Post-Spinal Surgery: Why Can't My Dad Move His Ankles and Toes?
Inability to move the ankle and toes following spinal surgery? Hello Doctor: My father underwent minimally invasive surgery for lumbar spondylolisthesis at levels L3, L4, and L5 on June 13, where screws were placed. However, since the surgery, he has been unable to move his legs,...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The symptoms may suggest involvement of the L4 and L5 nerve roots, resembling a temporary malfunction, possibly due to nerve edema or adaptation issues to a new environment. 2. It is recommended to consult with the original surgeon regarding the need for further examina...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Why Can't My Dad Move His Ankles and Toes?
Can Leg Vascular Blockage Cause Frequent New Wounds in Diabetic Patients?
If there is a blockage in the blood vessels of the calf or foot, could this be a reason for the increased occurrence of new wounds? Hello Dr. Chou, I would like to consult with you regarding my father, who has kidney disease (not on dialysis), diabetes, a history of stroke, and v...
Dr. Zhou Hongzhang Reply:
Vascular obstruction can indeed lead to new wounds (even minor injuries or contusions can cause this). Additionally, old wounds may not heal easily. However, there are slight differences in the common sites of wounds caused by vascular diseases compared to those caused by pressur...[Read More] Can Leg Vascular Blockage Cause Frequent New Wounds in Diabetic Patients?
Post-Accident Venous Inflammation: Understanding Recovery and Circulation Issues
Venous inflammation after a car accident? After the car accident, there was persistent swelling from the calf to the dorsum of the foot, with the swollen area and wound site exhibiting a darker color. After seeking medical attention, the diagnosis was venous inflammation and ankl...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
A car accident resulted in an injury to the lower leg, which was diagnosed as venous inflammation and ankle joint adhesions after medical evaluation. Any external injury to the body not only causes direct damage to the tissues due to external forces but also leads to varying degr...[Read More] Post-Accident Venous Inflammation: Understanding Recovery and Circulation Issues
Post-Surgery Pain: Seeking Help for Persistent Leg and Foot Discomfort
Postoperatively, there is pain in the buttocks extending down the entire left leg to the sole of the foot? Hello, I underwent spinal fusion surgery on March 14 this year. Since the surgery, I have been experiencing pain on the left side from my hip to my knee, and then from my ca...
Dr. Chen Bingze Reply:
This issue is indeed quite troublesome. If you really want to seek treatment, you might consider consulting Dr. Hou Chung-Pao at the Force Rehabilitation Department. Please have him evaluate your condition, and we can discuss further steps in a follow-up communication.[Read More] Post-Surgery Pain: Seeking Help for Persistent Leg and Foot Discomfort
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
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury: Recovery and Treatment Insights
Traumatic brain injury from a car accident? Hello Doctor Zhang, my sister was in a car accident and suffered a brain hemorrhage. The doctors placed an intracranial monitor during surgery. In the ICU, her right leg has been moving uncontrollably, and it continues to do so even aft...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is unclear whether the involuntary movements of your right foot are due to epilepsy or another condition. Whether or not surgery is needed for the head will depend on the progression of the subsequent medical condition.[Read More] Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury: Recovery and Treatment Insights
Understanding Leg Contusions: Recovery Time and When to Seek Help
Leg contusion? I would like to ask the doctor about an incident that occurred two weeks ago when I was hit by a car on my calf. At that time, there was significant swelling, forming a lump approximately 5 cm in diameter and over 1 cm high, without any open wounds. There was only ...
Dr. Chen Jiaming Reply:
The image cannot be read (blocked by antivirus software), but clinically, it is mostly a hematoma. The resolution time generally depends on the original size; if there is slight reduction after two weeks, there is no need to worry too much, indicating that it is being absorbed sl...[Read More] Understanding Leg Contusions: Recovery Time and When to Seek Help
Understanding Cervical Spine Issues and Surgical Options: A Patient's Journey
Cervical spinal cord issues and surgery? Hello, Vice Dean. I would like to consult you. I have congenital S-shaped scoliosis, with a lumbar curvature of 90 degrees and significant thoracic curvature. In 2000, I developed a gastric condition that led me to sleep in a raised positi...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
1. Gastroesophageal reflux should not be related to the cervical spine. 2. Muscle atrophy of the right thumb is a possibility. 3. Without detailed medical history and physical examination, an accurate answer cannot be provided.[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Issues and Surgical Options: A Patient's Journey
Monitoring Intracranial Pressure After Ventriculostomy: Key Insights
How to monitor intracranial pressure after the placement of a ventriculostomy catheter? Hello Doctor: My father is currently in a vegetative state. Before he fell into a complete coma, he was still conscious and able to move his eyes. During that time, it was discovered that he h...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
To directly measure intracranial pressure, invasive procedures such as lumbar puncture are required. A CT scan can only indirectly detect ventricular enlargement and then infer elevated intracranial pressure.[Read More] Monitoring Intracranial Pressure After Ventriculostomy: Key Insights
Should You Undergo Surgery for Heavy Legs Due to Nerve Compression?
