Dr. Linda Pao, MD is a Neurology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive neurological care for older adults (65 and above) at her clinic in Jupiter, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. Dr. Pao is currently welcoming new patients and invites you to call (561) 444-3335 to schedule an appointment.
With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Neurological care, Dr. Pao brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Brown University Alpert Medical School in 1991 and completed an internship at Miriam Hospital/Brown University Medical School. Further specializing, she pursued fellowship training in Mayo Clinic, and Mayo Clinic Alix School Of Medicine, and New England Medical Center/Tufts University Medical School, deepening her expertise in a specific area of patient health. Dr. Pao is Board Certified in Neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology and offers consultations in Mandarin. She is passionate about education and works collaboratively with referring physicians and coordinates care. A graduate of the prestigious Program in Liberal Medical Education at Brown University, she is committed to excellent, neurological, comprehensive care, approaching each patient as a unique individual with respect, compassion, and expertise. Her team is dedicated to the patients health and wellness, incorporating evidence-based medicine, genetics, exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle into her approach to neurological diseases.
Dr. Linda Pao is a graduate of the prestigious Program in Liberal Medical Education at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. She completed her undergraduate studies and medical school in seven years, and continued at Brown University at the Miriam Hospital for her internship in Internal Medicine. She trained at New England Medical Center-Tufts University in Boston, MA for her neurology residency, serving as chief resident for two years. She moved to Rochester, MN for her neuromuscular fellowship at the Mayo Clinic and then back to New England Medical Center for her fellowship in EMG. She is board certified in both Neurology and EMG. Dr. Pao relocated to Jupiter, FL in 1997 to practice general Neurology until 2013, then joined Cleveland Clinic. She has enjoyed practicing in private practice in the Palm Beach community and in the tertiary care at the Cleveland Clinic. Her new concierge neurology practice encompasses both the personable, individualized attention of private practice and the expertise and professionalism of academic medicine. She believes in a team approach to caring for the patient and is committed to working with the referring physicians and coordinating care. She is passionate about education of patients, physicians, and medical students, working with FAU and Jupiter Medical Center.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Linda Pao is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Pao is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive neurological care with a focus on understanding each patient's unique needs. She excels at diagnosing and managing complex conditions like dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's, working collaboratively with primary care physicians and other specialists to create a personalized plan that prioritizes comfort, independence, and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Linda Pao can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Humana
Medicare
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care PPO
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Open Access Plus
- Select HMO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Linda Pao 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:
- Difficulty With Walking: If you're struggling with walking, it's important to discuss it with your doctor to rule out underlying medical conditions and explore options that may enhance your ability to move around more easily and confidently.
- Ataxia: If you're experiencing ataxia, it means your brain isn't sending the correct signals to your muscles, causing jerky or uncoordinated movements, however, medication and support can significantly enhance your quality of life.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Experiencing ongoing, intense pain in an arm or leg after an injury or procedure might be CRPS; fortunately, medical professionals offer therapies like medication, physical therapy, and occupational therapy to control pain and help seniors maintain their independence.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS): If someone you care for has MS, know that there are many ways to support their well-being, including medical management of symptoms and lifestyle adjustments that improve daily functioning and reduce stress.
- Neuromuscular Diseases: Neuromuscular conditions involve problems with the communication between your nerves and muscles, leading to symptoms like muscle weakness or cramps; however, treatments like medication and physical therapy can significantly improve your strength and mobility.
- Polyneuropathy Due to Alcohol and Drugs: Alcohol or drug abuse can cause nerve damage (polyneuropathy), leading to pain, weakness, and balance problems. Working closely with your healthcare team, you can reduce symptoms and regain a better sense of well-being.
- Optic Neuritis: Optic neuritis involves the inflammation of the nerve responsible for transmitting visual signals to the brain, potentially leading to temporary vision problems; treatment aims to reduce inflammation and aid in vision recovery.
- Pseudobulbar Affect: If your loved one experiences unexpected outbursts of laughter or tears, it could be pseudobulbar affect, a condition affecting the brain's control over emotions; with the right medical care and support, they can experience fewer of these episodes and live more comfortably.
