Understanding Facial and Head Numbness: Causes and Treatment Options
Numbness and swelling in the head and face? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing numbness and swelling in my head and face every day for over ten years. Last year, I went to Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital for a neurological examination of my head and facial nerves, and the...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms require an evaluation of intracranial lesions and facial nerve disorders... Additionally, a detailed investigation of the cervical spine nerves may be necessary. Based on your description [...lying semi-reclined on the bed with your head turned to the right w...[Read More] Understanding Facial and Head Numbness: Causes and Treatment Options
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
Effective Treatment Options for Sciatica and Spinal Stenosis
Sciatica Hello, doctor. My father previously had surgery for spinal bone spurs (with a spacer inserted), but now the bone spurs have recurred. He has undergone an MRI, and I would like to ask what treatment options are currently available, or what surgical methods there are. Than...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. We need to review the new MRI and X-rays to understand the current relative condition of the vertebrae in order to provide a more accurate response. 2. It may be necessary to remove the bone spurs again, decompress the area, and implant new spacers or stents, or perform...[Read More] Effective Treatment Options for Sciatica and Spinal Stenosis
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
Understanding Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Latest Minimally Invasive Treatments
Spinal instability due to spondylolisthesis? Hello, Director Lai. I am an RA. MRI shows L4-5 spondylolisthesis with spinal instability, herniated disc compressing the nerve, and narrowing of the intervertebral space. Symptoms include lumbar pain, right lower limb neuropathic pain...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The OLIF procedure you mentioned is relatively novel, and its advantages are generally as you described. However, it should be noted that OLIF accesses the spine from the anterolateral approach and employs an indirect decompression technique, which means it may not ac...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Latest Minimally Invasive Treatments
Understanding Post-Surgery Pain: Insights on Spine Surgery Recovery
Spinal surgery Hello Doctor: My father has been experiencing pain and numbness in his legs, which radiates from his lower back to the soles of his feet. He was diagnosed at the hospital with degeneration of the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae, causing nerve compression. He subs...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, high-frequency thermal coagulation therapy can be considered; however, the patient needs to come in for an evaluation. Additionally, it is recommended to bring recent MRI and X-ray images from the original hospital, copied onto a disc. Best wishe...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Pain: Insights on Spine Surgery Recovery
Understanding Spine Surgery: Managing Pain and Recovery Challenges
Spinal surgery Hello Doctor: My father has been experiencing pain and numbness in his legs, which radiates from his lower back down to the soles of his feet. After being diagnosed at the hospital, it was determined that the degeneration of the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae wa...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, high-frequency thermal coagulation therapy can be considered; however, the patient needs to come to the clinic for an evaluation. Additionally, it is recommended to bring recent MRI and X-ray images from the original hospital, copied onto a disc....[Read More] Understanding Spine Surgery: Managing Pain and Recovery Challenges
Understanding Post-Surgery Spine Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Nail problems Hello, I would like to ask about my condition. Three years ago, I had a herniated disc at lumbar vertebrae L1 and L2, and upon the doctor's recommendation, I had dynamic screws installed at thoracic vertebra 15 and lumbar vertebrae L1 and L2. Recently, I have n...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without detailed medical history and physical examination, it is not possible to provide an answer.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Spine Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms: Nerve Issues After Thoracic Surgery
Thoracic spine issues Hello, doctor! I had surgery last June for thoracic spinal stenosis that was compressing my nerves, but nearly a year after the surgery, I still experience persistent numbness in my legs. I later returned for follow-up visits and had an MRI to assess the com...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Very likely.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms: Nerve Issues After Thoracic Surgery
Post-Surgery Complications: Persistent Pain and Numbness After Spinal Surgery
Postoperative condition not improved after posterior ligament surgery? Hello Doctor: I underwent surgery due to calcification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in my cervical spine, specifically at the C3-4-5 levels, where an artificial disc was placed at the C4 level. It ha...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: I am not the doctor who performed your original surgery. I would like to help you, but your description is too brief for a professional assessment. I recommend that you first consult with the surgeon who performed your initial procedure. If you do not receive the explanati...[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications: Persistent Pain and Numbness After Spinal Surgery
Understanding Cervical Spine Issues: Symptoms, Rehabilitation, and Diagnosis
Cervical spine issues, cervical rehabilitation? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my condition. Around October last year, I experienced back pain and weakness associated with a cold. After recovering from the cold, my symptoms improved, but then I started to feel a series o...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected that you may be experiencing symptoms of cervical nerve compression. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon to discuss the possibility of arranging an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) examination. If you experience severe weakness in your limbs, loss o...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Issues: Symptoms, Rehabilitation, and Diagnosis
Understanding Cervical Fusion and Artificial Discs: Can Surgery Relieve Nerve Pain?
