Dr. Abilash Haridas, MD is a Neurosurgeon dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive neurosurgical care for older adults. He practices at his clinic in Ocala, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Haridas understands the unique needs of this patient population, specifically those 65 and older, and is committed to working collaboratively with their primary care physicians and healthcare teams to achieve the best possible outcomes. He is currently accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.
A general neurosurgeon possesses specialized expertise in diagnosing and surgically treating a wide range of complex neurological conditions common in older adults, such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and brain tumors. Dr. Haridas, with his background in evidence-based medicine, strives to create a supportive environment for patients and their families, ensuring they feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and welcomes new patients. Dr. Haridas earned his medical degree from Bharathiar University, Psg Institute Of Medicine, and is Board Certified in Neurosurgery by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. He offers consultations in Hindi. To schedule an appointment, please call (352) 401-1000.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Abilash Haridas is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Haridas is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive neurosurgical care. He expertly diagnoses and treats a wide range of neurological conditions, collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible outcomes. His approach prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, creating a personalized plan that maximizes comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Abilash Haridas can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Choice HMO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Preferred Patient Care PPO
- Blue Select PPO
- BlueOptions HMO
- Choice Plus POS
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- HAP Insurance
- HAP Insurance HMO
- HAP Insurance PPO
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Options PPO
- Preferred Patient Care
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Sagamore Health Network
- Sagamore Plus PPO
- SimplyBlue HMO
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue EPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Abilash Haridas provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Thoracic Spine Fracture: A broken bone in your thoracic spine can impact your mobility and comfort, but treatments like surgery and rehabilitation can help reduce pain and help you resume your favorite activities.
- Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: If you're experiencing changes in walking, memory, or bladder function, it could be normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition where fluid builds up in your brain, but there's often a surgical solution to help you regain your abilities.
- Brachial Plexus Palsy: If you have brachial plexus palsy, which is damage to the nerves that control your arm and shoulder, know that there are many effective ways to manage it, including physical therapy, medication, and in select cases, surgery, to improve your quality of life.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: With age, the discs in your spine can deteriorate, causing degenerative disc disease, which may lead to pain and limited movement; however, various treatments, such as medication and exercise, can help improve your comfort and well-being.
- Thoracic Spine Myelopathy: Thoracic spine myelopathy involves compression of the spinal cord in the chest area, potentially causing neurological symptoms; a neurosurgeon can assess your condition and recommend the best treatment approach to maintain independence.
- Spinal Stenosis with Neurogenic Claudication: Spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication is a narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on nerves, causing leg pain and weakness, especially when walking, but it can often be managed with medication, physical therapy, or surgery to improve mobility and reduce discomfort.
- Stroke: Strokes can cause weakness, speech problems, or vision changes, but prompt medical attention and rehabilitation can significantly improve function and independence.
- Nerve Root Injury and Plexus Disorders (incl. Pinched Nerve): Nerve root injuries and plexus disorders, which involve damage to nerve networks, can cause significant discomfort and mobility issues in older adults; managing these conditions often involves a combination of approaches to reduce pain and improve quality of life.
- Aneurysm: An aneurysm is a potentially dangerous condition where a blood vessel in the brain swells and may rupture, causing a stroke; early detection and treatment can significantly reduce this risk and improve your quality of life.
- Craniopharyngioma: A craniopharyngioma is a non-cancerous brain tumor that develops near the pituitary gland, sometimes causing hormone imbalances or vision problems, but with surgery and other treatments, many people can manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.
- Brain Abscess: Think of a brain abscess as a pocket of infection within the brain; treatment, typically involving surgery and/or antibiotics, is crucial to eliminate the infection and help you maintain your independence and mental sharpness.
- Cauda Equina Syndrome: If you experience sudden, intense lower back pain along with numbness or weakness in your legs, bowel or bladder problems, it could be cauda equina syndrome, a medical emergency needing immediate neurosurgical attention to prevent permanent disability.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Abilash Haridas offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Dural Repair or Other Spinal Cord Repair: For seniors with spinal injuries or conditions affecting the spinal cord, dural repair or other such procedures can help prevent further damage and promote healing.
- Neuroplasty: As part of a comprehensive care plan, neuroplasty helps manage nerve compression, reducing the need for more extensive surgery in some seniors.
- Spinal Discectomy: Spinal discectomy is a treatment option that aims to restore function and reduce pain in seniors suffering from spinal problems stemming from a herniated or damaged disc, improving their independence.
