Skip to main content
Patient Care & Resources

Patient Resource Centre

Clear guidance, compassionate support, and practical information to help you and your family navigate neurosurgical decisions with confidence.

Systematic & Transparent

The Six Stages of Neurosurgical Care

Every step is designed to eliminate ambiguity, provide clinical clarity, and ensure you remain fully informed.

STAGE 01

Initial Enquiry & Records Submission

The journey begins by submitting diagnostic imaging (DICOM files on CD/USB or secure portal) alongside previous radiologist and clinical referral letters.

CLINICAL TIP: Always provide complete uncompressed imaging slices, not merely summary reports.
STAGE 02

Specialist Image & Clinical Analysis

Dr. Vitowanu personally reviews cross-sectional scans (MRI, CT, Angiography) to correlate radiological findings with clinical symptoms and disease natural history.

CLINICAL TIP: Many neurosurgical lesions are safely managed without surgery through observation or medical therapy.
STAGE 03

In-Depth Consultation & Discussion

A dedicated clinical consultation (in-person at LASUTH, Lagos, or via coordinated tele-review) to discuss diagnostic findings, surgical vs non-surgical options, and expectations.

CLINICAL TIP: Patients and family members are encouraged to ask candid questions and take time to absorb information.
STAGE 04

Multidisciplinary Planning & Preparation

When operative intervention is indicated, comprehensive preoperative clearance, neuro-anesthetic review, and 3D navigation trajectory mapping are completed.

CLINICAL TIP: Medication adjustments (e.g. blood-thinning agents) and baseline laboratory evaluations are finalized.
STAGE 05

High-Precision Surgical Intervention

The operation is performed with microsurgical magnification, continuous intraoperative neuro-monitoring, and strict adherence to tissue-sparing corridors.

CLINICAL TIP: The surgical team updates waiting family members immediately upon procedure completion.
STAGE 06

Rehabilitation & Long-Term Follow-Up

Postoperative recovery begins in the high-dependency unit, transitioning to physical therapy, wound inspection, scheduled repeat neuroimaging, and durable recovery.

CLINICAL TIP: Ongoing communication ensures questions during recovery are addressed promptly.
Patient Perspectives

Clinical Experiences & Case Reviews

Verified clinical reflections from patients and families evaluated by Dr. Vitowanu. Displayed with patient consent and strict privacy preservation.

NeurotraumaLagos, Nigeria

“When our father began to experience worsening confusion and difficulty moving his left arm weeks after a minor bump, we feared the worst. Dr. Vitowanu explained the CT scan clearly and calmly to our entire family, showing us exactly where the hematoma was pressing on the brain. The surgery was performed with immense care, and within 36 hours his mental clarity returned completely. The honesty, precision, and continuous follow-up gave us peace of mind when we needed it most.”

O. A. (Patient & Family Caregiver)Burr-Hole Evacuation and Closed DrainageIndividual clinical outcome. Results vary based on underlying anatomy, age, and individual pathology.
CerebrovascularAccra, Ghana (Regional Case Coordination)

“I was told elsewhere that I required immediate open brain surgery, which terrified me. I sought a second opinion consultation with Dr. Vitowanu. He spent substantial time examining my angiograms and MRI slices, explaining that my lesion was low-risk and asymptomatic, and that the safest immediate course was serial observation and strict blood pressure control. His commitment to doing what was medically right rather than rushing into an unnecessary operation was profoundly reassuring.”

K. M. (Second Opinion Consultation)Complex Imaging Review & Conservative Surveillance PlanIndividual medical assessment. Treatment decisions depend on detailed neuroimaging review.
SpineLagos, Nigeria

“Debilitating back pain and fever had rendered me unable to walk for nearly two months. Dr. Vitowanu's multidisciplinary approach with infection specialists and his surgical decompression restored my mobility. The care was thorough from preoperative planning to physical therapy rehabilitation.”

B. E. (Spine Surgery Patient)Micro-decompression & StabilizationIndividual clinical outcome. Recovery requires coordinated rehabilitation and medical therapy.
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions for Patients

What should I bring to my first neurosurgical consultation?

Bring all original imaging discs (CDs/USBs containing actual DICOM data files), printed radiology reports, a current medication list, and a summary of your symptom timeline.

Can I receive a second opinion if I live outside Lagos or Nigeria?

Yes. Our practice coordinates international and regional second opinion reviews for patients across West Africa and internationally, reviewing digital imaging remotely.

Does visiting a neurosurgeon mean I will automatically need surgery?

No. A fundamental philosophy of Dr. Vitowanu's practice is that surgery is only recommended when clear clinical and radiological indications exist. Many patients benefit from conservative surveillance or medical management.

How quickly are emergency or expedited cases reviewed?

Suspected acute neurological emergencies must present directly to a hospital emergency room. For urgent referrals (e.g. progressive weakness or high-grade compression), our clinical coordinator prioritizes expedited appointments.

Ready to Discuss Your Case?

Begin a structured consultation request. Our clinical coordination team will review your details and guide you through the next steps.