Heavy sensation in the lower limbs? Since last year, I have been experiencing a heavy sensation in my lower limbs and a swaying feeling while walking. An MRI revealed compression at cervical levels 5, 6, and 7, as well as compression and a herniated disc at lumbar level 5. The ne...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected that your unsteady gait is due to cervical spinal cord pathology. If an MRI confirms spinal cord compression and the symptoms are significant, surgery for decompression may be recommended. As for nerve conduction studies, they are later indicators that can ...[Read More] Should You Undergo Surgery for Heavy Legs Due to Nerve Compression?
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 Spider Veins: Signs, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Varicose veins Hello, doctor. After taking a shower today, I noticed a spiderweb-like purple vein near my right ankle that is not protruding, but there are no prominent veins in other areas of both legs. Could this be varicose veins? Also, which specialty should I see for this is...
Dr. Chen Bingze Reply:
Hello, if you suspect varicose veins, please consult a vascular surgeon.[Read More] Understanding Spider Veins: Signs, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Spider Veins: Signs, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Varicose veins Hello doctor, after taking a shower today, I noticed a spiderweb-like purple vein near my right ankle that is not protruding, but there are no prominent veins in other areas of both legs. Could this be varicose veins? Also, which specialty should I see for this iss...
Dr. Chen Bingze Reply:
Hello, I would like to see a vascular surgeon.[Read More] Understanding Spider Veins: Signs, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Head Injury from Door Frame: Is It Serious or Just a Cold?
Hit the door frame? Two days ago, I was running and jumping indoors at my grandmother's house and bumped my head against the door frame on the upper right side. I currently have no nasal discharge or other symptoms, but I have been experiencing phlegm. I found online that th...
Dr. Peng Xianwen Reply:
Hello Yi, Typically, the chances are low (as in the case of a ruptured meninges). It is advisable to seek medical attention if you continue to experience discomfort and have concerns. Director Peng Hsien-Wen, Department of Surgery, Nantou Hospital[Read More] Head Injury from Door Frame: Is It Serious or Just a Cold?
Post-Operative Pain After Inguinal Hernia Surgery: Causes and Concerns
Postoperative care for inguinal hernia repair? Hello Doctor, I underwent inguinal hernia surgery on the 15th of last month. About a week ago, while taking a nap on my stomach, I suddenly felt a tearing pain in the surgical area when I tried to get up. Since then, until today, I e...
Dr. Chen Bingze Reply:
Hello, sometimes after surgery, there may be a period of neuropathic pain. Generally, it can be monitored, and a mild analgesic can be used in conjunction. It is possible that it will improve over time.[Read More] Post-Operative Pain After Inguinal Hernia Surgery: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Cervical Spine Fractures: Recovery and Treatment Insights
Cervical spine fracture Hello Doctor, my relative was in a car accident two days ago. The vehicle in front made an emergency stop, causing my relative, who was riding a motorcycle, to collide with it due to insufficient braking. They experienced severe pain at the scene and were ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
1. The pain is not caused by edema, but by nerve damage; edema can occur during the acute phase of nerve injury. 2. If the limbs are still functional, the risk of subsequent paralysis is low, unless further injury occurs. 3. This depends on the severity of the initial nerve d...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Fractures: Recovery and Treatment Insights
Understanding Post-Endoscopic Spine Surgery Symptoms and Recovery
Endoscopic spinal surgery Before undergoing endoscopic spinal surgery, the patient experienced numbness and pain in the right side of the lower back, hip, and leg, resulting in a limp while walking. After the surgery, the symptoms on the right side completely improved. However, o...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without detailed medical history, examination reports, and surgical procedure specifics, it is difficult to provide an answer.[Read More] Understanding Post-Endoscopic Spine Surgery Symptoms and Recovery
Post-Car Accident Wound Care: Managing Infection and Swelling
Wound care issues following a car accident (with mild cellulitis)? Hello Dr. Peng, I sustained an injury to my ankle from a car accident. On the third day, I noticed some redness and swelling around the wound. When I returned to the orthopedic clinic the next day, the doctor pre...
Dr. Peng Xianwen Reply:
Hello Ms. M: 1. Taking antibiotics will definitely have an effect, but it is essential to completely control the infection in daily life. 2. The color of the scab or subcutaneous tissue with secretions. 3. Elevating the legs can help alleviate symptoms. 4. No, you can walk. For y...[Read More] Post-Car Accident Wound Care: Managing Infection and Swelling
Post-Discectomy Recovery: Managing Nerve Pain and Weakness
Postoperative care following discectomy? Hello Doctor: I underwent my first spinal surgery in mid-October 2022. After the surgery, the pain caused by my spine completely disappeared. However, in August 2023, I experienced symptoms of soreness, numbness, and pain in both legs agai...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to engage in serious rehabilitation for 3 to 6 months. Wishing you a speedy recovery. By Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Post-Discectomy Recovery: Managing Nerve Pain and Weakness
Post-Surgery Recovery: Why Can't My Father Get Out of Bed?
There has been improvement after the surgery, but the patient is still unable to get out of bed? Last September, my father underwent spinal surgery due to a car accident, which involved two vertebrae slipping and one fractured vertebra. During the surgery, screws and bone cement ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Generally, improvement is expected within 3 to 6 months post-surgery. If it has been nearly 3 months since November and there has been limited improvement despite rehabilitation exercises, it is advisable to discuss with your physician the possibility of follow-up imaging ...[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery: Why Can't My Father Get Out of Bed?