Dr. Kayla Handy, MD is a Neurology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive neurological care for older adults (65 and above) at her clinic in Celebration, FL. She is a registered physician with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Handy's practice is specifically focused on the needs of seniors, recognizing the unique neurological challenges that can arise with aging. 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 encourages you to call (386) 406-8128 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Kayla Handy, a board-certified neurologist and headache specialist, brings over five years of dedicated experience to her practice. Dr. Handy earned her medical degree from the University of Oklahoma in 2015, followed by a residency in Neurology at Wake Forest Baptist Health in 2019, and a fellowship in headache treatment at Duke University Medical Center in 2020. She is board certified in Neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. Her approach to medicine emphasizes strong partnerships between doctor and patient, aiming to improve quality of life for every patient. Her background, encompassing extensive training and a passion for treating headaches, demonstrates her commitment to her patients' well-being. Dr. Handy is fluent in English and provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Kayla Handy is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Kayla Handy is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive neurological care tailored to individual needs. She excels at diagnosing and managing complex conditions like dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's, working closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to create a cohesive and supportive care plan. Dr. Handy prioritizes understanding each patient's unique circumstances and goals, ensuring a personalized approach that fosters well-being and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Kayla Handy can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Curative
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Card
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Plus
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna PPO
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- LocalPlus
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- Open Access Plus
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Kayla Handy 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:
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: This condition affects a nerve in your face, causing excruciating pain that can disrupt your daily activities; however, various medications and procedures can effectively control the pain, improving your quality of life and enabling you to maintain independence.
- Herniated Disc: With proper care, many seniors with herniated discs can significantly reduce pain and improve their ability to move around comfortably.
- Migraine: A migraine is a type of headache that can be intensely painful and disabling, but with a doctor's help, you can find strategies to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks, improving your overall quality of life.
- Hemiplegic Migraine: Similar to a regular migraine, hemiplegic migraine brings on head pain, but it also includes temporary weakness or paralysis on one side of your body; with the right treatment plan from your doctor, you can lessen the frequency and severity of these episodes.
- Tremor: While tremors can be a symptom of various health conditions, many treatments are available to help lessen their severity and improve quality of life for seniors.
- 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.
- Cerebrovascular Disease: Cerebrovascular disease refers to conditions affecting blood vessels in the brain, sometimes leading to reduced blood flow and potentially causing strokes or other brain damage, but with proper management, many individuals can maintain their independence and quality of life.
- Cervical Stenosis: As we age, the spaces in our neck can narrow, a condition called cervical stenosis. This can lead to discomfort, but treatments like physical therapy or medication can help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Although MS can be unpredictable, ongoing treatment helps manage symptoms and lessen their impact, making everyday tasks easier and allowing individuals to remain as active as possible.
- Tension Headache: Managing tension headaches in older adults often involves simple strategies like regular exercise, relaxation techniques, and avoiding headache triggers to maintain a comfortable daily life.
- Restless Leg Syndrome: RLS is a neurological condition that can disrupt sleep and make it challenging to rest comfortably, but with the right treatment, you can regain restful nights.
- Cluster Headache: Imagine a stabbing, burning pain behind your eye that comes and goes in clusters that's a cluster headache. Treatment options can help reduce the frequency and severity of these painful episodes, allowing you to enjoy more comfortable days.
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. Kayla Handy offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- EEG (Electroencephalogram): An EEG is a key diagnostic tool used to help manage various neurological conditions in seniors, providing valuable insights for tailored treatment plans.
- 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.
- Occipital Nerve Block: As part of a comprehensive approach to managing your headaches, an occipital nerve block can offer significant pain reduction and help determine the best long-term strategy.
- Family Psychotherapy: Family psychotherapy offers support and guidance, enabling families to create a comprehensive care plan tailored to the unique needs of their senior loved one with a neurological condition.
- Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA): To understand the cause of your neurological symptoms, a CTA scan provides a clear picture of your brain's blood vessels, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions such as stroke, aneurysms, or vascular dementia.
- PET-CT Scan: For individuals experiencing neurological symptoms, a PET-CT scan can help pinpoint the location and extent of the problem, guiding appropriate therapies and support services.
- Geriatric Assessment: A geriatric assessment helps create a tailored plan for managing health concerns and improving independence for older adults, ensuring they receive the right support and care.
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. Kayla Handy 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:
- A senior woman, previously plagued by debilitating facial pain, found significant relief from trigeminal neuralgia, allowing her to return to enjoying her favorite hobby of knitting without interruption. Her family felt immense gratitude for the improved quality of life.
- With a tailored treatment plan, a senior was able to resume their favorite hobby of walking their dog in the park, a joyful activity that had become difficult due to herniated disc pain. The family felt significant relief knowing their loved one could enjoy these simple pleasures again.
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. Kayla Handy:
- What is a Neurologist, and when should a senior see one?
- Dr. Handy is a neurologist, a medical doctor specializing in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. She can help diagnose and treat complex neurological issues, such as significant memory loss, Parkinson's disease, stroke, persistent dizziness, or nerve pain. If you or a loved one has concerns about these conditions, scheduling an appointment is a good next step.
- My parent seems confused and is forgetting things. How can Dr. Kayla Handy help?
- Dr. Handy 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 reasons, 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. Handy, you can expect a series of simple, painless tests to check your strength, coordination, reflexes, balance, and memory. This helps Dr. Handy understand how well your nervous system is functioning.
- Can family members be involved in the appointments and care planning?
- Absolutely. For neurological care, especially with cognitive issues, caregiver involvement is vital. With the patient's permission, Dr. Handy welcomes family participation to ensure everyone understands the diagnosis and treatment plan.
- What are EEGs and EMGs used for?
- EEGs record the brain's electrical activity, helping us investigate possible seizures. EMGs check the health of muscles and the nerves that control them, helping diagnose weakness or nerve problems.
- What happens after a stroke?
- Dr. Handy will work with you to identify the cause of your stroke, prescribe medications to reduce your risk of future strokes, and coordinate with rehabilitation specialists to help you regain as much function as possible. We're committed to managing your long-term recovery.
- What can be done for 'essential tremor'?
- Essential tremor, though frustrating, is different from Parkinson's disease. We can often effectively manage it with medications like beta-blockers or therapies. The goal is to reduce the tremor so you can more easily do everyday tasks like writing or drinking.
- Does your practice manage sleep disorders like sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome?
- Dr. Handy's practice recognizes sleep as crucial for brain health. We evaluate and manage sleep disorders like sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome, as they are often linked to neurological conditions and can impact daily life significantly.
1530 Celebration Blvd Ste 304
Celebration FL 34747
Phone: (386) 406-8128
Dr. Kayla Handy, 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): 1154717262
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. Kayla Handy 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.