Dr. Melissa Armstrong, MD is a Neurologist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive neurological care for older adults at UF Health Neuromedicine - Fixel Institute in Gainesville, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Armstrong is committed to partnering with seniors (65 and above) and their families, understanding the unique needs of 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 they should call (352) 294-5400 to schedule an appointment.
With over 20 years of dedicated experience in neurological care, Dr. Armstrong brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine in 2003 and is Board Certified in Neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. As Director of the UF Health Mangurian Clinical-Research Headquarters for Lewy body Dementia at the Norman Fixel Institute, she is deeply invested in research and understanding the complexities of these conditions. Her care philosophy is centered on partnership, empowering patients and their families to actively participate in their care plans, focusing on quality of life improvement through a collaborative approach. Dr. Armstrong provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Melissa Armstrong is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Armstrong 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 treatment plan. This collaborative approach prioritizes not only the medical needs but also the patient's overall well-being and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Melissa Armstrong can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- 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
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- Humana
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Select HMO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Melissa Armstrong 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:
- Vascular Parkinsonism: Vascular Parkinsonism shares symptoms with Parkinson's disease but stems from impaired blood flow to the brain; focused medical management, such as controlling blood pressure, can help preserve function and well-being.
- Seizure Disorders: If a loved one has a seizure disorder, it's important to understand that it can be successfully managed. With the right medical care and support, seniors can live safely and enjoy a good quality of life despite their condition.
- Nystagmus: If you notice your eyes shaking uncontrollably, it might be nystagmus, a condition that can sometimes affect balance and vision, but treatments are available to help manage its effects and improve your quality of life.
- Nerve Root Injury and Plexus Disorders (incl. Pinched Nerve): When nerves in your body become compressed or damaged, it can lead to pain, tingling, or weakness in the affected area; managing these conditions through various therapies and medications can help you maintain your mobility and comfort.
- Gait Abnormality: An abnormal gait, affecting balance and walking style, can be successfully managed by healthcare professionals and caregivers with the right approach, leading to improved confidence and a better quality of life.
- Myoclonus: Myoclonus is characterized by sudden, brief muscle contractions. While it can be concerning, working with your doctor can help find the underlying cause and explore treatment options to enhance your quality of life.
- Insomnia: If you or a loved one is struggling with insomnia, know that you're not alone. This sleep disorder, which makes it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, can be addressed through various methods and treatments to help improve restfulness and daytime alertness.
- 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: If you have myelopathy, it means there's a problem with your spinal cord, potentially causing muscle weakness or stiffness. With the right care, including medication and therapy, you can manage symptoms and preserve your mobility.
- Vascular Dementia: Damage to blood vessels in the brain can cause vascular dementia, leading to cognitive difficulties; however, with appropriate medical care, focusing on risk factor reduction and supportive measures, individuals can often live full and meaningful lives.
- Hypertensive Encephalopathy: Hypertensive encephalopathy is a serious condition where dangerously high blood pressure suddenly damages the brain, leading to symptoms like confusion, headaches, and vision changes; careful blood pressure management is crucial to prevent further brain damage and improve cognitive function.
- Restless Leg Syndrome: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) causes an uncomfortable urge to move your legs, often accompanied by creepy-crawly sensations, making it hard to relax and sleep.
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. Melissa Armstrong offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Wada Test: For seniors facing brain surgery, the Wada test helps doctors understand the organization of brain functions to improve the chances of a successful outcome and minimize risks.
- 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.
- 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.
- ImPACT Testing: For seniors who have experienced a head injury, ImPACT testing provides a baseline measurement of their cognitive function, helping doctors track progress and adjust treatment accordingly.
- Grip and-or Muscle Group Pull Test: This simple test measures handgrip strength and the ability to pull, offering valuable insights into overall physical function and helping create a tailored care plan for seniors.
- Memory Evaluation: Through a memory evaluation, seniors can receive an accurate diagnosis, allowing for early intervention and treatment of conditions affecting their memory.
- Evoked Potential Test: An evoked potential test helps doctors pinpoint the location of nerve damage by measuring the brain's electrical responses to specific stimuli, aiding in the diagnosis of neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis.
- Home Sleep Study: A home sleep study is a convenient way to monitor your sleep patterns and identify potential problems like sleep apnea, which can worsen health conditions like heart disease or stroke.
- 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.
- Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response Test: To better manage hearing loss and its impact on cognitive function in seniors, a BAER test assists in identifying the location of any auditory pathway damage, ensuring a personalized treatment approach.
- Evaluation and Treatment of Sleep Disorders: Proper assessment and treatment of sleep disorders can significantly improve cognitive function, reduce daytime fatigue, and enhance the overall health of older adults.
- Dementia Evaluation: This assessment process identifies the specific cognitive challenges a senior faces, leading to better management strategies and improved quality of life.
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. Melissa Armstrong 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:
- The senior couple found greater peace of mind at home, as medication and lifestyle changes helped reduce the tremors and rigidity associated with vascular parkinsonism. They were able to enjoy their favorite activities, like playing cards with friends, with renewed vigor.
- With careful management of their seizure disorder, a senior couple felt significantly more secure at home, enjoying their evening walks and engaging in hobbies they had put on hold.
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. Melissa Armstrong:
- What is a Neurologist, and when should a senior see one?
- Dr. Armstrong 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 (neuropathy), especially in older adults.
- My parent seems confused and is forgetting things. How can Dr. Melissa Armstrong help?
- Dr. Armstrong 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 your appointment with Dr. Armstrong, you can expect a series of simple, painless tests to evaluate your strength, coordination, reflexes, balance, and memory. These tests help Dr. Armstrong understand how well your nervous system is functioning.
- Can family members be involved in the appointments and care planning?
- For neurological care, especially with cognitive issues, caregiver involvement is vital. Dr. Armstrong welcomes family participation, with the patient's permission, to ensure everyone understands the diagnosis and treatment plan.
- 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 your doctor diagnose conditions like meningitis, multiple sclerosis, or certain neurological infections. It's a safe and common way to obtain important information about your health.
- Does your practice manage sleep disorders like sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome?
- Sleep is critical for brain health, and Dr. Armstrong can evaluate and manage sleep disorders like sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome, as they are often linked to neurological conditions and can impact daily function.
- How are chronic migraines treated in seniors?
- Dr. Armstrong's approach to chronic migraines in seniors is careful and personalized. We identify and avoid triggers, use preventive medications to reduce attack frequency, and have safe rescue medications for when a migraine occurs. Importantly, we choose medications that don't interact with other prescriptions a senior may be taking.
- What can be done for 'essential tremor'?
- Essential tremor, while bothersome, is different from Parkinson's disease. We can often effectively manage it with medications like beta-blockers or therapies, aiming to reduce the tremor and improve your ability to perform everyday tasks like writing or drinking.
UF Health Neuromedicine - Fixel Institute
3009 SW Williston Rd
Gainesville FL 32608
Phone: (352) 294-5400
Dr. Melissa Armstrong, 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): 1881714194
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. Melissa Armstrong 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.