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SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Neurosurgery
Licenses
United States: New York
Doctor Q&A
256 Answers
53 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 29-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Rule out cellulitis: With your history of prior cellulits in the same area it is possible that this is recurring. Please seek the attention of your doctor promptly to rul... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Likely: Brain tumors have characteristic appearances on MRI. A doctor like myself (brain surgeon) can usually suggest several possibilities as to what this l... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Could b infection: or remnants of your menses. Keep area clean, watch closely, if no better go to gyn clinic.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old male asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Can be both: degeneration of the discs can be associated with facet changes also and it is challenging to isolate the cause of pain in this situation.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old male asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Sorry to hear this: are you into sports? try more exercise which release endorphins that may improve your mood. How about participating in the arts?
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old male asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Hang in there: congrats on this! sounds like typical nicotine withdrawl symptoms...some of the smoking cessation aids like nicoret gum may help ease these. Stay th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Lift weights: to add definition to your legs do work outs with weights. Any exercise that uses the legs will help. The idea is to do it consistently and make a co... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 64-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Go with brace: if U are able to walk safely, keep walking and moving to maintain conditioning.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old male asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Core temperature: temperature is maximum in the early evening and miminal in the early morning to range of almost 1 degree C. This requires an in depth answer, there's... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Poss cold sore: This can signal the emergence of a cold sore. Hopefully none will appear. Watch the area closely. If the tingling persists beyond another day or two... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 71-year-old male asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Yes but: You need to wean off slowly. Consult the doc who is prescribing the med to create a proper taper schedule.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
No: This is coming from a neurosurgeon/painter: most indoor paint is acrylic water based. Oil based paint is used less and less due to hassle with solven... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Yes: check your scalp to make sure it is in good health, no scabs, flaking, etc. Watch your hair care products to see which one might be causing the hair t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old male asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Common to have pain: if your neurosurgeon told you that the CT and Xrays indicate shunt is ok then doubtful that surgery is planned.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Kyphosis: a forward rounding of the back, some rounding is normal, but the term refers to increased rounding.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 60-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Usually vision: remains stable and does not get progressively worse. Rarely vision changes to the point where if affects daily activities but in most cases the sympt... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old male asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Complex problem: need more information. CSF leaks from the ear can be quite serious and need the prompt follow up with specialist familiar with this problem. Ensure ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Not likely: majority of patients present with cysts present with chronic pain and no clear history of trauma.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Monitor carefully: If the area is red, swollen, hot to touch, very painful and there is discharge. Always keep cuts clean, dry and do not touch.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 16-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Flu, cold: watch carefully, if the headache and neck pain get worse, please go to your doctor promptly. Get rest and drink liquids.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 74-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Hard Drusen: Hard drusen may be monitored to ensure that you do not develop soft drusen which can lead to visual deterioration. Proper eye care includes regular f... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old male asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
It can: stress can affect almost any part of our bodies. try to maintain good spinal health, start now!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Very likely: medaborn does not affect fertility or chance of future conception.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old male asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Bcome Ambidextrous: Switch hands. I am right handed and taught myself to write left handed, it took a while and a lot ot determination but now I write with both. My nep... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
? catching cold: Well, there's a summer cold virus going around that starts with a sore throat. If you are otherwise healthy take it easy, get lots of sleep and drink... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Not typical: but possible. Diarrhea and nausea more common.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old male asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Not useful: time and rest best for brain recovery.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 53-year-old male asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Can b normal: for your age. If one is in otherwise good health these findings may not be clinically signficant. Your doctor may elect to monitor these with anothe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 17-year-old male asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Bright green?: lime green or viridian? prob getting over infection, if associated with cough, sore throat, fever, go to doc for check.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Bad sore throat: usually caused by virus, less commonly by strep . If symptoms increase with fever see doc promptly. In mean time drink lots of liguids and rest.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Takes time: keep off the ankle, elevate the ankle and apply ice in a bag if the skin is intact.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Boil: stop touching it bcuz U are irritating the pimple/boil. Keep the area clean and thoroughly washed. It should drain on it's own, if it gets bigger, s... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
No: recovery from traumatic brain injury can take several years. Please speak to your doc to ensure nothing else is affecting your sex drive.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Conservative: Try non narcotic pain mess such as alleve, physical therapy, accupuncture, injections.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old male asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Ignore: Wear a patch on the stronger eye 1 hour per day to increase the visual stimuli to the amblyopic eye.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Irritation: some kind of topical (touch) reaction to clothes, creams, sweat, etc. Watch carefully if spreads speak to your doc.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Red flag: I'm concerned. Your daughter needs to promptly see a pediatric psychologist with experience dealing with extreme behavioral issues. Please ask your p... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old male asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Depends: if MRI was ok, why 2nd? see no reason for MRA with history of twitching.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Understand: U may still need to get one if it gets worse. In the mean time wear athletic flat shoes (no heels) reduce your activity to only whats necessary, no ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Skin irritation: something touching your skin that is irritating it? sheets? pajamas? take a shower with cool water, don't take anymore benadryl (diphenhydramine) if ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
~normal for burn: tissue swells after a burn, watch carefully for skin breakage, if occurs talk to your doc. Apply cold to area to reduce swelling if skin is intact.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old male asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Yes: it takes a while to recover after stopping any substance.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Never too young: to start good habits. Brush the teeth after each meal and after eating sweets. Teach them to use dental floss when they reach adolescents or earlier... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 51-year-old male asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Depends: size, location, type, symptoms all factor into considering how often to do follow up MRI for brain cysts.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old male asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
No: lymph nodes when they become noticeable are usually slightly tender.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Get study first: CT scan is useful for looking at the bone of the petrous. Doc is correct in diagnosing you first with the CT. The referral to ENT is appropriate.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Go to your doc: low back pain that travels down the legs can be anything from arthritis to more serious conditions It's time to seek medical care with your doctor wh... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Get checked: sore throat lasting this long needs to be looked at. I'm concerned about the white on UR tongue. May not be related to HIV unless you have risk facto... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Dose will go down: After your condition stabilizes your Doc may consider weaning the dosage down.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Kathryn Koanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Take a pregnancy tes: Best to get a pregnancy test to check for sure.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
5
Recommendations
250
Thank you notes
Aug 4, 2014
Dr. Ko is a great addition to our Healthtap family. Extremely knowledgeable in Neurosurgery and medicine across the board- she is providing an invaluable service to the public via Healthtap. I endorse...Read More
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Ko is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Ko is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
This made me feel good. Thanks! Thanks, the ADRs are working correctly, in position. Not everyone understands about MRI and artifact. Levels above good. Getting CT myelogram Wed.
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! The pain is bearable, I'm taking paracetamol when it is severe. I hope it will improve by the time as you said. Thanks for your help
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! Thanks much. None of the other answers seemed to connect it with the Meniere's problem as well. Makes sense to me!
Education & Training
Residency
KINGS COUNTY HOSPITAL CENTER
Completed 1991
Awards
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