Dr. Gustavo Arriola, MD is a Neurosurgeon dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive neurosurgical care for older adults at his clinic in Kissimmee, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in senior health, Dr. Arriola understands the unique needs of his patient population, which typically includes those 65 and older. He is a board-certified specialist in microsurgery, spinal surgery, brain surgery, and minimally invasive surgery, with over 25 years of experience in neurosurgical care, a wealth of knowledge, and a compassionate approach. Dr. Arriola is committed to the care and improvement of human life, and he works collaboratively with your primary care physician and healthcare team to ensure the best possible outcome for his patients, expertly diagnosing and surgically treating a wide range of complex neurological conditions often experienced by older adults, such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and brain tumors. He offers consultations in Spanish. Dr. Arriola is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (407) 847-0113 to schedule an appointment.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Gustavo Arriola is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Arriola is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive neurosurgical care with a focus on the whole person. He expertly diagnoses and treats complex neurological conditions like spinal stenosis and herniated discs, while collaborating closely with primary care physicians and the entire healthcare team to ensure a personalized and supportive experience, ultimately maximizing comfort and independence for the patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Gustavo Arriola can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Evolutions Healthcare Systems
Fortified Provider Network
Health Net
Humana
Medicare
PHCS
Preferred Care Partners
Prime Health Services
Tricare
WellCare
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Freedom Health
- Freedom Network
- Freedom Network PPO
- HealthSmart - Interplan Health Group
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Interplan Health Group
- LocalPlus
- Medicaid
- Midwest Health Plan
- Molina
- Molina Healthcare
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Open Access Plus
- Oscar Health
- Oscar Insurance Corporation
- Preferred PPO
- Prime
- Select HMO
- Special Needs Plan
- Special Needs Plan SNP
- Standard
- TriCare for Life
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
- Universal Care
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Gustavo Arriola 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:
- Astrocytoma: An astrocytoma is a type of brain tumor that starts in star-shaped cells called astrocytes, and treatment, which may include surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, aims to remove the tumor and improve your overall well-being.
- Lumbar Spine Fracture: If you've suffered a fracture in your lower spine, know that there are many treatment options available to manage your pain, promote healing, and help you return to the activities you enjoy.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: If you're having trouble with hand and wrist pain, weakness, or numbness, it might be carpal tunnel syndrome. Consult your doctor to explore treatment options that can restore comfort and function to your hands.
- Cerebrovascular Disease: Early detection and treatment of cerebrovascular disease are crucial to prevent strokes and maintain cognitive function, allowing you to enjoy your independence and daily activities.
- Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: Experiencing a cervical spinal cord injury can be challenging, but with appropriate medical care, including physical therapy and possibly surgery, it is possible to regain some abilities and improve your daily life.
- Chiari Malformation Type 2: Chiari Malformation Type 2 is a rare condition where brain tissue extends down into the spinal canal, sometimes causing symptoms like headaches, neck pain, and balance problems, and surgery can help alleviate pressure and improve quality of life.
- Meningiomas: A meningioma is a non-cancerous brain tumor that grows slowly and often doesn't cause noticeable symptoms until it becomes larger, at which point surgery or observation may be options to help maintain your quality of life.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Following a traumatic brain injury (TBI), it's important to get prompt medical care to address immediate health concerns and participate in appropriate rehabilitation programs, designed to help people regain skills and prevent long-term complications affecting their independence.
- 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.
- Cancer of Cerebral Meninges: While a diagnosis of a cerebral meningeal cancer (meningioma) may be unsettling, effective treatments are available to manage this type of brain tumor, focusing on symptom relief and preserving quality of life for seniors.
- Obstructive Hydrocephalus: Similar to a plumbing problem, obstructive hydrocephalus occurs when fluid in the brain doesn't drain properly, resulting in increased pressure that can impact cognitive function and physical abilities, but surgical solutions often provide lasting relief.
- Traumatic Cerebral Edema: A head injury can cause the brain to swell, a condition known as traumatic cerebral edema. Doctors use various treatments to manage this swelling and prevent serious complications, supporting the individual's well-being.
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. Gustavo Arriola offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Stereotaxis: As a sophisticated navigation system, stereotaxis enhances the precision of brain surgeries, ensuring that seniors receive targeted treatment while minimizing potential risks and complications during procedures.
- Destruction of Brain Tumor: Destruction of a brain tumor through surgery is a key part of a comprehensive care plan for seniors diagnosed with brain cancer, aiming to improve quality of life and extend lifespan.
