Dr. Jeffrey Oppenheimer

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Yes: Leg pain and sciatica are synonymoud.

5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A 26-year-old female asked:

My neurologist has ordered a head mri for my headaches/concussion symptoms i'm still getting 6 months later, what is he looking for on the mri?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Treatment guidance. : White matter shearing injury which manifests as high signal changes. In concussion the nerve structures in the deep brain structure are stretched and ... Read More

5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 37-year-old male asked:

How long does it take for symptoms of concussion to show up a d what are the signs?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Varies: Immediate or a few days. Signs: any loss of consciousness with a normal head ct. Symptoms: irritability, memory loss , double vision, headaches, nau... Read More

5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler agrees1 doctor agrees

A 43-year-old member asked:

What is a lumbar microdiscectomy?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Keep functional disc: Term used for minimal disruption of normal anatomy to remove disc herniation.

5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

A 75-year-old male asked:

Why should i have sciatica pain after spinal fusion surgery.

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Residual lat. recess: Spine surgeon follow up. May need MRI to look at the lareral recesses of the spinal canal where a nerve may still be pinched.

5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 36-year-old male asked:

Please share an interesting fact about anorexia.

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Very: Very high on the list of causes of death in young and teenage women. Rate in males is rising.

5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 18-year-old female asked:

I hit my headwhile wearing a helmet. after falling i started crying for no reason and was tired; later i got neck pain. could i have a concussion?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

cervical disc hern: Sometimes cervical disc herniations can refer pain to head and neck. Weight of helmet would put axial load on disc making it worse.

5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 36-year-old male asked:

Please provide some do's and don'ts about dealing with back pain.

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Strengthen: Strengthen your core: pilates, yoga, crunches, sit-ups.

5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

8 thanks

A 35-year-old member asked:

Best way to treat pinched nerve?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Surgery: Remove lesion using minimally invasive spine surgery. Start with pt/ core conditioning, possible selective nerve injections. Mri necessary.

5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 36-year-old male asked:

Please suggest some important questions i can ask my doctor with regard to anorexia.

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Medications?: Medications? Recurrence rate? Genetics? How quickly can i expect treatment to work?

5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 24-year-old female asked:

What could be the result of an alkaline phosphate of 149...history of kidney cancer in past, had surgery to remove it.

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Liver: Your liver could have a metastasis. See your surgeon for workup.

5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Chad Levitt agrees1 doctor agrees

A 50-year-old female asked:

I have calcium growth on my c5 & poor curvature in my neck. i love to read but it causes my neck to ache. how should i position myself for reading?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Elevated table: Try to keep your chin up and head back maintaining your normal cervical curvature. An ergonomic angled and elevated reading table would be helpful.

5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Alan Ali and 6 doctors agree7 doctors agree

A 45-year-old member asked:

I got a pinched nerve. do i need medical attention?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Yes: Yes if persistent. Start with physical therapy and core conditioning. At some point an epidural steroid injection might be helpful. If all else fails... Read More

5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 46-year-old member asked:

Which is the optimum sleeping position to prevent cervical pain (neck pain)?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Foloows: Keep your reverse c curve if your neck. Cervical pillows can be purchased.

5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A 30-year-old member asked:

Best yoga positions for lower back pain caused by a recently diagnosed scoliosis?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Triangke: Triangle on both sides. I suggest putting you spine in all degrees of rotation: downward dog, reverse downward dog, both side triangles , and standin... Read More

5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A 35-year-old male asked:

Dr for the last one year i have burning sensation on left and right corner of stomach, below rib cage. at times feel left side intestines are jumping?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Thor disc herniation: This could represent intracoastal neuralgia or a pain that runs along the nerves of the rib cage and an injection might cure it. Also may have thor... Read More

5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

4 thanks

A 42-year-old female asked:

I have diastasis recti and i suspect it is the cause of my back pain. how can i determine that it is definitely the cause of my pain?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Block: Could have referred pain from this condition. A injection directed by imaging could both diagnose and treat this.