- Intracranial Vessels Stenting: Intracranial vessel stenting is a minimally invasive procedure that helps improve blood flow to the brain by placing a small, expandable tube inside a narrowed artery.
- Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Repair: Intracranial AVM repair surgery is a crucial step in preventing future health crises for seniors, ensuring a higher quality of life and increased longevity by addressing a serious condition proactively.
- Facet Blocks: A facet block is a minimally invasive injection that helps pinpoint the source of lower back pain, guiding doctors towards the best treatment plan for seniors.
- Spinal Cord Stimulation: Spinal cord stimulation is a treatment option that can help manage chronic pain in the back and legs by sending mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord.
- Spinal Nerve Block: Spinal nerve blocks are used to manage severe back pain and leg pain by reducing inflammation around the affected nerves in your spine.
- Craniectomy: For seniors facing life-threatening brain conditions, a craniectomy can be a vital part of their care plan, allowing surgeons to access and treat the underlying issue.
- Pituitary Gland Tumor Excision: As part of a comprehensive care plan, pituitary gland tumor excision helps diagnose and treat hormonal disorders and vision issues caused by tumors in the brain.
- Spinal Fusion: As a part of a comprehensive care plan for seniors with severe spinal issues, spinal fusion helps manage chronic pain and improve mobility by stabilizing the spine.
- Neurostimulation: Neurostimulation uses implanted devices to send electrical signals to specific nerves or areas of the brain, helping manage chronic pain and movement disorders in seniors.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Neurosurgeries in Florida.
Dr. Abilash Haridas is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After undergoing surgery and rehabilitation for a thoracic spine fracture, a senior was able to resume her beloved weekly bridge club meetings, a source of social connection and enjoyment. The support from the care team brought a renewed sense of independence and well-being.
- After undergoing a surgical procedure for normal pressure hydrocephalus, a woman regained her ability to walk more steadily, allowing her to return to a beloved hobby of visiting her grandchildren.
- With the guidance of a neurosurgery specialist, a senior regained the ability to comfortably lift her grandchildren, a cherished activity, and the family felt a renewed sense of joy and security.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Neurological Surgery (Neurosurgery)
Here are answers to some common questions about Neurosurgical care with Dr. Abilash Haridas:
- What is a Neurosurgeon, and how are they different from a Neurologist?
- A neurosurgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in performing surgery on the brain, spine, and nerves. Neurologists, on the other hand, diagnose and treat neurological conditions using medication and non-surgical therapies. While their approaches differ, neurosurgeons and neurologists often collaborate as a team to provide the best possible care.
- Does seeing a neurosurgeon always mean I will need surgery?
- Absolutely not. A neurosurgeon's role includes diagnosing the issue and determining if surgery is the best course of action. Dr. Haridas often recommends conservative treatments first, like physical therapy or injections, and only considers surgery when necessary.
- What can I expect during my first consultation with Dr. Abilash Haridas?
- Your first consultation with Dr. Haridas will be a thorough diagnostic process. It will include a review of your symptoms, a detailed neurological exam, and a careful review of any imaging studies like MRIs or CT scans. This comprehensive evaluation will help determine the best path forward, surgical or otherwise.
- What types of spine problems do you treat?
- Dr. Haridas and his team treat common age-related spine conditions, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and sciatica, which often cause significant back or leg pain. Our goal is to relieve pressure on the nerves, reducing pain and improving patients' ability to walk and stay active.
- Can you help with carpal tunnel syndrome?
- Dr. Haridas and our team are experts in peripheral nerve issues, including carpal tunnel syndrome. We can diagnose and treat this condition, often starting with conservative measures like splinting. Surgery to release the pressure on the nerve may be an option if symptoms don't improve.
- What is spinal stenosis, and how is it treated?
- Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, often caused by age-related arthritis, which can pinch nerves. Treatment options range from physical therapy and injections to surgery, such as a laminectomy, to create more space for the nerves in severe cases.
- How do you treat brain tumors in older adults?
- Dr. Haridas and his team develop a highly personalized treatment plan for each patient, considering the specific type of brain tumor and the patient's overall health. Options may include surgical removal, radiation therapy like Gamma Knife, or observation, always prioritizing maximizing quality of life.
- What is minimally invasive spine surgery?
- Minimally invasive spine surgery is an advanced technique using smaller incisions and specialized instruments. This approach results in less muscle damage, reduced pain, and a potentially faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery, making it a beneficial option for seniors.
1431 SW 1st Ave
Ocala FL 34471
Phone: (352) 401-1000
Dr. Abilash Haridas, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1326200122
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Neurosurgeries like Dr. Abilash Haridas are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.