Dr. Philipp Aldana, MD is a Neurosurgeon dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Neurosurgical care for older adults. He practices at UF Health Pediatric Neurosurgery - Prudential Drive in Jacksonville, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in senior health, Dr. Aldana understands the unique needs of this population. He focuses on diagnosing and surgically treating a wide range of complex neurological conditions common in older adults, such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and brain tumors, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and healthcare team to ensure the best possible outcome. He serves older adults (typically 65 and over) and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (904) 633-0780 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Aldana, a University of Florida professor of neurosurgery and board-certified pediatric neurosurgeon, brings over 30 years of dedicated experience to his practice. He earned his medical degree from Saint Louis University, Health Sciences Center in 1994, completed his residency at University of Miami Hospital and Clinics, and pursued a fellowship in pediatric neurosurgery at Primary Children's Hospital/University of Utah. He is Board Certified in Neurosurgery by the American Board of Neurological Surgery, and his expertise extends to a wide range of neurological conditions. Dr. Aldana is committed to providing exceptional care to each patient, offering a compassionate and collaborative approach to their health journey. He is a dedicated partner in senior health, focusing on the best possible outcomes for older adults. Dr. Philipp Aldana provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Philipp Aldana is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Philipp Aldana is a compassionate neurosurgeon dedicated to providing comprehensive, person-centered care for seniors. He expertly diagnoses and treats complex neurological conditions, collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop personalized treatment plans. His approach emphasizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, ensuring the best possible outcome while maximizing comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Philipp Aldana can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Choice HMO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Preferred Patient Care PPO
- Blue Select PPO
- BlueOptions HMO
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Large Group POS
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- Empower - Small Employer Groups
- Empower POS
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO
- Humana
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Medica Choice
- National POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Preferred Patient Care
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Select HMO
- SimplyBlue HMO
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue EPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Philipp Aldana 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:
- Cerebrovascular Disease: Cerebrovascular disease refers to problems affecting the blood vessels in your brain, potentially leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen to brain cells.
- Hypothalamus Cancer: Although rare, cancer in the hypothalamus, a vital part of the brain, can significantly impact daily life; modern medicine offers various approaches, including surgery, radiation, and medication, to alleviate symptoms and allow seniors to maintain their independence for as long as possible.
- Spondylolisthesis: Spondylolisthesis is a condition where one vertebra slips forward over the bone below it in your spine, sometimes causing pain and stiffness.
- Spine Deformities: Spine deformities, like scoliosis or kyphosis, can cause back pain, stiffness, and difficulty with movement, but surgery or other treatments can often help manage these issues and improve comfort and independence.
- Brain Cancer: Brain cancer treatment plans focus on improving a senior's quality of life and preserving their independence; these plans often involve surgery, medication, or radiation therapy, tailored to the specific tumor and the individual's overall health.
- Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels in the brain that can sometimes cause bleeding or seizures, but with proper medical care, many individuals can manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.
- Back Pain: Back pain in older adults can stem from age-related wear and tear on the spine, often impacting mobility and daily activities, but effective treatments such as physical therapy or surgery can significantly alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life.
- Thoracic Spine Fracture: A broken bone in your thoracic spine can impact your mobility and comfort, but treatments like surgery and rehabilitation can help reduce pain and help you resume your favorite activities.
- Chiari Malformation Type 1: With Chiari malformation type 1, brain tissue extends into the spinal canal causing pressure and symptoms, such as headaches and coordination difficulties; surgery to correct this can lessen these symptoms, promoting comfort and mobility.
- Cerebral Edema: A buildup of fluid in the brain, called cerebral edema, can cause headaches and confusion; thankfully, various treatments are available to manage the swelling and improve a senior's well-being.
- Traumatic Brain Injury: If a loved one experiences a traumatic brain injury, know that it involves damage to the brain from an external force, and recovery often involves a team of healthcare professionals to improve their well-being and help them regain skills.
- Stroke: Recovering from a stroke takes time and effort, but with therapy and support, many seniors regain abilities and enjoy a fulfilling life afterwards; support groups are a valuable resource.
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. Philipp Aldana offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Skull Base Surgery: Skull base surgery is a specialized procedure that helps address tumors and other conditions affecting the base of the skull, improving a senior's quality of life.
- Deep Brain Stimulation: In the care journey of seniors with severe movement disorders, deep brain stimulation acts as a valuable tool to alleviate symptoms and enhance their independence and mobility.