5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 22-year-old female asked:

I am 22 female having pain in the middle of my chest for four hours with a tingling in my right elbow?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

ER Visit: Although you are very young for a heart attack, any persistent chest pain must be taken seriously and heart attack must be ruled out. Er visit appropr... Read More

5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 44-year-old male asked:

What is brain stroke?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Stroke: It is an area of dead tissue in brain that is caused by lack of blood and oxygen. Can cause neuogocak deficits, memory loss, cognitive deficits, coma ... Read More

5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Bennett Machanic and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

6 thanks

A 19-year-old male asked:

Hi i am 19 yr boy n masturbating since 11 now i get some seamen after urinating if not masturbated for 7 days or more is it ok ? help please thanx

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Normal: It's normal to push out some residual semen when urinating. This is due to the fact that there is still some residual semen in the urethra, or tube t... Read More

5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A 29-year-old female asked:

How long is the normal healing process of lumbar microdiscectomy? what is a good therapy?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Varies: You should be free of leg pain immediately. Back pain can linger for a few days. Totally normal within 6 weeks. I tell my patients to avoid axial loa... Read More

5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 49-year-old female asked:

Needto know more about strokes?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Big tooic: Stroke is when a portion of the brain dies from lack of blood flow, oxygen and nutrients. It can manifest in symptoms such as paralysis, loss of spe... Read More

5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 48-year-old member asked:

How long is it supposed to it take for symptoms to appear after exposure to meningitis?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

48h: Viral meningitides take 48h max. Most are bacterial and much less contagious. If you're worried - go to er and get spinal tap- a safe relatively pai... Read More

5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Alan Ali and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 31-year-old male asked:

I have a heightened sense of smell in my left nostril. before that i had a runny left nostril that just stopped a few weeks ago. what can this be?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Skull base tumor: Benign tumors of skull base and coverings of brain called meningiomas can alter sense of smell and can cause spinal fluid leakage through nose. Mri e... Read More

4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 26-year-old male asked:

I have neck pain, which started with some over done self treating for neck pain, using mckenzie method-assoc with some ear press on left side/tingling?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Disc: Sounds like high cervical disc herniation such as c34. Try physical therapy and 7 lbs cervical traction twice a day. Epidural steroids could help. If... Read More

5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 37-year-old member asked:

Can a herniated disc heal on its own?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Yes: Start with physical therapy and core conditioning. At some point an epidural steroid injection might be helpful. If all else fails and your symptoms ... Read More

4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Ihab Ibrahim and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 37-year-old member asked:

What sign is commonly observed in a person with a basilar skull fracture?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Raccoons sign: Black eyes or "raccoons sign". Also can have spinal fluid leaking out if ears and nose.

4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Ihab Ibrahim and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 49-year-old member asked:

How long do concussion symptoms last for?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Days: Typically a few days but can be months (called post concussion syndrome).

5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. John Michalski and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 17-year-old male asked:

Knowing meth, cocaine, heroine ect are a danger to the heart.. is it possible to get a heart attack, stroke, or infarct later during recovery? if so, why

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Unlikely: Unlikely. Usually occurs during active use.

4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 38-year-old member asked:

What is the best treatment for posterior femoral cutaneous nerve pain?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Varies: Weight loss, avoiding heavy utility belts. Occasionally decompression of nerve needs to be performed.

4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Donald Jacobson agrees1 doctor agrees

A 35-year-old female asked:

I've been having pain in the groin and i feel like something is moving in my stomach and pelvic area also have fertility problems can it be adhesions?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Yes: Yes. Other causes - lumbar facet syndrome, masses in pelvis or abdomen.

5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 39-year-old member asked:

What can be permanent damage caused by spinal meningitis?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Scarring: Scar tissue around nerves and brain which can cause extremity pain, back pain, cognitive deficits and seizures.

5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Alan Ali and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 39-year-old female asked:

I have middle upper back pain right on spine. hurts the worst when i'm sitting. have had mri/ct and xray. would mild scoliosis and arthritis do this?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Yes: Yes. Scoliosis loads the facet joints in an abnormal way and even cause them to enlarge due to force the curve puts on them.

5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 53-year-old female asked:

I seemed to be falling quite often any reason why?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Lots possibilities. : The list is long from spinal stenosis to normal pressure hydrocephalus. Start with an MRI if the brain with and without contrast.

5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A 34-year-old female asked:

What could cause my legs & body to get tingly and numb when i stand up after working, bent over. feel lethargic and little dizzy also.

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Ischemia: Sound like othostatic hypotension. Associated with overdosage of BP meds or wrong BP meds. See your internist.