Cervical fusion at levels C3-C4 and artificial disc replacement at levels C5-C6? Hello, Director! I am an RA and I have decided to undergo surgery for my cervical spine, specifically C3-C4 fusion and C5-C6 artificial disc replacement. I also have symptoms of lumbar disc herniatio...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: Cervical disc herniation, if it causes nerve root compression, may lead to lower limb weakness. Symptoms may improve to some extent after decompression surgery; however, since I have not reviewed your MRI in detail, I cannot make the most accurate assessment. I recommend t...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Fusion and Artificial Discs: Can Surgery Relieve Nerve Pain?
Spinal Fracture and Spinal Cord Injury Disability Assessment Guidelines
Assessment of Disability Due to Spinal Fractures and Spinal Cord Injury I previously underwent spinal surgery at your hospital and spent about a month in inpatient rehabilitation. After that, I have been hospitalized for rehabilitation at other hospitals for approximately 10 mont...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: For general agricultural labor insurance disability assessment or the physical and mental disability handbook, it is required to wait 6 months to 1 year post-surgery, depending on the condition, before applying. I suggest you: 1. First, apply for a diagnosis certificate/me...[Read More] Spinal Fracture and Spinal Cord Injury Disability Assessment Guidelines
Understanding Disc Herniation After Tailbone Injury: Symptoms and Treatment
Herniated disc Hello, doctor. Three weeks ago, I fell down the stairs and sustained a coccygeal fracture. Initially, the pain was not severe, and my mobility began to improve. However, since last week, the area above my coccyx in the lumbar region has become very swollen and pain...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description: "The area around my lower back has become very swollen and painful, and my left leg often experiences sharp pain from my lower back to the sole of my foot... My lower back is sore except when lying down, and my left foot is increasingly numb...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation After Tailbone Injury: Symptoms and Treatment
Post-Surgery Back Pain: Soft vs. Rigid Support for Lumbar Fusion
Lumbar spine traditional surgery 5-1 fusion brace? Dear Doctor, I had a lumbar fusion at the L5-S1 level and underwent surgery 20 days ago. However, my doctor only advised me to wear a soft lumbar brace. I experience daily back pain. Would wearing a rigid brace provide better p...
Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: Protecting the wound does not require a special hard brace. The pain after lumbar spine surgery may be due to insufficient muscle strength. It is advisable to discuss this with your attending physician. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Post-Surgery Back Pain: Soft vs. Rigid Support for Lumbar Fusion
Post-Surgery Insights: Understanding Recovery After Disc Herniation Surgery
Postoperative care after disc herniation removal surgery? Hello, doctor. I am 36 years old and have a herniated disc. I underwent decompression surgery about a month ago (simple decompression). The pre-operative MRI is as follows: https://imgur.com/a/cEEz4Dh. My surgeon informed ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You have many questions after your surgery, but since Dr. Lai did not perform your surgery and I did not personally examine you, I will do my best to respond to you. (A bit of a doctor's curiosity: Who was your surgeon? If you were my patient, I would answer all your ...[Read More] Post-Surgery Insights: Understanding Recovery After Disc Herniation Surgery
Numbness and Tingling in Left Back: Possible Nerve Issues Explained
There is an area on the left side of the back with reduced tactile sensation? Hello Doctor, recently due to changes in my job responsibilities, I often need to lift packages weighing up to 10 kilograms and stand for long periods. After about two weeks of work, I started to feel a...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is speculated that 1. the weight-bearing has caused deep muscle fascia injury and inflammation in the area, and 2. cervical nerve involvement should also be ruled out. It is advisable to rest more, reduce weight-bearing, apply heat to the affected area, and use anti-inf...[Read More] Numbness and Tingling in Left Back: Possible Nerve Issues Explained
Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Disc Surgery
Endoscopic Discectomy Hello, I would like to ask about my condition. I underwent endoscopic discectomy on January 26th, where a portion of the herniated disc at the L5 level was removed due to stenosis. I was able to walk the day after the surgery, but I am experiencing a tinglin...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You underwent endoscopic disc surgery on January 26th, and it has been about a week since then. You can start taking the discharge medications prescribed by your original surgeon. /// Are these symptoms post-operative complications? How long will it take to recover? Which ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Disc Surgery