- Spinal Fusion: For seniors experiencing debilitating back pain from spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease, spinal fusion can be a key element in reducing pain and restoring function, improving their quality of life.
- Posterior Lumbar Fusion With Robotic Assistance: This procedure may be recommended for seniors facing severe spinal stenosis or other spinal conditions that severely limit mobility and cause intense pain, offering a path toward improved function.
- Brain Surgery: Brain surgery can help seniors regain lost function and alleviate symptoms caused by a variety of neurological conditions, contributing to their overall well-being.
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery: As a non-invasive treatment option, stereotactic radiosurgery can help manage certain brain conditions like arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) or acoustic neuromas in seniors, reducing symptoms and improving their overall well-being.
- Skull Base Surgery: As part of a senior's comprehensive care plan, skull base surgery can effectively treat difficult-to-reach conditions impacting the brain and nerves at the skull's base.
- Craniectomy: To manage conditions causing pressure on a senior's brain, a craniectomy may be used to provide access to the brain, allowing for more effective treatment and improved quality of life.
- Spinal Nerve Block: This procedure helps doctors diagnose the exact location of nerve compression or inflammation, guiding treatment decisions for spinal conditions.
- Neuroplasty: As part of a comprehensive care plan, neuroplasty helps manage nerve compression, reducing the need for more extensive surgery in some seniors.
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: This advanced surgical technique helps seniors manage spinal conditions such as herniated discs with smaller incisions, less blood loss, and shorter hospital stays compared to traditional methods.
- Spinal Reconstructive Surgery for Deformities: Spinal reconstructive surgery plays a crucial role in managing severe spinal deformities in older adults, potentially preventing further disability and promoting independence.
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. Gustavo Arriola 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:
- Following specialized treatment for astrocytoma, a senior couple rediscovered their love for ballroom dancing, a cherished activity that brought them joy and connection. Their newfound energy and improved quality of life filled their home with laughter and renewed zest for life.
- Following a lumbar spine fracture, a senior was able to resume their beloved daily walks with a reduced pain level, regaining a sense of independence and mobility. The family felt immense relief knowing their loved one was experiencing improved comfort and a better quality of life.
- With improved hand function, a senior was able to resume knitting intricate patterns, a cherished hobby that had been sidelined by carpal tunnel syndrome. The family felt a sense of joy and relief knowing their loved one could once again enjoy their craft.
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. Gustavo Arriola:
- What is a Neurosurgeon, and how are they different from a Neurologist?
- A neurosurgeon is a medical doctor specializing in surgery of the brain, spine, and nerves. Neurologists, on the other hand, diagnose and treat neurological conditions with medications and non-surgical therapies. While their approaches differ, neurosurgeons and neurologists often work together 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 often includes diagnosis and determining if surgery is needed. Dr. Arriola's practice frequently 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. Gustavo Arriola?
- Your first visit with Dr. Arriola will be a thorough diagnostic process. We will review your symptoms, conduct a detailed neurological exam, and carefully review any imaging studies, like MRIs or CT scans. This comprehensive evaluation will help us determine the best path forward, whether surgical or non-surgical.
- What is spinal stenosis, and how is it treated?
- Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, often due to age-related arthritis, that 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.
- What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for?
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a surgical therapy used to manage movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease or essential tremor, when medications are no longer sufficient. It works by implanting a small device that sends electrical signals to help control tremors and other motor symptoms, similar to a pacemaker for the brain.
- What is a spinal cord stimulator?
- A spinal cord stimulator is a device, similar to a pacemaker, implanted to help manage chronic back or leg pain. It works by sending mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord, which interfere with pain signals before they reach the brain. This is an advanced option for pain that hasn't responded to other treatments.
- Can you help with carpal tunnel syndrome?
- Dr. Arriola and our team are experts in peripheral nerve issues, including carpal tunnel syndrome. We can diagnose and treat it, often with conservative measures like bracing, and if needed, perform a simple outpatient surgical release to relieve pressure on the nerve.
- What is a laminectomy?
- A laminectomy is a common spine surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. It involves removing a small piece of bone from a vertebra to create more space in the spinal canal, easing pain from conditions like spinal stenosis.
905 N Central Ave
Kissimmee FL 34741
Phone: (407) 847-0113
Dr. Gustavo Arriola, 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): 1417035510
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. Gustavo Arriola 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.