5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 28-year-old male asked:

What is the best relief for sciatic nerve pain?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

See nelow: Physical therapy, epidural steroid injection and if all else fails, microdoscectomy.

5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Bennett Machanic and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A female asked:

I'm suffering severe low back pain that radiates around to my lower abdominal area. no injury or trauma to the area.

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Herniated disc.: could be high lumbar or low thoracic disc herniation of arthritis called spondylosis. see primary care who will start you on NSAIDs (motrin) and ph... Read More

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 22-year-old female asked:

Excision of tumor soft tissue located deep underneath subcanteous tissue attach to outer table of skull, i'll be put to sleep for procedure i'm worrie?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

NO WORRIES: EXTERNAL TUMORS ARE VERY RARELY INVOLVING THE BRAIN. YOU SHOULD HAVE AN EXCELLENT AND THE PATHOLOGY IS TYPICALLY BENIGN.

858 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Charles Gordon agrees1 doctor agrees

A 17-year-old male asked:

Age:76, i hv advance lumbar spondylosis with grade 1 spondylesthesis, i feel acute pain while standing up straight.i hv to bend torso toward hip to walk?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Many treatments: Start with physical therapy and core conditioning. At some point an epidural steroid injection might be helpful. If all else fails and your symptoms ... Read More

5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Mark Weston agrees1 doctor agrees

A 23-year-old female asked:

What are the causes of low back pain? is it take a long sleep can cause this problem?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Many: Muscle strain, facet disease, arthritis, herniated discs. Any pain can cause insomnia.

5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 60-year-old male asked:

I had a c4-c5 & c7-t1 acdf, my doctor said i had a lot of scar tissue in my throat, what could be the cause of the scarring?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Unclear question: Now or is that what surgeon found?Normally see if someone has had previous surgery or injury.

5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Mark Weston agrees1 doctor agrees

A 31-year-old member asked:

Is it normal to have mood swings during pregnancy?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Yes: Yes also, be mindful that there is a serious condition called post partem depression that occurs after the baby is born. Could need antipressant ... Read More

5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Michael Flax agrees1 doctor agrees

A 17-year-old female asked:

Is a severe lack of appetite after physical abuse, a significant problem. sleep troubles too. extreme anxiety. cannot seek help now. self help?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Danger: you have classic signs of depression and for now, would talk with friends and confidants until you can get to a health care professional to start you ... Read More

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

1 comment

A 30-year-old member asked:

I am 55 yrs i have degenaration disc disease, had to have surgurey to replace 3 dissc in my neck. what is my prognosis?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Pretty good. : If the surgery was recent, you want to take naprosyn (naproxen) 375. Mg twice a day for 2 weeks to prevent calcification of the implants whereby they... Read More

5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Jack Mutnick and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 34-year-old male asked:

Doses spinal decompression for buldge a disc work ? am on 6 th treatment with no major change should i continue this pricy treatment ?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Plan a plan b: When plan a doesnt work, you should make Plan B plan a. Get an MRI and see a neurosurgeon.

5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 50-year-old female asked:

Left arm twitching below the elbo and shoulder and upper arm weakness/burning, what could be the cause? i repeatedly check my bp, could that be prob?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Cervical disc hernia: Cervical disc herniation brachial plexus problem (bundle of nerves in arm) i would start with a cervical mri.

5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Mark Stern agrees1 doctor agrees

4 thanks

A 39-year-old member asked:

Why is herniated disc pain worse in morning?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Yes: Co2 buildup after sleep can increase nerve swelling.

5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A 33-year-old member asked:

Can you please give me a technical description of sciatica and what are the symptoms?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Pinched nerve: Sciatica is a general term for a pinched nerve in the lumbar spine manifesti g ad djooting leg pain. Treatments on include physical therapy, epidural ... Read More

5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Qamar Khan agrees1 doctor agrees

A 36-year-old female asked:

Left armpit feels numb and numbness goes down arm a little ways. what can cause this? also my left breast has been feeling heavy.

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Disc: Low cervical disc herniation can cause this. Also bravcial plexus is under the arm- it is a bundle of nerves- so stretching or pressure on it can give... Read More

5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

5 thanks

A 37-year-old female asked:

Syadic nerve pain?

Neurosurgery 38 years experience

Mispelled: Spelled sciatic. Pinched nerve in back from spur or disc herniation.

5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Martin Raff and another doctor agree2 doctors agree