Second diagnosis, second chance
Lake Charles, Louisiana television station highlights UC neurosurgeon, local patient's story
After being told he had an inoperable brain tumor, Air Force veteran Tyler Nuttle sought a second opinion at the University of Cincinnati Gardner Neuroscience Institute.
“I thought that surgery was feasible,” Norberto Andaluz, MD, professor and director of skull base neurosurgery in the Department of Neurosurgery in UC's College of Medicine and a neurosurgeon at the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute, said.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Nuttle told Lake Charles, Louisiana television station KPLC.
Andaluz said the tumor was located in the center of the brainstem related to hearing, facial movements, facial sensation and coordinated eye view, so he continuously monitored brain pathways and nerves that move the face, impact hearing and help you swallow during the surgery.
The surgery was a success, and Nuttle is expected to make a full recovery.
“Just getting back to being able to run, jump with my kid. That’s what I look forward to the most. Absolutely,” he said.
Featured photo at top of Andaluz in surgery. Photo/University of Cincinnati.
Related Stories
UC co-op helps build career pathways at AtriCure
July 28, 2026
AtriCure, a global medical device company in Mason, Ohio, is UC’s largest biomedical engineering co-op employer, turning University of Cincinnati co-op students into full-time innovators.
CCM welcomes new musical theatre faculty member Avery Bargassé
July 28, 2026
UC College-Conservatory of Music Dean Pete Jutras has announced the appointment of Avery Bargassé as CCM's new Assistant Professor Educator of Musical Theatre Voice. His faculty appointment officially begins on Aug. 15, 2026. Bargassé is a versatile vocalist, recording artist and voice teacher whose career spans television, popular music and classical singing. He approaches teaching from a whole-person perspective, helping students develop healthy, flexible technique that supports expressive communication across styles.
UC doctoral student shares his journey with Spectrum News
July 27, 2026
UC doctoral student Amota Ataneka spoke with Spectrum News about his educational journey. Ataneka, a native of the Pacific island nation of Kiribati, is one of 35 emerging scholars across the United States to win the National Academy of Education/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship.