Understanding Brain Aneurysms: Surgical Options and Concerns
Could you please provide more details or specify your question? Hello Dr. Chiu, I would like to ask you a few questions. I originally consulted an ophthalmologist, but since they couldn't find any issues, I was scheduled for an MRI recently. It revealed that I have a vascul...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: The Gamma Knife is not a universal solution. You can consult Dr. Chung Wen-Yu, a neurosurgeon at Veterans General Hospital, to explore its possibilities. Additionally, Professor Du Yong-Guang from National Taiwan University is quite experienced in this area of surgery (one...[Read More] Understanding Brain Aneurysms: Surgical Options and Concerns
Understanding Coma Levels and Neurosurgery Options for Brain Tumors
Issues related to brain tumors? Coma is a state of prolonged unconsciousness where a person cannot be awakened and fails to respond to stimuli. The levels of coma can vary, and they are often assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), which ranges from 3 to 15. A GCS score of 3...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: You can find information about the Glasgow Coma Scale online. Generally speaking, the prognosis for brainstem tumors is poor, and surgery is often not an option. The most that can be done is radiation therapy. If the patient is already in a coma, further evaluation may be ...[Read More] Understanding Coma Levels and Neurosurgery Options for Brain Tumors
Understanding Hydrocephalus: Risks and Alternatives to Surgery
Hydrocephalus My father is unable to walk due to hydrocephalus and underwent a ventriculostomy in the hospital. He tends to be drowsy when sitting but feels better when lying down. A CT scan revealed that the central part of his brain appears dry. The doctor mentioned that the ce...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: There are three types of ventricular drainage catheters, and there is a possibility of over-drainage occurring. Patients may experience dizziness and vomiting. If a CT scan reveals this phenomenon, the usual management is to switch to another type of drainage catheter. Thi...[Read More] Understanding Hydrocephalus: Risks and Alternatives to Surgery
Understanding Dizziness: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Dizziness Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I accompanied the victim to the hospital for a follow-up appointment. He described his symptoms over the past week as dizziness, a feeling of pressure in his head, occasional numbness in his fingers, and stiffness in his neck. The doctor recomm...
Dr. Xiao Furen Reply:
These questions are better addressed directly with the physician during the outpatient visit. If the CT scan shows no issues and the symptoms are just dizziness and headaches, symptomatic treatment with medication should suffice, and one should be able to return to normal work. H...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Does Head Trauma Affect Intelligence? Insights and Tips for Brain Health
Enhancing Intelligence Dear Doctor, I experienced a light but noticeable blow to the back of my head during middle school from a classmate. At the time of the impact, I smelled a metallic scent, which seems to be common when the head is struck. I would like to know if this could ...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, such issues do not affect intelligence. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Hsien-Wei, Neurosurgeon.[Read More] Does Head Trauma Affect Intelligence? Insights and Tips for Brain Health
Understanding Strong Reflexes: Neurological Concerns After a Car Accident
Strong reflexes Hello Doctor: A year ago, I was involved in a car accident, after which I experienced symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and rapid muscle twitching, but I did not seek follow-up care. About 4 to 5 months later, I began to feel numbness in the left side of my brai...
Dr. Xiao Furen Reply:
Based solely on your description, it is indeed difficult to diagnose; part of it may be post-concussion syndrome. As for what the original physician meant, it would be best to ask him directly for clarification, as I cannot speculate. I recommend returning to your original physic...[Read More] Understanding Strong Reflexes: Neurological Concerns After a Car Accident
Understanding Mild Brain Degeneration: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Mild cognitive decline Hello Doctor: I suffered a head injury and went to the hospital for treatment. Initially, I was diagnosed with a mild concussion. Over the past two weeks, I've experienced some dizziness and forgetfulness, but nothing serious. However, it was also disc...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: Due to the need for further understanding of your condition, a definitive judgment cannot be made based solely on your description. It is recommended that you visit the outpatient clinic for a thorough evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Mild Brain Degeneration: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Understanding Pituitary Tumors: Post-Surgery Complications and Recovery
Pituitary adenoma Hello Doctor, my husband was diagnosed with a pituitary tumor after experiencing weakness and numbness on the right side of his body in August of last year. The tumor was located above the brainstem, and the doctor informed me that it is classified as a benign t...
Dr. Xiao Furen Reply:
In medical terms, it is a benign tumor, but clinically it is considered a malignant tumor (as it poses a life-threatening risk when the tumor compresses the brain tissue)... This description does not sound like a typical pituitary adenoma, so it is advisable to consult the origin...[Read More] Understanding Pituitary Tumors: Post-Surgery Complications and Recovery
Risks and Concerns of Cranioplasty Surgery After Traumatic Brain Injury
Cranial vault surgery I was in a car accident last February, and I suffered a comminuted fracture of the right frontal bone. A month later, the doctor said I needed to have my skull cap replaced before being discharged, so I agreed to the surgery. During the procedure, the doctor...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: It is normal to wake up in the operating room after surgery, as the recovery room is primarily for monitoring the patient's condition once they are awake. The main concern with artificial skull surgery is the risk of infection; other risks are comparable to those of s...[Read More] Risks and Concerns of Cranioplasty Surgery After Traumatic Brain Injury
Understanding Vegetative State: Insights and Hope for Recovery
Vegetative state? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you a question. I have a friend who was in a car accident and suffered a brain injury. Currently, he is unable to take care of himself and relies on a feeding tube for nutrition. He cannot eat, walk, talk, or manage his bowel a...
