Dr. James Meschia, MD is a Neurology specializing in the comprehensive neurological care of older adults (65 and above) at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL. He is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). With over 30 years of dedicated experience in neurological care, Dr. Meschia brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in 1992, followed by an internship at the University of Colorado Hospital and a residency in Neurology at Washington University School of Medicine, specializing in the care of older adults. Further fellowship training at Indiana Hospital deepened his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Neurology and Vascular Neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, and his clinical focus includes inherited cerebrovascular diseases, stroke, and carotid atherosclerotic disease. Dr. Meschia is actively involved in clinical trials and research, including the Mayo Clinic Cerebrovascular Diseases Registry.
Neurologists provide specialized expertise in diagnosing and managing complex neurological conditions like dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke, and neuropathy common in seniors. Dr. Meschia works collaboratively with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible care. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive neurological care and is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Meschia is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (904) 914-3370 to schedule an appointment. Dr. James Meschia provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. James Meschia is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Meschia is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering compassionate and comprehensive neurological care. He excels in diagnosing and managing complex conditions like dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's, while collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to create a personalized care plan. His approach prioritizes understanding individual needs and goals, ensuring the best possible quality of life and independence for each patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. James Meschia can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Card
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- BlueDental Choice
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care (Humana)
- ChoiceCare Network
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- Open Access Plus
- PHCS Network
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. James Meschia 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:
- Embolic Stroke: An embolic stroke occurs when a clot breaks loose and travels to the brain, interrupting blood flow; treatments focus on dissolving the clot or removing it to restore blood flow and reduce long-term effects.
- Vascular Dementia: Vascular dementia occurs when reduced blood flow to the brain impairs brain function, resulting in memory loss and other cognitive challenges; however, lifestyle changes and medical interventions can help slow progression and improve daily living.
- Migraine: Migraines are severe headaches that can cause throbbing pain, often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound, and may significantly impact daily life, but effective treatments can help manage symptoms and improve comfort.
- Polyneuropathy Due to Alcohol and Drugs: If excessive alcohol or drug use has damaged your nerves (polyneuropathy), know that it's treatable. Doctors can help you reduce symptoms like pain and weakness, enhancing your mobility and independence.
- Hemispacial Neglect: Sometimes, after a stroke, people develop hemispacial neglect, meaning they may not pay attention to one side; however, rehabilitation programs can help them to reintegrate that side back into their awareness and daily routines, significantly improving their independence.
- Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): An AVM is a rare condition where blood vessels in the brain are tangled, potentially leading to complications; however, treatments like surgery or embolization can reduce the risk of serious problems and improve well-being for seniors.
- 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.
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy: After an injury, sometimes a chronic pain condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) develops. It's characterized by intense pain, swelling, and changes in the affected limb. Treatment usually involves a team approach to address the pain and restore function, helping you maintain your independence.
- Abducens Nerve Disorder: Problems with the abducens nerve can affect how well you can move your eyes, leading to double vision or difficulty looking to the side. Treatment plans, tailored to the individual's needs, often use vision therapy or surgery to enhance vision and improve daily routines.
- Difficulty With Walking: Walking difficulties in older adults may be due to conditions like arthritis, stroke, or nerve damage, but with proper medical care and therapies, many can improve their walking ability.
- Spinal Demyelination: Spinal demyelination is a condition where the protective coating around nerves in your spine is damaged, potentially leading to weakness, numbness, or pain; however, with proper medical care, many individuals can manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.
- Cervical Stenosis: Cervical stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal in your neck, can cause neck pain and problems with your arms and legs, however, many treatments exist to alleviate symptoms and help you stay active.
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. James Meschia offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Nerve Conduction Studies: To create a personalized care plan for your neurological condition, nerve conduction studies can precisely assess the health of your nerves.
- Functional Movement Screening: By evaluating your balance, coordination, and gait, functional movement screening helps create a safer and more appropriate care plan to prevent falls and other injuries.
- Dementia or Depression Screening: Dementia and depression screening is a crucial step in identifying and managing age-related cognitive decline and emotional distress in seniors.
- Sudoscan: As part of a comprehensive assessment for seniors with symptoms like numbness or tingling, Sudoscan helps to provide objective data to support the diagnosis and management of peripheral neuropathies.
- ImPACT Testing: This neurocognitive test helps healthcare providers monitor the impact of various neurological conditions on a senior's brain function, guiding care plan adjustments for improved outcomes.
- Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response Test: This non-invasive test helps doctors differentiate between hearing loss due to peripheral nerve damage versus central nervous system issues, allowing for more effective management of hearing problems in older adults.
- Dementia Evaluation: Dementia evaluation helps determine the best course of action, including medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes, to support a senior's ongoing well-being.
- Psychiatric Evaluation: By evaluating a senior's mental state, this process can help differentiate between symptoms caused by neurological conditions and those stemming from other psychiatric disorders.
- Memory Evaluation: Memory evaluations help assess the severity of memory problems and track their progression over time, guiding treatment decisions and helping families understand what to expect.
- Non-Cosmetic Chemodenervation: As part of a comprehensive care plan, non-cosmetic chemodenervation may be used to reduce excessive muscle activity, aiding in the management of symptoms associated with various neurological disorders in older adults.
- Wada Test: This specialized test helps neurologists assess brain function before surgery, allowing for a more personalized and safer approach to treating conditions like epilepsy in older individuals.
- 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.
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. James Meschia 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 an embolic stroke, a senior felt a renewed sense of security in their home, thanks to a tailored treatment plan that minimized lingering symptoms and allowed them to resume beloved hobbies.
- Following a neurology consultation, a family found comfort in strategies to manage their loved one's vascular dementia symptoms, allowing them to safely continue enjoying their beloved daily activities. Improved medication and lifestyle adjustments helped minimize memory lapses and enhance overall well-being.
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
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (Neurology)
- American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (Vascular Neurology)
- Myron and Jane Hanley Career Development Award in Stroke Research, 2006
- External Consultant for the Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Center re-application, 2018
- Certificate of Appreciation, 2013
- Mayo Clinic Jacksonville Teacher Recognition Award, 2017
- A. B. Baker Teacher Recognition Award, 2018
- Irwin Levy Prize for Undergraduate Teaching, 1996
- Outstanding Service on the Stroke CDE Working Group, 2011
- Certificate of Appreciation, 2011
- 2010 Outstanding Course Director, 2010
- Dr. Harold Lamport Biomedical Research Prize, 1992
- Best Doctor, 2011
- Best Doctors in America, 2003
- Mayo Clinic - Karolinska Institutet Collaborative Travel Award, 2013
- Robert and Clarice Smith Fellowship Foundation Award, 1999
- Paul Ehrlich Medical Student Research Award, 1991
- Resident Teacher of the Year, 2009
- 17p12 Influences Hematoma Volume and Outcome in Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage.
- Stroke-related epilepsy.
- Carotid revascularization and medical management for asymptomatic carotid stenosis - Hemodynamics (CREST-H): Study design and rationale.
- The Clinical Dilemma of Anticoagulation Use in Patients with Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy and Atrial Fibrillation.
- Destigmatizing Migraine.
Here are answers to some common questions about Neurological care with Dr. James Meschia:
- What is a Neurologist, and when should a senior see one?
- A neurologist is a doctor specializing in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. If you or a loved one has concerns about significant memory loss, Parkinson's disease, stroke, persistent dizziness, or nerve pain, a neurologist can provide expert diagnosis and care. They are uniquely qualified to address complex neurological issues in older adults.
- My parent seems confused and is forgetting things. How can Dr. James Meschia help?
- Dr. Meschia specializes in evaluating memory and cognitive changes to determine the cause. He 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. Meschia, you can expect a series of simple, painless tests to assess your strength, coordination, reflexes, balance, and memory. These tests help Dr. Meschia understand how well your nervous system is functioning.
- Can family members be involved in the appointments and care planning?
- Certainly. For neurological care, especially with cognitive issues, family involvement is vital. With the patient's permission, Dr. Meschia welcomes family participation to ensure everyone understands the diagnosis and treatment plan.
- How are chronic migraines treated in seniors?
- Dr. Meschia's approach to chronic migraines in seniors involves carefully identifying and avoiding triggers, using preventive medications to reduce attack frequency, and having safe rescue medications for when a migraine occurs. Crucially, we choose medications that don't interact with other prescriptions the senior might be taking.
- 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. Meschia can work to manage the underlying cause and prescribe medications to significantly reduce painful symptoms and improve comfort.
- What is a 'lumbar puncture' or 'spinal tap'?
- A lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, is a procedure where a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid is collected from your lower back. This fluid helps doctors diagnose conditions like meningitis, multiple sclerosis, or certain neurological infections. It's a common and safe way to gather important information about your health.
- How do you manage Parkinson's disease in older adults?
- We manage Parkinson's in older adults holistically, focusing on maintaining quality of life. Medications address motor symptoms like tremors and stiffness, and we coordinate closely with physical and occupational therapists to improve balance, mobility, and home safety.
4500 San Pablo Rd S
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 914-3370
Dr. James Meschia, 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): 1912996364
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. James Meschia 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.