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801 Clanton Road
Suite C-110
Charlotte NC 28217
Conveniently located on off of I-77 at Clanton Road

704-527-5522

Business Hours
Monday-Friday 9-6
Saturday 9-3

Dr. Obinna Oriaku received his board certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine in September 1999.  He began his medical education at the University of Benin in Nigeria.  An outstanding academic record earned him a scholarship and enabled him to study at the University of Sheffield in England.  He worked for several years in Trinidad and Tobago as a medical officer, gaining valuable, wide ranging experience in general internal medicine & surgery.  Dr. Oriaku received his residency training at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University in New York City.  He is a member of the American College of Physicians and the North Carolina Medical Society.For more information about Dr. Oriaku and Crown Clinic visit us at .

Internal Medicine

I am 39 and I have been experiencing problems with being lightheaded and problems with my ears(feeling of fullness, some pain). I have been to my primary Dr and to a few EENT Drs and no one can figure out the problem. My hearing tests come back really good and I\'m told there is no fluid in my ears. My primary Dr just did some blood work and EKG and found my something tested in my kidneys to be high and that I have an irregular heartbeat (common in my family). Could either of these be the cause of feeling lightheaded? Also, why would my hearing tests come back good if I feel like I cannot understand what people saying to me a lot of times?

It sounds like you have been seen by the appropriate people concerning your complaints of dizziness and ear fullness. If your tests so far have been negative, I’m not really sure how much additional help you primary doctor could be right now. To his credit, he has referred you to ENT for a second opinion. I wonder if those tests included allergy testing, which may explain some (but perhaps not all) your symptoms. Also significantly, you mentioned a history of irregular heart beats in your family. It might be worth while to investigate that further to see if that is where the problem lies. If all else fails, you may do well with treating the symptoms that bother you the most.

I am on a sleep apnea machine and using at night and when I get in the morning I feel like I have not had any sleep can you help me?

The CPAP machines are notoriously difficult to get accustomed to but they are the only things available today to effectively deal with the mechanical problems associated with sleep apnea. The only other option is to consider surgery, but not everyone qualifies. In your particular instance, it might be worth your while to recheck your machine to make sure it is working properly. The company that provided it in the first place should be able to service it for you. Alternatively, you may want to consider another sleep study, if you have not had one in 2 – 3 years because your settings may need to be adjusted.

My 5 year old daughter has recently been complaining of various ailments. We noticed that she has also developed a small knot on her neck under her ear. Her complaints are upset stomach and sore throat. What could be causing this?

The small “knot” that you described is likely an inflamed lymph node and may reflect irritation or infection in the head and neck region. I doubt this would explain your daughter’s symptoms. You might want to get this evaluated completely by your Pediatrician.

About 4 nights ago my 25 year old son was riding a bike, hit something and fell off. He landed on the left side of his head/face and neck. The next morning when he woke he was scrapped and bruised. His neck and collarbone area were extremely painful, but it was his left eye that concerned me. The pupil was completely dialated.... and his vision in that eye was blurred. There are no marks or cuts on the eye at all, but he is keeping that eye covered because it is light sensitive. This is the 4th day and his eye is still the same.  He thinks it will all take time to heal on its own. What do you recommend?

If the left pupil is dilated and the right is not, I would strongly recommend an immediate evaluation by an ophthalmologist. Unequal pupil size is usually not a good sign. You did mention light sensitivity in that eye, but I wonder also if he has blurry vision or headaches. These would be additional signs that would trigger further evaluation. I believe it is best to get him checked out, even if all it does is give you peace of mind.

I'm 48 years old, Every 2-3 years I get a really bad cold with congestion that usually ends up in my chest. After the cold has gone, my lung on my left side hurts when I move my left arm, sometimes when I take a deep breath and when I cough. I have this now, I just got over a bad cold -- I was told the last time this happened that I had Pluerisy (not sure about spelling) but it is due to fluid in around the lungs. I have been taking Ibuprofen for the pain, should I continue to do this until this heals or should I once again see a doctor? Oh, the cough is not continuous, but every so often when I cough the phlegm breaks, no blood though.

Pleurisy is an inflammation of the lining of the lungs. It is usually caused by different lung infections but there could be other causes as well. The symptoms you describe can definitely be attributed to pleurisy. Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like Ibuprofen, are the best drugs to treat this condition but like with everything else, if your symptoms persist, it is always a good idea to see your doctor for further evaluation.

What is a "normal" rise in blood pressure from first thing in the morning to early evening?

Normal blood pressure is defined as 120/80mmHg by most authorities. However, many people walk around with pressures lower than that (especially young women). Recent studies have also determined that for people with high blood pressure, keeping their pressure below this number almost guarantees the absence of blood pressure related complications. Although one’s blood pressure fluctuates from moment to moment depending on what they are doing, it is wise to maintain control in this neighborhood.

I ate some of the Peter Pan peanutbutter and I did get sick, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pains and headaches for about 7 days. I thought I was better but then about a week later seems like it started all over again, is this normal and should I see a doctor?

I would think it unusual for your symptoms to return after they had abated. Perhaps you should see your doctor to make sure you do not have a new problem presenting with similar symptoms.

My father recently had a minor knee injury. Now, the doctor\'s say that this can be the beginning of artharitis. I am very worried because my father is also diabetic and I think that due to this reason this pain might take a long time to cure. Now I was looking on the website for a cure and I found a medicine that contains glucosamine. I want to know is it advisable to give this medicine for the pain as my father is also diabetic. Please advise me on what to do or an alternative medicine, or what the medicine should contain or whould it not contain.

I can use your question to address a few important points. Once any joint ( but especially the weight bearing joints) sustains an injury, it becomes more prone to develop arthritis. This would usually happen faster than the other non-injured joint. Even when arthritis becomes established due to age or other factors, the joint that was injured in the past always tends to bear the brunt of symptoms. Glucosamine & Chondroitin are essential components of joint fluids which serve as lubricants. They do not directly reduced pain in inflammed joints but help with symptoms by improving lubrication in the joints. These should be taken as supplements for joint health but it would seem like your father would also need some anti-inflammatory medications and/or pain medicines to control his symptoms.

Is 3.2 potassium level dangerously low? Do African Americans typically have low potassium levels as they also have typically low hemoglobin count?

The body regulates potassium levels within a very narrow range, usually between 3.5 and 5.5. The body cannot tolerate a lot of fluctuations in potassium levels, especially if these fluctuations happen rapidly. Therefore, a level of 3.2, even though it may not appear to be a drastic change, may result in significant symptoms if the fall is too rapid. I am unaware of a lower potassium range in African American. And for that matter, the ideal hemoglobin concentration is about the same in all races, as far as I’m aware.

What method is used to diagnose COPD? Is Spiriva a good drug for treating COPD? Are there others that would be just as effective?

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary (also called Airway) Disease. It is diagnosed by clinical history and findings on chest X-ray & lung function testing. Spiriva is one of many medications used to treat COPD. Your doctor should be able to decide what combination best treats your condition.

About this time a year ago, I went to the ER With severe pain in my right side. I was diagnosed as having a Kidney stone about 2 cm in sizes that had caused a blockage. I had a procedure called Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy to remove the stone. I was then told the stone was diagnosed as a Struvite Stone which is caused from untreated infections of the urinary tract & kidney. I was placed on antibotics after the surgery and I am presentily still taking an antibotic for a infection that does not seem to go away. I feel that the antibotic is only preventing the infection from getting any worse but the infection remains. I know because I have soreness and sometimes pain in both sides most days, many trips back and fourth to the bathroom, nausea, and I just feel awful most days. The infection at times gets worse causing me a lot of pain with fever and nausea also. My doctor has switched my antibotic several times but It all remains pretty much! the same. My doctor does not act to concern about it all and has not been much help as to why this infection will not go away. I'm concerned that while all this remains the same (almost a year now), It could be causing kidney damange. What causes someone to have a kidney or urnairy tract infection that won't go away even with the help of antibotics? Should I find another doctor maybe?

It definitely seems like you may be a candidate for Urologic evaluation. If all you say is accurate, it sounds like you may have had some tissue damage in the kidney from the stone, or perhaps, left over stones that were not completely removed during your procedure. Whatever the case, further work up by a Urologist (after careful review of your history) seems to be the most reasonable next step. Either kidney stones or the scars they leave behind after removal may sometimes become a nidus (which means focal point) for recurrent infections, as seems to be happening in your situation.

My husband is 60 years old and has a problem with getting extremely sleepy after eating. It does not matter if the meal is at home or if we go out. I have seen him get so sleepy that he cannot even finish his meal. He will go to sleep setting at the table. He does not get sleepy at any other time except when he eats and it does not matter as to which meal of the day. He does not have a problem sleeping all night.

It is very difficult to make a guess as to what could be wrong with your husband without having some background knowledge of his present health. The first place to begin would be your physician’s office where a complete physical may reveal latent health issues. Because of the multitude of possibilities in a 60 year old man, I believe this is the safest thing to do. Do not hesitate to call if you think we can be of further assistance. Good luck

I gave birth Nov 5, 06 to an incredible little girl. I'm 23 and my husband is 33 and we would like to add another member to our family. How soon is too soon before actively trying to get pregnant again? I had no complications with my last pregnancy and am still breastfeeding 75% of the time. She gets one bottle of formula a day.

Congratulations on your little bundle of joy. It is commonplace for young mothers to get very excited after their first baby that they want to do it again quickly, especially if the first time was “quick & easy”. There are a few things to think through before you make that decision, though.

First of all, it is great to know you are young & in good health. That immediately removes the pressure of the so-called biological clock. Breast feeding has been used in some cultures as a form of contraception because of the increased levels of Prolactin, the hormone that stimulates the production of breast milk. This obviously is not the greatest form of contraception, as many women can attest to getting pregnant while breast feeding. Speaking strictly from a medical perspective, it will seem okay to start trying to conceive once your child is about 8-9 months old.

However, with your first child being so young, there are other considerations beyond what may be most apparent to you. For instance, if you are staying home now nursing your baby and your husband is gone all day trying to provide for the family, will you be able to take care of two very young children simultaneously? Things as simple as non synchronized sleep & eating patterns can put untold pressures on a young mother who may not have a lot of help at home. If you are a career type& want to go back to work, this would tend to get more complicated with two infants in tow. Then there is the cost of childcare, assuming you chose to put them in daycare, among other costs associated with raising children.

I would opine that spacing you children at least 18 months to two years would be ideal, both for your peace of mind, but also so that you would be able to give quality care to your young ones. Good luck and please write to tell me about it.

What can a person do with unopened bottles of medications. My mom is consgtantly having her medication changed and we have 3month supplies of unopened meds, Benicar is the most recent. Does any place take these and give them to folks who cannot afford their drugs. We hate to simply throw them away.

Frequent changes in medications are a common occurrence, especially in the elderly who have multiple medical problems. What to do with “leftovers” can be a challenge. I am not sure you can re-use those pills, especially if they come in non-sealed bottles. Giving them out can pose all kinds of problems, including issues with contamination, and perhaps legal concerns. Even when you return them to the drug store where it was purchased, they are usually thrown away. I am not aware of any kind of charities that would accept old pills. Another way to avoid waste will be to have a conversation with your doctor to try & determine why the changes are needed & what can be done to minimize waste.

I have been told I have \"moderate\" arthritis in my neck. I have continuous pain whenever I move my head. Would acupuncture help? Is there a medication that would relieve the pain? I am 58 and dread the thought of having to live the rest of my life with this situation getting worse.

