year, and I have been experiencing persistent symptoms such as tinnitus, diplopia, facial numbness, and trigeminal nerve issues as postoperative sequelae. I would like to kn...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The term "scarring in the central nervous system" refers to the formation of scar tissue following nerve damage. It appears similar to nerve injury, and currently, there are no particularly effective treatment options available.[Read More] Managing Post-Surgery Neurological Scarring After Brain Tumor Removal
Post-Spinal Surgery Pain: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
Postoperative pain after spinal surgery I have rheumatoid arthritis and after undergoing L4-L5 spinal surgery last July, I still experience soreness, numbness, pain, stiffness, tightness, and weakness from my right hip to my calf, and I still need a walker. Is this a phenomenon o...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Your condition of neural adhesion is just one possible cause. There may be other reasons as well. I recommend that you bring your pre-operative and post-operative X-rays and MRI for an in-person consultation. If it is not convenient for you to come to Changhua Hospital, pl...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery Pain: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
Understanding Spinal Fusion Surgery: Risks and Benefits for Seniors
Evaluation of Spinal Fusion Surgery Hello, doctor. My mother is 71 years old and has chronic diseases. Currently, she experiences difficulty walking for extended periods, accompanied by lower back pain and numbness in both legs. She has undergone X-rays and an MRI, and the doctor...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Spinal disorders that compress nerves can cause symptoms such as aching, cramping, numbness, weakness, and limping. While these conditions are not life-threatening, they can significantly impact quality of life and dignity. In severe cases, they may lead to impaired mobili...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Fusion Surgery: Risks and Benefits for Seniors
Post-Surgery Pain After Lumbar Disc Herniation: What to Expect?
Postoperative care for herniated disc surgery? Hello Doctor, I underwent traditional surgery for an L4-L5 herniated disc at the beginning of November, without the use of a spacer. Postoperatively, my calf pain improved, but in early January, I suddenly experienced persistent shoo...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: After your decompression surgery in November, there was improvement, but in January, you experienced a recurrence of symptoms. I would like to speculate that it may be a relapse; of course, adhesions or other reasons are also possible. I recommend that you return for a fol...[Read More] Post-Surgery Pain After Lumbar Disc Herniation: What to Expect?
Understanding Complications of L3 Spinal Surgery: A Patient's Journey
Misplacement of L3 pedicle screw in lumbar spine surgery? Hello, doctor. My father is 72 years old. Preoperative X-rays showed signs of scoliosis and spondylolisthesis, with complaints of inability to walk for long periods due to lower back pain and numbness in his legs when sitt...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Postoperative follow-up shows that the original symptoms have not improved and have worsened after surgery. If imaging reveals that a steel screw has penetrated the nerve canal, there are no other options but to adjust and perform another surgery (unless the patient is ...[Read More] Understanding Complications of L3 Spinal Surgery: A Patient's Journey
Post-Operative Recovery Timeline for Trigeminal Neuralgia Surgery
Postoperative Recovery Period for Trigeminal Neuralgia Decompression Surgery Hello, doctor. I underwent craniotomy for severe trigeminal neuralgia and it has been about one month since the surgery. I still experience occasional dizziness and unsteadiness while standing, but I hav...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, if the surgical wound is clean and the stitches are removed, one can gradually return to daily activities. More stable healing typically occurs around three months. However, the details of postoperative recovery can vary individually. You should consult...[Read More] Post-Operative Recovery Timeline for Trigeminal Neuralgia Surgery
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