- Myelomalacia: If you've been diagnosed with myelomalacia, a condition affecting the spinal cord's white matter, know that there's hope. Treatment plans, often including physical therapy and medication, work to reduce symptoms and improve your ability to perform daily activities.
- Cluster Headache: Cluster headaches are incredibly painful headaches that occur in groups or 'clusters,' often affecting one side of the head. Medication and other therapies can help manage the pain and prevent future attacks, letting you focus on what matters.
- Peripheral Nerve Disorders: Peripheral nerve disorders affect the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord, causing pain, numbness, or weakness, but with proper medical management and therapies, you can often maintain your independence and improve your comfort.
- Parkinsonism: Parkinsonism refers to a collection of disorders that share movement problems like shaking, slowness, and stiffness. While these symptoms can be challenging, a neurologist can create a tailored treatment plan to help manage them, allowing for improved quality of life and greater independence.
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. Linda Pao offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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: 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.
- Wada Test: To create a comprehensive care plan for epilepsy surgery in older adults, the Wada test helps pinpoint the location of language and memory functions to avoid impairing them.
- Deep Brain Stimulation Evaluation: This evaluation assesses your suitability for deep brain stimulation, a procedure that may significantly improve symptoms of tremors, rigidity, and slowness associated with certain neurological conditions.
- Quantitative Sensory Test (QST): A Quantitative Sensory Test (QST) helps doctors understand the type and extent of nerve damage you may have, leading to a more effective treatment plan for pain or numbness.
- Sleep Study: A sleep study helps doctors identify sleep disorders like sleep apnea that can worsen conditions like dementia and heart health in seniors.
- Somatic Nerve Block: As part of a comprehensive care plan, somatic nerve blocks can help diagnose the exact location of nerve damage or inflammation in older adults.
- Dementia Evaluation: By thoroughly evaluating a senior's cognitive abilities, a comprehensive care plan can be created that addresses their unique needs and maximizes their 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 Neurology in Florida.
Dr. Linda Pao 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 receiving guidance from a neurology specialist, a senior couple was able to resume their weekly trips to the local farmers' market, a cherished outing that had been increasingly difficult to manage.
- With the neurology's guidance, a senior couple found relief from ataxia's debilitating symptoms, allowing them to resume their beloved weekly ballroom dancing class.
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
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- 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. Linda Pao:
- 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 have concerns about significant memory loss, Parkinson's disease, stroke, persistent dizziness, or nerve pain, a neurologist can provide expert diagnosis and care for these complex neurological issues in older adults.
- My parent seems confused and is forgetting things. How can Dr. Linda Pao help?
- Dr. Pao 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 causes, and create a comprehensive management plan to support both you and your loved one.
- What can I expect during a neurological exam?
- During a neurological exam with Dr. Pao, you can expect a series of simple, painless tests to check your strength, coordination, reflexes, balance, and memory. This helps Dr. Pao understand how your nervous system is functioning.
- Can family members be involved in the appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Pao welcomes family members' involvement in appointments and care planning, especially for neurological conditions affecting cognition. With the patient's permission, she encourages 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 investigate seizures. EMGs check the health of muscles and nerves, diagnosing weakness or nerve problems.
- How are chronic migraines treated in seniors?
- Dr. Pao'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 select medications that don't interact with other prescriptions.
- What happens after a stroke?
- Dr. Pao will work to identify the cause of the stroke, prescribe medications to reduce risk, and coordinate with rehabilitation specialists to help you regain as much function as possible, focusing on long-term recovery and preventing future strokes.
- Does your practice manage sleep disorders like sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome?
- Sleep is critical for brain health, and Dr. Pao can evaluate and manage sleep disorders like sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome, as they are often linked to neurological conditions and can impact daytime function and quality of life.
601 University Blvd Ste 102
Jupiter FL 33458
Phone: (561) 444-3335
Dr. Linda Pao, 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): 1417973827
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. Linda Pao 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.