Understanding Pain and Numbness in Elderly Patients with Prostate Cancer
Foot pain with numbness and tingling? My father is in his eighties and has prostate cancer. He experiences pain on both sides of his buttocks, and his legs feel sore and numb, making it difficult for him to walk. He also has urinary and fecal incontinence. He has seen a neurologi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected to be an issue with the lumbar spinal nerves. It is recommended to consult a hospital's <Neurosurgery> department. Best wishes to you. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Chief of the Spine Neurosurgery Department, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Pain and Numbness in Elderly Patients with Prostate Cancer
Dealing with Post-Surgery Recurrence: Options After Spinal Disc Replacement
Postoperative recurrence About four to five years ago, I underwent a procedure to replace 4-5 segments of cartilage due to nerve compression. The doctor assured me that replacing the artificial cartilage would be a permanent solution. However, I now find myself in the same situat...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If you have any doubts about Dr. Yuan's explanation, I suggest you consult another neurosurgeon. The images speak for themselves. Please copy the MRI image disc and bring it to your next appointment. Wishing you all the best. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of Spine Ne...[Read More] Dealing with Post-Surgery Recurrence: Options After Spinal Disc Replacement
Understanding OPLL Treatment Options and Estimated Costs
Treatment options for OPLL (Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament) and estimated initial costs? Hello Doctor, I was recently diagnosed with OPLL at the cervical spine levels C3-C7. The doctor suggested using a mini plate for laminoplasty or an anterior cervical disc...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. If the diagnosis of OPLL is confirmed and aligns with your symptoms, when planning for surgery, the general recommendation is posterior decompression surgery (laminoplasty with mini-plate or laminectomy with posterior minimally invasive screw fixation): mini-plates are ...[Read More] Understanding OPLL Treatment Options and Estimated Costs
Understanding OPLL Treatment Options and Estimated Costs in the U.S.
Treatment options for OPLL (Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament) and estimated costs? Hello Doctor, I was recently diagnosed with OPLL at the cervical spine levels C3-C7. The doctor suggested performing laminoplasty with a mini plate through a posterior approach, ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. If the diagnosis of OPLL is confirmed and aligns with your symptoms, when planning for surgery, the general recommendation is posterior decompression surgery (laminoplasty with mini-plate or laminectomy with posterior minimally invasive screw fixation): mini-plates are ...[Read More] Understanding OPLL Treatment Options and Estimated Costs in the U.S.
Understanding Disc Herniation: Surgical Options and Recovery Insights
Herniated disc Hello Doctor, last month I went to the hospital for an examination due to lower back pain and found out that I have multiple herniated discs, with the first, second, fourth, and fifth discs being the most severe (the fourth and fifth discs are completely herniated ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
1. Over 90% improvement is achievable, with a safety rate of over 99% (unless there are specific underlying conditions) (##but this depends on the surgical method you ultimately choose##). 2. It is essential to review your imaging and symptoms. The benefits of the product come ...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: Surgical Options and Recovery Insights
Seeking Help for Persistent Neck and Limb Pain: A Neurological Concern
Please help me? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing tightness and sharp pain in the left side of my neck and occipital area for about 4-5 months. I also feel some discomfort behind my ear and a bit of a plugged sensation. This month, I suddenly started to feel some numbness an...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon for a detailed examination, as there may be issues related to cervical spine joints or nerve compression.[Read More] Seeking Help for Persistent Neck and Limb Pain: A Neurological Concern
Understanding Cervical Spine Fractures: Treatment and Recovery Insights
Cervical spine fracture Hello, Doctor. I was in a car accident on November 10th last year, where I was rear-ended by a car traveling at 14 km/h. At the time, I sustained abrasions on my right knee and shoulder. After nearly four months of follow-up, while driving on February 26th...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If you have a fracture of the odontoid process of the second cervical vertebra and surgery is not required, you will need to wear a SOMI (Sterno-Occipital-Mandibular Immobilizer) collar for about 3 to 6 months, even while sleeping. If your symptoms persist and MRI shows th...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Fractures: Treatment and Recovery Insights
Understanding Spondylolisthesis: Surgical Options and Recovery Insights
Spondylolisthesis Hello Dr. Lai: Previously, when you came to Taitung Hospital for support, I visited your clinic. You reviewed my MRI results and diagnosed me with spondylolisthesis at the fifth lumbar vertebra and the first sacral vertebra. You recommended that I undergo spinal...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Minimally invasive surgery without screws involves only removing the tissue that compresses the nerves and placing a soft cushion underneath, or removing the entire damaged intervertebral disc and then replacing it with a fusion cage, which can improve your condition....[Read More] Understanding Spondylolisthesis: Surgical Options and Recovery Insights
Understanding Lumbar Disc Herniation: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
Herniated disc Hello, doctor. My family member is 58 years old and has been diagnosed with herniated discs at the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae, along with nerve compression. I have attached MRI images: (I apologize for uploading multiple images as I wasn't sure which on...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, 1. Your family member has significant nerve compression, with the most severe being at the L4-5 level, where there is already a herniation and rupture. Medically, surgery has been recommended. However, if symptoms have improved, continuing conservative rehabilitation is ...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Disc Herniation: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
Understanding Lumbar and Coccyx Issues: Symptoms and Diagnosis Explained
Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about issues related to the lumbar spine and the coccyx? Hello, doctor. Here's the situation. For about a year now, I have been experiencing a sensation of a foreign body in my anus, and after urinating, there are a few drops of urine l...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
If there is nerve compression, it cannot be clearly seen with just an X-ray; generally, an MRI is also needed. It is recommended to schedule an appointment with a neurosurgery clinic for a professional evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Lumbar and Coccyx Issues: Symptoms and Diagnosis Explained
