Author Archives: Dr. Li

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About Dr. Li

I am a professional surgeon based in Beijing, China.

Main Symptoms of Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation

An intracranial arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a tangle of arteries and veins that short-circuits normal blood flow. Because the walls of these vessels are thinner than usual, they can leak or burst, producing symptoms that range from quiet warnings to sudden emergencies. The most dramatic first sign is a sudden, severe headache—often described as a “thunderclap” that hits in seconds. It may be followed by nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, or loss of consciousness if the AVM bleeds. Seizures are another common clue. A person may jerk, stare blankly, or black out for a few minutes, even with no history of... Learn more

Main Symptoms of Optic Nerve Tumor

An optic-nerve tumor is a growth that forms right on or around the cable sending pictures from eye to brain. Because the space is tight, even a small bump can blur or blot out sight before any pain shows up. The first warning is slow vision fade in one eye. Colors look washed-out, like someone turned down the saturation, and reading fine print takes longer than it used to. Side chunks of sight disappear next. You miss cars on the left when pulling out, or the top shelf seems to vanish unless you tilt your head. Straight lines may start... Learn more

Main Symptoms of Arachnoid Cyst

An arachnoid cyst is a fluid-filled sac sitting between the brain and its thin covering. Most stay silent, but if they grow or press on nearby parts they start to whisper clues. The first clue is a dull headache that feels like pressure from the inside. It may come and go, often worse after bending over or coughing. Nausea can ride along. You feel queasy without fever and might throw up once, then feel fine for days. Vision may blur at the edges. You notice you bump into door frames or miss words on the left side of a page,... Learn more

Main Symptoms of Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a short-circuit irritation of the glossopharyngeal nerve, the cord that senses the back third of the tongue, throat, and tonsil area. Attacks strike like electric jabs, then vanish, often fooled for a mouth or ear problem. The first note is a sudden, stabbing pain deep in the throat on one side. It feels like a fish bone or glass shard poking behind the tonsil and lasts seconds to minutes. Pain can jump to the ear, the angle of the jaw, or under the tongue, all on the same side. Swallowing, talking, coughing, or even yawning can trigger... Learn more

Main Symptoms of Brain Abscess

Main Symptoms of Brain Abscess A brain abscess is a pocket of pus that forms deep inside the brain tissue. It starts as a small infection and grows into a swollen, pressurized bubble that can damage nearby brain cells and raise pressure inside the skull. Symptoms often begin quietly but worsen quickly as the abscess expands. The first sign is a persistent, pounding headache that gets worse over days. It may feel like pressure building from the inside and is often more intense in the morning or when bending forward. Fever is common, but not always high. Many people feel... Learn more