Last updated on May 16, 2021
The human brain — the largest and most complex organ in the human body, has more than 100 billion nerves that send messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to different parts of the body. That includes sensory organs, arms, hands, legs, and feet. The brain is vital to human existence. It lets us think, feel, and have memories and emotions — everything that makes us human.
For hundreds of years, scientists, scholars, and philosophers have been intrigued by the human brain. With 10+ years in minimally invasive/robotic surgery and scientific studies, Neurosurgeon Dr. Elenwoke is one such person. He is also the Co-founder of Docotal Health Foundation, a global health organization dedicated to eliminating health disparities by providing health services in the world’s most disadvantaged regions.
Dr. Elenwoke is passionate about helping underserved people get the information, support, and medical services they need while diagnosing and treating brain, spine, and nervous system conditions through surgical and non-surgical treatments.
Some conditions neurosurgeons treat are:
- Conditions that occur at birth or before birth, such as cerebral palsy
- Injury to the spinal cord and head
- Spinal disc herniation
- Tumor in the human brain and spinal cord and issues of the peripheral nerves
- Infections in the brain and spine
- Blood vessel problems, for example, blocked arteries and aneurysms
- Ailments that lead to loss of function of the spine, for example, Sciatica
- Persistent backaches and pains.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Degenerative diseases associated with aging, for example, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease
- Seizure diseases (for example, epilepsy)
Neurosurgeons use cutting-edge imaging technologies to identify the source of the problem decide the best method to treat the condition effectively.
Importance of a healthy human brain
When the human brain is in good health, it works fast and regularly. However, if there are problems, the results can be catastrophic. Knowing how to maintain brain and nervous system health can improve many areas of human health. Dr. Elenwoke spoke with the Public Health Edit about his mission to influence population health and limit disability worldwide significantly.
The interview was revised to ensure that it is clear and not lengthy.
Public Health Edit: You are young and very accomplished professionally. Tell us more about yourself.
Dr. Elenwoke: I am a proud husband, father, and an active member of the Rotary Club, Barcelona, Spain. Apart from my family, I work with the prestigious team of neurosurgeons at Barcelona Neuroinstitute at the Teknon Medical Center, specializing in minimally invasive robotic surgery. And for fun, I create super engaging, professional doodle videos like the one below.
Public Health Edit: What are your areas of interest/passion?
Dr. Elenwoke: I have always had a passion for team building and teamwork because I believe team-building is an excellent way to get to your objective faster and better. I am also passionate about effective communication and relationship, especially with patients.
Public Health Edit: So, what’s your favorite part about being a neurosurgeon?
Dr. Elenwoke: Neurosurgery is a very delicate field involving the human brain and nervous system, including the spinal cord. So, the capacity to teamwork and provide world-class treatment is my favorite part of being a neurosurgeon.
Public Health Edit: You talked about your human brain. What advice do you have for optimizing brain health?
Dr. Elenwoke: I must say, a healthier human brain may be attained through simple lifestyle changes.
- Move – be more physically active
- Learn – keeping the brain stimulated by continuously learning
- Sleep – always get a good-sounding sleep
- Whole foods – nurture the body with nutritious whole foods and staying hydrated
- High-quality relationships – build and maintain a strong and active social life
Physical activity and a diet can improve human brain health. Plus, reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure that harm brain health. The outcome for every individual is different. However, regardless of a person’s health status, a healthy lifestyle will only do good and no harm.
Public Health Edit: I think you inspire young people. You are humble yet confident. What advice can you give people who want to go into this field of study involving the human brain and nervous system?
Dr. Elenwoke: Focus on your big dream. The first step to realizing it is to believe in yourself and believe it is possible. Finally, take proactive steps to make your great dream come true.
Public Health Edit: Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.
Dr. Elenwoke: Thank you for having me.
The Public Health EDIT acknowledges the effort, work, contributions, and accomplishments of people to public health and beyond. Every quarter, we will spotlight a fantastic person adding value to population health. Know someone who should be featured? Please email us at [email protected].
If you loved this post, or learned something from it, please share it with your friends or family. Also, share your insights in the comment section below 👇. To stay updated on this quarterly Spotlight series featuring Emerging Movers and Shakers, please subscribe. Also, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Brainwork is very important
Yeah, who would have thought this is all we really needed to do. Not easy, but achievable
I come across many literature on how to stay fit but very few on brain health. This is very informative. But what is a restful sleep?
Thank you! for reading. And thank you for the great question. A night of restful sleep is that type of sleep that helps you feel calm and relaxed after you wakeup. We hope to cover this more in-depth in our next post. So, stay tuned. 🤓
A very interesting read. I’d really like to know if the doctor is privy to experimental treatments that can reverse the progression of cognitive decline associated with aging. Looking forward to reading your next post.
Hello Adeola,
There no effective treatment that I would recommend least for now. I wish you the best.
Dr. Elenwoke, thank you for answering Adeola’s question. Your expertise is always appreciated @publichealthedit.
Adeola, thank you! for reading and asking such an insightful question. It would be exciting to learn more about cognitive decline + aging and a possible reversal of its progression. While there is currently no treatment for this condition, researchers have identified some factors that may help protect you from cognitive decline. So, in the meantime, follow the recommendations in this post to protect yourself. And, of course, stay tuned! @ publichealthedit.