Arthritis of the spine is a chronic condition that requires a lot of patience and understanding to deal with. The extent of symptoms each individual feels varies greatly, even when X-rays show moderate or advanced arthritis. Because there is no cure for arthritis, it is very advisable to incorporate other forms of treatment for best outcome. Physical therapy, yoga & yes acupuncture, have been shown to help reduce the pain of arthritis. There is also some evidence to support the use of supplements like Glucosamine & Chondroitin, which can be purchased over the counter. In advanced stages, when all else fails, we do recommend surgery also but this should be undertaken only after full evaluation with your doctor to determine if this would be the right option for you.

Can you tell me what causes my husband to have blood in his urine?

Blood in the urine should always be taken seriously. Since you did not indicate your husband’s age, I would not be able to give specific advice. Most common causes will include a bladder infection or an enlarged prostate, but it could also be a sign of more serious illness. I will highly recommend a complete evaluation for you husband to determine what the problem is. A good family physician will be able to recommend how aggressively to investigate your husband. Please feel free to call my office and schedule an appointment for an evaluation, if you are looking for a physician. Good luck.

I have a problem with my stomach where I tend to have a lot of high pressure gas, not bloating, but high pressure burping. My stomach seems to pulsate at times and it makes me feel weak and uncomfortable. Sometimes it is relieved if I'm able to pass gas rectally. I can feel it moving in my stomach area under my rib cage. At times I feel a burning in my esophagus area, not bad, but my voice gets a little husky at those times. I was diagnosed with IBS at one time and was taking .125 mg Hyoscyamine. It seemed to help a bit but this seems to be a different problem.

Since you did not mention how old you are, it is really difficult to give specific advice. Some disease conditions are more likely than others, at different age groups. Conditions that may cause your symptoms would include acid reflux, delayed emptying of the stomach, hiatus hernia, etc. Your best bet would be to have a doctor go over your symptoms carefully with you, accompanied with a thorough exam. It may also be necessary to refer you to a specialist if a ready explanation is not available.

Is there a cure for diabetes? Can we call a pharmaceutical company, legalized, of course? It would have to be legal?

No, unfortunately there is generally no cure for diabetes. The only exception, perhaps, would be if your pancreas (which is the organ that produces the insulin your body uses to control blood sugar) is acutely damaged by injury or illness. One may then develop an acute deficiency of insulin which may require treatment, but after the pancreas recovers, insulin production may return back to normal. At the present moment, there are several new drugs that try to mimic the natural rhythm of insulin release by the pancreas. These new agents in the right combination can maintain your sugar levels as close to normal as possible.

Your question about the pharmaceutical companies is not very clear, but many of them have programs that assist those that cannot afford the newer, more expensive drugs. They have different criteria one has to meet before they can qualify, so you would have to call them to find out.

I have some tightness in my legs when I walk from my front door to my car and when I walk at lunch. What does that mean? I also have cold feet.

Since you did not mention how old you are, it is difficult to say what may be going on in your particular case. However, the most likely scenario is that you may have poor circulation in your legs that cause the calves to cramp when you walk. This happens because when you start exercising, the muscles demand more blood flow, not only to bring increased nutrients to it but also to take away the waste products of metabolism. When blood flow is inadequate, waste products accumulate & oxygen tension in the muscles falls. This leads to cramping. The classical case is cramping of the calves when you walk.

The other important thing to differentiate from would be a pinched nerve in the back that is affecting the nerve supply to your legs. Again, a careful, detailed evaluation by a seasoned physician would help nail the problem.

I have drug eluting stents. Have read that Plavix after one year becomes risk rather than benefit. Is this true?

