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Nelson Oyesiku -Neurosurgeon
 DR. Oyesiku attended St Gregory's college Lagos and received his medical degree from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria . He completed his neurosurgical residency training at Emory University in USA , where he also earned his PhD in neuroscience. His clinical interests are pituitary and brain tumors and stereotactic radiosurgery. His laboratory has identified unique aspects of pituitary tumor gene expression and is developing a new modality for imaging and targeted therapy of pituitary tumors . This could result in a medical therapy for a large subgroup of pituitary which currently does not exist
He is board certified in Neurological Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He has also written several papers and books, is a member of every major and international neurosurgical society and has served on various committees also at national and international level. He is well respected amongst his peers and has received numerous awards and grants including an NH CIDA award from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and an NH KO8 clinical investigation development award from the US, National Institute of Health for investigating into the molecular biology of pituitary adenomas. He currently holds an NIH RO1 grant for the molecular imaging and targeting of pituitary tumors.
The Pituitary Gland:
The pituitary is located in the centre of the brain and is the master gland responsible for the secretion of various hormones which regulate many bodily functions such as growth and development; the function of other organs like the kidneys , breasts and uterus and glands such as the thyroid, gonads and adrenal glands. It is the 3 rd most common type of brain tumor/ abnormal growth, but most are benign and non cancerous.
Pituitary adenomas which are the most common of this type of tumour are slow growing and usually, easily treated. There are two categories hormone functioning tumors and non functioning tumors.
Hormone functioning tumors:
These are usually micro adenomas which are less that 10mm in size. An increased level of hormones may cause a variety of symptoms which amongst other things may affect fertility, the menstrual cycle or hot and cold sensitivity.
Non functioning tumors: These tend to be macro adenomas; larger than 10mm and do not secrete hormones. As a result of its location the growth may cause compression on other organs such as the optic nerve, causing blurred, double or a gradual loss of vision. Some other symptoms may include headaches, nausea and vomiting, impaired sense of smell, sexual dysfunction, depression, aching joints, osteoporosis, or galactorrhea, which is milk secretion from the breasts not associated with pregnancy or childbirth.
Treatment:
There are 3 procedures namely, surgical removal, radiation or drug therapy to shrink and eradicate the growth.
Prognosis:
As mentioned above, these tumors can generally be treated; however success ultimately depends upon the type of tumor, age and general health of the patient.
Source: NINDS Pituitary Tumors Information page Neuro Surgery Today
Konnections: Was medicine your first choice and was there any particular reason why you specialised in neuro surgery?
A:
I was motivated to go into medicine by watching Ben Casey a medical drama series which ran on TV from 1961 to 1966 . The show was known for its iconic opening titles, which consisted of a hand drawing the symbols "?, ?, *, †, 8" on a chalkboard, as cast member Sam Jaffe intoned, "Man, woman, birth, death, infinity." The series starred Vince Edwards as medical doctor Ben Casey, a young, intense but idealistic surgeon at County General Hospital. His mentor was Doctor David Zorba, played by Sam Jaffe.
Konnections : There seem to be an increasing number of people suffering from strokes and cancers these days. In your opinion is this as a result of an increase in abnormal growths and a consequence of modern day living, or is it just a case of greater awareness, as a result of advanced technology and earlier detection?
A:
Probably both, diet and lifestly have a lot to do with strokes. Cancer is certainly being unraveled and the more we know the better we shall be able to understand its causes. In a small number of individuals, primary tumors may result from specific genetic diseases - such as neurofibromatosis and tuberous sclerosis - or exposure to radiation or cancer-causing chemicals. Although smoking, alcohol consumption, and certain dietary habits are associated with some types of cancers, they have not been linked to primary brain and spinal cord tumors.
Konnections : Is there anything we can do to prevent tumors, what are the main signs or symptoms that we should be aware of and have checked out straight away in this regard?
A:
Brain and spinal cord tumors are not at this time, preventable.
- Signs and Symptoms
- Headaches. More than half of people with brain tumors experience headaches. As the tumor grows, headaches often last longer, become more frequent, and grow more severe.
- Seizures. The abnormal tissue found in a brain tumor can disrupt the normal flow of electricity through which brain cells communicate. The resulting bursts of electrical activity cause seizures with a variety of symptoms, such as convulsions, loss of consciousness, or loss of bladder control. Seizures that first start in adulthood (in a patient who has not been in an accident or had an illness that causes seizures) are a key warning sign of brain tumors. Sometimes, seizures are the only sign of a slowly growing brain tumor.
- Nausea and vomiting. Increased pressure within the skull can cause nausea and vomiting. These symptoms sometimes accompany headaches.
- Vision or hearing problems. Increased intracranial pressure can also decrease blood flow in the eye and trigger swelling of the optic nerve, which in turn causes blurred vision, double vision, or partial visual loss. Tumors growing on or near sensory nerves often trigger visual or hearing disturbances, such as ringing or buzzing sounds, abnormal eye movements or crossed eyes, and partial or total loss of vision or hearing. Tumors that grow in the brain's occipital lobe, which interprets visual images, may also cause partial vision loss.
- Behavioral and cognitive symptoms. Because they strike at the core of the individual's identity, changes in behavior and personality can be the most frightening and devastating symptoms of a brain tumor. These symptoms usually occur when the tumor is located in the brain's cerebral hemispheres, which are responsible, in part, for personality, communication, thinking, behavior, and other vital functions. Examples include problems with speech, language, thinking, and memory, or psychotic episodes and changes in personality.
- Motor problems. When tumors affect brain areas responsible for command of body movement, they can cause motor symptoms, including weakness or paralysis, lack of coordination, or trouble with walking. Often, muscle weakness or paralysis affects only one side of the body.
- Balance problems. Brain tumors that disrupt the normal control of equilibrium can cause dizziness or difficulty with balance.
Konnections: What do you recommend your patients do to stay fit and healthy?
A:
Eat, well, rest, exercise and avoid unnecessary stress
Konnections: What do you think about the role of science today, is there enough research being done in Nigeria and Africa as a whole? Are we reaping the benefits of the current know -how, if not why and what can we do to redress the problem?
A:
Clearly, the study of science is vital for every facet of today's world. There is little research being done in Nigeria or Africa in science, mainly because the continent is rightly focussed on addressing the key problems of building infrastructure, fighting hunger, disease and education. When the standards of these are raised then it would make sense to engage in scientific research. But, we must educate the children in science so they can function and compete in the future.
Konnections: Children today are being seduced by music and sports among other things what can society do to make science more interesting and appealing to them?
A:
Well, some people must go into sports and music – but not all! Others need to go into science. Science is the basis for careers in engineering, medicine and allied health and applied research. These are skilled jobs that are in heavy demand now and will be for the foreseeable future. They are very rewarding professionally and personally. The society must educate our children about the virtues of pursuing these careers.
Konnections: Do you have any hobbies?
A:
Yes, golf, football, cricket. I like reading, travel and dining
Konnections: Who is your favourite author and why?
A:
Mmm, difficult to cite one – here are some favourites – Alan Patton (Cry the Beloved Country); H. Rider Haggard (Alan Quartermain); Shakespeare (lots of titles); Chinua Achebe (Things Fall Apart); Sidney Sheldon (lots of titles); Jared Diamond (Guns, germs and Steel) and Niall Ferguson (Empire and Colossus).
Konnections: Have you had a mentor, if so who and what impact did he or she have on your life?
A:
Several along the line starting back from elementary school till now. They have taught me the value of hard work, study, dedication to a cause or goal, and have helped me at various stages of life and career. There are too many too mention.
Konnections : What do you consider to be the greatest scientific invention of all time?
A:
The Computer!
Konnections : What advice do you have for our children today about Science?
A:
Science is the basis for a huge chunk of today and the the furture of our world. Science includes – the Natural sciences , which study natural phenomena (including biological life ) , basically how things work, Social sciences , which study human behavior and societies (how people think and act) and Formal science, which includes mathematics , statistics and logic . Learning and Investing in science and technology is critical to ensuring prosperity and a high quality of life . Scientists are at the forefront of the development of scientific and technological innovations that can be used to solve problems.
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