Understanding Persistent Dizziness: Causes, Tests, and When to Get an MRI
Dizziness for more than two months? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing dizziness and shoulder and neck pain for the past two and a half months. The symptoms include a constant feeling of dizziness throughout the day, without a sensation of spinning, nausea, unsteadiness while...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Your issue is complex, and it is difficult to provide a complete answer without a thorough physical examination and tests. I recommend consulting a neurology or neurosurgery outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Dizziness: Causes, Tests, and When to Get an MRI
Understanding Cervical Radiculopathy: Pain, Numbness, and Treatment Options
Cervical cone issues Hello, my father is nearly 70 years old. For the past few months, he has been experiencing shoulder pain that prevents him from sleeping. After visiting the hospital for an examination, the imaging results indicated that there is tightness and compression at ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on your description, the symptoms indicate cervical nerve compression. The initial pain evolving into numbness suggests nerve deterioration. 2. Whether surgery is necessary will depend on the MRI findings. 3. Generally, conservative treatment includes medication a...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Radiculopathy: Pain, Numbness, and Treatment Options
Understanding Cervical Radiculopathy: Treatment Options and Risks
Cervical cone issues Hello, my father is nearly 70 years old. For the past few months, he has been experiencing shoulder pain that prevents him from sleeping. After visiting the hospital for an examination, the imaging results indicated that the tightness and compression at cervi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on your description, the symptoms indicate cervical nerve compression. The initial pain evolving into numbness suggests worsening of the nerve condition. 2. Whether surgery is necessary will depend on the MRI findings. 3. Generally, conservative treatment includes...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Radiculopathy: Treatment Options and Risks
Is It Normal to Experience Head and Shoulder Pain After a Head Injury?
Head struck against the wall? Hello Doctor: I bumped the right side of my head against a wall on October 11th. It wasn't very painful on the day of the incident or the following day, but starting on October 13th, I've been experiencing pain from the right side of my hea...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, you may have a cervical spine issue. If it persists for 1-2 weeks, it is advisable to consult a neurosurgeon. Best wishes to you from Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, the Director of Spine Neurosurgery at Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Is It Normal to Experience Head and Shoulder Pain After a Head Injury?
Understanding Cauda Equina Syndrome After L5-S1 Surgery: Symptoms and Concerns
Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about issues related to the lumbar spine and bowel elimination? Last year, I underwent a subcutaneous endoscopic surgery at the L5-S1 level. About two months post-operation, I experienced lower back pain due to straining during bowel movemen...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, please return to your original physician for the lumbar endoscopic surgery as soon as possible. Wishing you the best. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of the Spine and Neurosurgery Department, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Cauda Equina Syndrome After L5-S1 Surgery: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Nerve Issues: Exploring Causes of Leg and Hip Numbness
Numbness in the lower back, hips, and legs, unclear where the issue lies? On August 24, I had a pelvic adjustment, and for the week following, I did not experience any particular sensations and did not engage in any special activities. On September 1, I noticed swelling on the ou...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is not possible to diagnose the disease online; it is recommended to consult a neurosurgery outpatient clinic for examination.[Read More] Understanding Nerve Issues: Exploring Causes of Leg and Hip Numbness
Understanding Nerve Issues: Tremors, Numbness, and Speech Difficulties
Tremors, body numbness, and difficulty speaking? 1. After riding a bike for about 20 minutes, my buttocks become completely numb, and my back often feels tingly and prickly. 2. Recently, while typing, my left thumb has been shaking involuntarily. 3. I've noticed that when I ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. It may be a lumbar spine issue causing sciatica. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. 2+3: First, see a neurologist to rule out any cranial nerve problems. Best wishes // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang.[Read More] Understanding Nerve Issues: Tremors, Numbness, and Speech Difficulties
Understanding Right Leg Tightness and Hand Numbness: Possible Causes and Solutions
There is an abnormal tightness sensation in the right thigh, accompanied by slight numbness in the hand? Hello Dr. Lai, I would like to ask if you could help me with a preliminary diagnosis of my condition. It started around February of last year, and my current symptoms include ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The hand <the right hand also feels a bit prone to numbness, particularly the ring and little fingers...> is mainly due to nerve compression in the hand. It may also be caused by cervical spine issues, and a nerve conduction study (NCS) is needed for differentiati...[Read More] Understanding Right Leg Tightness and Hand Numbness: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Lumbar Spondylolisthesis and Surgical Options
Spondylolysis with lumbar spondylolisthesis? Hello Doctor, four years ago I visited a physician due to lower back pain, and the doctor diagnosed me with a fracture of the lamina at the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. Recently, during a follow-up visit, the doctor mentioned tha...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. If there is a spondylolysis with accompanying lumbar spondylolisthesis, it will not heal on its own. If you feel your symptoms are manageable, then coexist peacefully with it. However, if your symptoms are bothersome and you want a definitive solution, then consider sur...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spondylolisthesis and Surgical Options
Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Treatment Options and Insights
Radicular syndrome with hand numbness? My mother has been experiencing numbness in her middle and index fingers after prolonged activities such as reviewing documents, washing dishes, brushing her teeth, and combing her hair over the past two years. A doctor diagnosed her with ce...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Since the nerve conduction study indicates two underlying issues simultaneously, and there has been no improvement after wrist surgery, cervical spine surgery may need to be considered.[Read More] Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Treatment Options and Insights