- Dural Repair or Other Spinal Cord Repair: This procedure helps manage spinal cord compression caused by various conditions, offering seniors a chance to improve their quality of life and regain lost function.
- Brain Tumor Biopsy: A brain tumor biopsy is a procedure to remove a small sample of tissue from a brain tumor, helping doctors determine the type and grade of the tumor to guide treatment decisions.
- Brain Surgery: Brain surgery offers a potential treatment option for seniors experiencing symptoms from brain conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.
- Craniectomy: In cases of severe head trauma or brain tumors, a craniectomy might be performed to improve blood flow and reduce pressure, improving a senior's comfort and chances of recovery.
- Facet Blocks: For seniors with chronic back pain, a facet block is a diagnostic tool that helps determine if facet joints are the main source of discomfort before more extensive surgery.
- Repair Intracranial Aneurysm: This procedure addresses a weakened blood vessel in the brain, reducing the risk of stroke and improving overall brain health for seniors.
- Destruction of Brain Tumor: Surgical removal of a brain tumor allows doctors to accurately diagnose the type and grade of the tumor, guiding further treatment decisions.
- Somatic Nerve Block: For seniors experiencing chronic pain, a somatic nerve block can provide temporary pain relief, allowing for improved mobility and participation in daily activities.
- Spinal Discectomy: As part of a comprehensive care plan, spinal discectomy helps manage persistent back pain and leg numbness caused by a compressed nerve, enabling seniors to enjoy a more active lifestyle.
- Spinal Fusion: If conservative treatments haven't provided sufficient relief for spinal problems, spinal fusion surgery may be recommended as part of a senior's care journey to correct spinal instability and alleviate chronic pain.
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. Philipp Aldana 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 a personalized treatment plan, a senior couple regained the ability to enjoy their daily walks together in the park, a cherished activity that had been limited by cerebrovascular disease symptoms. They felt a renewed sense of security and joy in their ability to safely continue this important part of their lives.
- Following a comprehensive treatment plan, a senior with hypothalamus cancer experienced a significant reduction in debilitating symptoms, allowing them to resume their beloved hobby of painting and spending more time with family.
- With careful guidance, a senior couple regained the ability to enjoy their daily walks in the park without debilitating back pain, a significant improvement in their quality of life.
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. Philipp Aldana:
- 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. Unlike a neurologist, who diagnoses and treats neurological conditions with medication and non-surgical therapies, a neurosurgeon performs surgical procedures. Often, neurosurgeons and neurologists 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 involves diagnosis and determining if surgery is the best course of action. Dr. Aldana often recommends conservative treatments first, such as physical therapy or injections, and only considers surgery when necessary.
- What can I expect during my first consultation with Dr. Philipp Aldana?
- Your first consultation with Dr. Aldana will be a thorough diagnostic process. We will review your symptoms, conduct a detailed neurological exam, and carefully review any prior imaging, such as MRIs or CT scans. This comprehensive evaluation will help us determine the best path forward, whether surgical or non-surgical.
- 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, interfering with pain signals before they reach the brain. It's an advanced option for pain that hasn't responded to other treatments.
- What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for?
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a surgical therapy used to manage movement disorders, like Parkinson's disease or essential tremor, when medications are no longer sufficient. It works by implanting a small device that sends electrical signals to specific brain areas, helping to control tremors and other motor symptoms. Think of it like a pacemaker for the brain.
- How do you treat brain tumors in older adults?
- Dr. Aldana's approach to brain tumors in older adults is highly personalized, considering the specific tumor type and the patient's overall health. Treatment options may include surgical removal, radiation therapy like Gamma Knife, or careful observation, always prioritizing maximizing quality of life.
- What types of spine problems do you treat?
- Dr. Aldana treats common age-related spine conditions, such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and sciatica, which often cause significant back or leg pain. Our goal is to relieve pressure on the nerves to reduce pain and improve your ability to walk and stay active.
- Can you help with carpal tunnel syndrome?
- Dr. Aldana and our team are experts in peripheral nerve issues, including carpal tunnel syndrome. We can diagnose and treat it, often starting with conservative measures like bracing. If symptoms persist, a simple outpatient surgical release can relieve pressure on the nerve.
UF Health Pediatric Neurosurgery - Prudential Drive
836 Prudential Dr Ste 120
Jacksonville FL 32207
Phone: (904) 633-0780
Dr. Philipp Aldana, 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): 1831117092
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. Philipp Aldana 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.