Dr. Xiao Furen Reply:
1. If it is possible to know that someone is calling him, although his IQ is like that of a child, he should not be considered a vegetative state. As for whether he will recover and to what extent, that is uncertain. 2. Regarding care issues, assistance can be sought from the s...[Read More] Understanding Vegetative State: Insights and Hope for Recovery
Understanding Brain Tumor Symptoms: What You Need to Know
What are the symptoms of a brain tumor? Hello Dr. Hsiao: What are the obvious symptoms if someone has a brain tumor? For the past month or two, I've been feeling something unusual with my scalp; it's not pain, but rather a tingling sensation. Sometimes it occurs on the ...
Dr. Xiao Furen Reply:
The symptoms of brain tumors are very diverse, but it is rare for them to present as scalp numbness; facial numbness is more common. If you are concerned, it is advisable to consult a specialist for an examination.[Read More] Understanding Brain Tumor Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Managing Mild Concussions: Rest, Nutrition, and Recovery Tips
Concussion In addition to getting plenty of rest after a mild concussion, it is beneficial to stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water, as proper hydration supports overall brain function. Eating a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: After a head injury, 5% of patients will experience lifelong complications due to post-traumatic sequelae. The recovery time varies among patients depending on the severity of the injury. Generally, episodes of dizziness and headaches often persist for 1 to 3 months. Durin...[Read More] Managing Mild Concussions: Rest, Nutrition, and Recovery Tips
Understanding Brain Injury After a Car Accident: Recovery and Risks
Car accident? My brother was in a car accident and has been in a coma for a week. He woke up after three days but his cognitive abilities seem to have regressed to that of a child, and he is also speaking nonsensically. The doctors mentioned that there are small blood clots in hi...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: First, the primary purpose of surgery by a neurosurgeon for patients with head trauma is to relieve pressure. Therefore, if the hematoma is not large, surgery is not necessary, as the hematoma will be absorbed naturally. In fact, the severity of the head injury is already ...[Read More] Understanding Brain Injury After a Car Accident: Recovery and Risks
Can Brain Surgery Patients Safely Fly? Understanding Risks and Recovery
Is it safe to fly after having brain surgery? I had a car accident two years ago, which injured my left hemisphere. I underwent brain surgery, and for the past few months, I have been experiencing dizziness at night. If I go out in the evening, I also have headaches. Could this b...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: This is a post-traumatic sequela, but congratulations on your recovery. I recommend that you continue to follow up. If everything goes well, symptomatic treatment may suffice for dizziness and headaches. Whether a patient who has undergone brain surgery can fly depends ent...[Read More] Can Brain Surgery Patients Safely Fly? Understanding Risks and Recovery
Post-Concussion Care: Tips for Recovery and Brain Health
Concussion In addition to getting plenty of rest after a mild concussion, it is beneficial to stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water, as proper hydration supports overall brain function. Eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: A mild concussion should recover quickly, and there is no need to avoid food or apply heat to the head. Thank you![Read More] Post-Concussion Care: Tips for Recovery and Brain Health
Post-Operative Overdrainage in Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Surgery
Is there a risk of excessive drainage after ventricular-peritoneal shunt surgery? Hello Doctor: My father underwent a ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery at National Taiwan University Hospital over a year ago due to a diagnosis of hydrocephalus. Recently, he exhibited symptoms sim...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: There is a possibility of excessive drainage with ventricular-peritoneal shunting (though it is rare). It is advisable to replace it with a drainage device that has a different (higher) pressure setting (there are three types of external drainage device pressures). It is b...[Read More] Post-Operative Overdrainage in Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Surgery
Why Does the Brain Develop Indentations After Surgery for Head Injuries?
Why does the brain become sunken after surgery for a brain injury? Hello Doctor, my grandmother (76 years old) had a car accident four months ago, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. The doctors diagnosed her with intracranial hemorrhage, and she underwent two brain surgeries....
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: It may be the reservoir of the drainage tube, but since I cannot see it in person, I am unable to provide an answer. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Hsien-Wei, Neurosurgery.[Read More] Why Does the Brain Develop Indentations After Surgery for Head Injuries?
Understanding Head Pain After Trauma: When to Seek Medical Imaging
Please inquire about the issue of head pain? Hello Dr. Ding: About six years ago, I was hit on the head by a small iron ball with a diameter of 3 centimeters in a parabolic manner. Although I only felt a bit of pain at the time and did not notice any external injuries or signs of...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: Your headache may not be significantly related to your previous head injury, and currently, there is no need for extensive testing. I recommend consulting a neurologist to explore potential treatment options. Additionally, X-rays will not be helpful for this issue and will...[Read More] Understanding Head Pain After Trauma: When to Seek Medical Imaging
Understanding Head Injuries in Children: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Pediatric head injury Doctor, my one-year-old daughter accidentally hit her head while playing yesterday afternoon. The back of her head struck the ground, and she initially just cried. However, in the evening, she started to vomit, so we rushed her to the hospital. The doctor sa...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: If you experience vomiting immediately after eating, it may be necessary to consider gastrointestinal disorders. Vomiting caused by head trauma is quite specific and differs from vomiting due to general gastrointestinal issues. Therefore, I recommend that you follow up at ...[Read More] Understanding Head Injuries in Children: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding Persistent Numbness in the Feet: Causes and Concerns
Numbness in the soles of the feet? Dr. Hsiao: I returned home yesterday and noticed that the soles of my feet were numb, and this sensation has persisted into the next day without any pain. It just feels tingly, but I can still move my toes. I'm not sure what this condition ...
Dr. Xiao Furen Reply:
Based solely on your description, it seems difficult to make a diagnosis. There could be various possibilities ranging from neuropathy caused by diabetes to issues with the spinal nerve roots, and even circulatory problems or brain-related issues cannot be ruled out. Of course, s...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Numbness in the Feet: Causes and Concerns