Dr. Christine Pierre, MD is a Neurology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Neurological care for older adults (65 and above) at her clinic in Orange Park, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Pierre's practice is focused on the specialized needs of seniors, recognizing the unique neurological challenges that can arise in this population. Neurologists provide specialized expertise in diagnosing and managing complex neurological conditions like dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke, and neuropathy common in seniors, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible care. She is currently welcoming new patients and you can schedule an appointment by calling (904) 272-9981. This physician is accepting telehealth visits.
Dr. Pierre's comprehensive approach to care stems from her extensive experience treating various neurological disorders, including stroke, headache, dementia, movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, seizures, neuropathy, and chronic pain conditions. Her clinical interests include administering Botox injections for conditions like chronic migraine and spasticity. Her office offers specialized Botox and sleep/CPAP clinics for personalized care. She is Board Certified in Neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology and holds a medical degree from Wake Forest University School of Medicine, following an internship at Mount Sinai Medical Center and residency training in Neurology at the University of Miami at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Dr. Pierre's commitment to senior care is deeply rooted in her years of dedicated service at the Miami Veterans Administration Medical Center, where she cared for veterans facing a wide range of neurological challenges. She works hand-in-hand with patients and their referring doctors to diagnose and recommend treatment options, delivering a respectful and thorough approach to care. Dr. Christine Pierre provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Christine Pierre is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Pierre is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive neurological care with a focus on understanding each individual's needs. She expertly diagnoses and manages complex conditions like dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's, collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to create a personalized treatment plan that prioritizes comfort, independence, and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Christine Pierre can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Curative
Medicare
Sunshine Health
WellCare
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AvMed
- Blue Care
- Blue Choice
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Choice
- Choice Plus
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- MAPFRE Life Insurance Company of Puerto Rico
- Open Access
- Premera Blue Cross
- Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Christine Pierre 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:
- Dystonia: Characterized by sustained muscle contractions that can cause twisting or repetitive movements, dystonia may be challenging, but various therapies can ease symptoms, improving a senior's mobility and independence.
- Facial Nerve Disorder: Facial nerve disorders can make it hard to smile, frown, or close your eye fully due to muscle weakness, but with proper medical care and rehabilitation, you can regain much of your facial function and confidence.
- Cerebral Artery Thrombosis: When a blood clot obstructs blood flow to the brain, it's called cerebral artery thrombosis, a stroke; this can lead to various challenges, but with timely treatment, such as clot removal procedures, its possible to preserve independence and improve recovery.
- Drug-Induced Parkinsonism: Sometimes, medicines can have a side effect that looks like Parkinson's disease; this is called drug-induced Parkinsonism, and it's often treatable by changing the medication.
- Drug Induced Dystonia: Certain medicines can unexpectedly cause muscle contractions and twisting movements, a condition called drug-induced dystonia. Working with your doctor to find alternative medications can greatly reduce these uncomfortable symptoms.
- Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuritis: While CIDP can be challenging, it's manageable. This condition impacts nerve function, causing weakness and numbness, but treatments like IV immunoglobulin or steroids can help lessen symptoms and preserve mobility and independence.
- Cervical Spine Myelopathy: With cervical spine myelopathy, pressure on the spinal cord in the neck can lead to problems with balance, coordination, and hand function; thankfully, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Ataxia: Ataxia makes it harder to control your movements, leading to unsteadiness and clumsiness, but physical therapy and assistive devices can help manage symptoms and improve safety.
- Myelopathy: Experiencing weakness, tingling, or pain in your arms or legs? Myelopathy, a spinal cord condition, could be the cause. Thankfully, many treatments are available to help manage your symptoms and improve your comfort.
- Compressed Spinal Cord: A compressed spinal cord happens when the spinal cord is squeezed, often due to age-related changes or injury, causing pain, weakness, and numbness; treatment focuses on relieving pressure and managing symptoms to improve mobility and daily functioning.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): CRPS is a long-term condition causing severe pain, changes in skin color and temperature, and swelling in a limb, often following an injury; however, with proper management, seniors can experience significant pain relief and improved mobility.
- Primary Generalized Absence Epilepsy: If your loved one has primary generalized absence epilepsy, it's a condition causing brief lapses in awareness, like staring spells. Fortunately, medications are available to reduce or eliminate these episodes and improve their quality of life.
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. Christine Pierre offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Memory Evaluation: Through a memory evaluation, seniors can receive an accurate diagnosis, allowing for early intervention and treatment of conditions affecting their memory.
- Grip and-or Muscle Group Pull Test: This test provides objective data on muscle function, assisting in early detection of weakness related to various neurological conditions and guiding targeted interventions.
- Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response Test: The Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test helps doctors assess hearing function by measuring brainwave activity in response to sounds, aiding in the diagnosis of hearing loss and related neurological conditions in seniors.
- Functional Movement Screening: This simple screening helps determine if changes in your ability to move are related to a neurological condition like Parkinson's or a stroke.
- Wada Test: The Wada test helps doctors determine which side of the brain controls language and memory before brain surgery, ensuring the safest possible procedure for seniors.
- Peripheral Nerve Block: For seniors experiencing persistent nerve pain, a peripheral nerve block can provide temporary relief, improving comfort and quality of life while a long-term care plan is developed.
- EEG (Electroencephalogram): If you're experiencing changes in your thinking or awareness, an EEG can help your doctor pinpoint the source of the problem by evaluating the electrical activity in your brain.
- Somatic Nerve Block: For seniors with persistent nerve pain, a somatic nerve block can temporarily numb the affected area, offering pain relief and improving quality of life.
- Home Sleep Study: To better manage conditions such as Parkinson's disease or dementia, a home sleep study helps assess sleep disturbances that can impact daytime functioning and overall well-being.
- Evoked Potential Test: To determine the extent of nerve damage and inform treatment decisions, an evoked potential test measures the electrical activity of the nervous system in response to external stimuli, crucial for managing conditions like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.
- Deep Brain Stimulation Evaluation: If you're struggling with symptoms of Parkinson's disease or another movement disorder, a deep brain stimulation evaluation is a crucial step to see if this targeted therapy is a viable option for you.
- Non-Cosmetic Chemodenervation: Non-cosmetic chemodenervation is a medical procedure that can help manage muscle spasms and tremors, improving comfort and mobility for seniors with neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease.
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 Neurology in Florida.
Dr. Christine Pierre 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:
- With specialized therapies, a senior with dystonia experienced a significant reduction in muscle spasms, allowing them to resume their favorite hobby of knitting without discomfort. The family felt immense relief knowing their loved one could once again engage in activities that brought them joy.
- With expert guidance, a senior was able to regain the ability to smile freely, a cherished part of their daily interactions, after treatment for facial nerve disorder. The family felt immense relief knowing their loved one was regaining their facial expressions and confidence.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She 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 Psychiatry & Neurology (Neurology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Neurological care with Dr. Christine Pierre:
- What is a Neurologist, and when should a senior see one?
- Dr. Pierre is a neurologist, a medical doctor specializing in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. She can help diagnose and manage complex neurological issues, such as significant memory loss, Parkinson's disease, stroke, persistent dizziness, or nerve pain. If you or your loved one has concerns about these issues, please schedule an appointment.
- My parent seems confused and is forgetting things. How can Dr. Christine Pierre help?
- Dr. Pierre specializes in evaluating memory and cognitive changes to determine the cause. She can diagnose conditions like Alzheimer's or other dementias, rule out other medical issues, and create a comprehensive management plan to support you and your loved one.
- What can I expect during a neurological exam?
- During a neurological exam with Dr. Pierre, you can expect a series of simple, painless tests to check your strength, coordination, reflexes, balance, and memory. These tests help Dr. Pierre understand how your nervous system is functioning. It's a way to get a complete picture of your health.
- Can family members be involved in the appointments and care planning?
- For neurological care, especially with cognitive issues, caregiver involvement is vital. Dr. Pierre welcomes family participation, with the patient's permission, to ensure everyone understands the diagnosis and treatment plan.
- What is neuropathy, and can the numbness in my feet be treated?
- Neuropathy is damage to the peripheral nerves, often causing numbness, tingling, or pain in the feet and hands. While nerve damage can't always be reversed, Dr. Pierre can work to manage the underlying cause and prescribe medications to significantly reduce painful symptoms and improve comfort.
- Does your practice manage sleep disorders like sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome?
- Sleep is critical for brain health, and Dr. Pierre can evaluate and manage sleep disorders like sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome, as they are often linked to neurological conditions and can impact daytime function and quality of life.
- What are EEGs and EMGs used for?
- EEGs record the brain's electrical activity, helping to investigate seizures. EMGs check the health of muscles and the nerves that control them, used to diagnose weakness or nerve problems.
- How do you manage Parkinson's disease in older adults?
- Dr. Pierre's approach to Parkinson's in older adults is holistic, focusing on maintaining quality of life. Medications manage motor symptoms like tremors and stiffness, and she coordinates care with physical and occupational therapists to improve balance, mobility, and safety at home.
1825 Kingsley Ave Ste 190
Orange Park FL 32073
Phone: (904) 272-9981
Dr. Christine Pierre, 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): 1548418700
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. Neurology like Dr. Christine Pierre 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.