The use of drug eluting stents in patients like you arose out of the need to keep stents open after implantation. Some of the earliest stents used by cardiologists had the problem of clogging up soon after it was inserted, at times in a matter of weeks. Drug eluting stents were developed to combat this complication but have since been found not be 100% protective. Aspirin, Plavix and other agents help extend the life of theses stents. Prolonged use of Plavix has been shown to decrease the rate of clogging of stents, as compared with short use. It is always a good idea to speak with your doctor before you decide to discontinue any medications.

I have high blood pressure and was prescribed the medicine Norvasc 10mg. My doctor wasn’t clear on weather it’s safe to take with the micardis 80mg that I'm currently on. Could you please clear this up for me?

Yes, there are multiple combinations of medications that can be employed to achieve adequate blood pressure control. Since response to treatment is different in different individuals, only a consultation with your doctor can help determine what number or dosage of medications is adequate for you. Be sure also to speak with your doctor about the goal of blood pressure control in your particular case. If you are not completely satisfied, you can always seek a second opinion.

Are flu shots really necessary? And what symptoms can they prevent?

Yes ‘flu shots are quite necessary and, in fact, could be life saving in a certain categories of patients. Lots of myths exist about how the influenza vaccine has caused people to come down with the flu, but scientifically, this cannot be true. The flu shots are derived from fragments of proteins found on the flu virus. Therefore, on cannot really get infected since one is not exposed to an intact virus with a shot. The inhaled preparation however contains inactivated intact virus. Given to an immunosupressed patient, say someone with advanced HIV, it may cause an actual infection.

The influenza virus causes a significant number of deaths every year from respiratory illness. The most vulnerable are infants and the elderly. Also included in this class are patients with chronic debilitating diseases like emphysema, diabetes or cancer patients.

I am 16 years old and sometimes I wake up and fall right back down, not because I am sleepy, but because I am dizzy.  And certain times during the day I get dizzy and things go black and I can’t see anything, and then I get a headache. I have really good eye sight, it’s just it all goes blank every once in awhile.

Zach, your question is very troubling and probably needs immediate attention. Causes of dizziness, of the type you describe, may be related to irregularities in your heart. This may range from the way your heart is beating (called arrhythmias), to the way the heart muscles are shaped. Only a thorough evaluation would confirm which one it is. Other possible causes would be low blood sugar and other things affecting the brain or sense of balance. For instance, an inner ear infection could cause your organ of balance to be off key, so to speak. But I would really focus on making sure the heart is healthy first.

Many times when I am sitting down, my legs start to lose circulation. What do you think can cause this?

“Losing circulation” in the legs could arise from different causes, depending on the age group and medical history of the person in question. But generally speaking, most common causes can be divided into Circulatory or Neurological problems.

As one gets older, cholesterol deposits & hardening of the arteries cause a slowing down of the circulation to the extremities (i.e. your feet & hands). A very sensitive and simple test would be to check the pulsation of an artery in the mid-section of your foot, called the dorsalis pedis artery. If pulsations are weak, one could reliable conclude that the circulation is slowing down. But to accurately estimate the extent of decreased flow, a special ultrasound (called a Doppler) can be used. Other causes of sluggish flow will include varicose veins, morbid obesity & other changes related to getting older, including arthritis.

The other common reason why people complain they are losing circulation in their legs is actually when there is abnormality in nerve conduction in the legs. Sensitive nerves that go down to the legs actually begin their journey from your lower spine. So anything that can damage your nerves from the spine down to the legs can potentially cause nerve damage. On the other hand, there are systemic causes that can not only damage the nerves in the legs but elsewhere also. A good example would be diabetes which tends to cause numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.

The only way to accurately define what the problem is would be to have a consultation with your doctor who, hopefully , would conduct a thorough examination.

What services do you provide at Crown Clinic?

We are equipped to offer top-of-the-line services that you would expect from any modern healthcare facility. From in-house x-ray services to a fully equipped diagnostic lab, we can give immediate answers to your important health questions, at the same office visit, saving you precious time and eliminating the need to travel across town for medical tests. Our areas of special interest include:


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