In this engaging conversation, Bankole Murtala, an EEG technologist and scientist from Lagos, Nigeria, highlights his work with epilepsy patients and his initiative, the Epilepsy Ambassadors Initiative. He discusses the essential role of neurodiagnostics in epilepsy care, sharing insights on community outreach to dismantle stigma. Bankole also blends science with art by reading his inspiring poetry, illustrating the resilience of individuals living with epilepsy and the profound connection between neurodiagnostics and creative expression.
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Bankole's Role at Lagos Hospital
Bankole Murtala works at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, a busy center treating many epilepsy patients.
His EEG department provides critical data that empowers doctors to better treat epilepsy.
insights INSIGHT
EEG's Critical Role in Epilepsy
EEG data can reveal seizure types and frequency in ways that even MRI can't.
Accurate EEG diagnostics help doctors tailor treatments and medication for epilepsy patients.
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Bankole Murtala works as a scientist and EEG technologist in Lagos, Nigeria. Bankole recently joined us on the IONM4LIFE: Adventures in Neuromonitoring podcast to talk about his work with epilepsy patients and his outreach initiative, The Epilepsy Ambassadors Initiative.
Bankole also read some original works of poetry.“It’s Electrifying!” was originally posted on the ASET Central discussion board in honor of Neurodiagnostic Week 2023.
“Still I Rise” is a poem Bankole is still working on, one that captures the spirit of diagnosing, treating, and living with epilepsy. Both are inspiring works.
Full text for each work listed below. Please note that Bankole Murtala is the original author and these works were reproduced here with his permission.
Its Electrifying!
Not Electrocuting
Procedural, all gains no pain
We don’t need to see you fall
To suggest areas of concern
Sometimes we do see the epilepsy
Not neccessarily the seizure
We use our brain to monitor yours
Its Electrifying!
And physiological,
With potentials from cell bodies
To axon terminals and dendrites
Over billions of neurons on call
And foot soldiers, the neurotransmitters
Your account with us, an account we give
Because your brain matters
Its Electrifying!
Yet diagnosed symptoms and diseases
Your choice of medication
Sometimes becaons on our effort
Oh!
The tranquilizing drug of gradualism;
They still need tobe trialed
Count on us
Having EEG is safe, easy and painless
Its Electrifying!
In all ramifications
The breaking of a wave
Can not explain the whole sea
Nor does a single robin
Herald the spring
A single spike in a patient
With unusual spells
However, can speak a volume
More than the most detailed MRI
We are Neurodiagnostic Professionals
We solve problems you don’t know you have
With waves you can’t understand
The brain function
Is our business
Alas, it’s electrifying.
Still I Rise
In the journey of life
Epilepsy is not a full stop
But a comma,
Why label a future superstar?
I slipped and somebody sees a terrible fall
That is a fact, no doubt
A fall is a fall
But what is bad when my kissing the dust allows me an opportunity to feel the soil
And understand the terrain
I will definitely run faster any other time
I shall fear no fall anymore
A fall is no fall
I am grateful for my little falls
For I can now climb the tallest of mountains with ease
IONM4Life 
