Dr. Rakesh Kumar, MD is a Neurosurgeon dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive neurosurgical care for older adults at his clinic in Tampa, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a general neurosurgeon, he possesses specialized expertise in 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 (813) 877-7463 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Rakesh Kumar, MD is a neurosurgeon in Tampa, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from University Of Delhi, University College Of Medical Sciences And Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital in 1980, and is Board Certified in Neurosurgery by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as St. Joseph's Hospital and AdventHealth Carrollwood. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Kumar offers consultations in Hindi.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Rakesh Kumar is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Rakesh Kumar is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering compassionate and comprehensive neurosurgical care. His expertise extends to diagnosing and treating a wide range of neurological conditions, including spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and brain tumors. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and the entire healthcare team, ensuring a personalized approach to maximize positive outcomes and maintain the senior's well-being.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Rakesh Kumar can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AvMed
- BlueCare HMO
- Choice
- Choice Large Group POS
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Florida Blue
- Open Access Plus
- Seamless HMO
- SimplyBlue
- Small Group Elect HMO
- myBlue
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Rakesh Kumar 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:
- 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.
- Spondylolisthesis: Spondylolisthesis can affect your daily life, but with appropriate management whether conservative or surgical you can maintain comfort and independence.
- Spine Deformities: A curved spine or other spinal deformity may affect your balance and ability to move easily, but understanding your options, such as bracing or surgery, can empower you to maintain your active lifestyle.
- Meningiomas: A meningioma is a type of brain tumor that arises from the meninges, the protective layers surrounding the brain; treatment, which may include surgery, radiation, or observation, is tailored to your individual situation to improve your comfort and well-being.
- Pathological Spine Fracture: If you have a condition that weakens your bones, like osteoporosis, a minor fall or even minimal stress can cause a pathological fracture of your spine, which may need treatment to help you regain mobility.
- Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury: Damage to the spinal cord in the chest region (thoracic spine) can result in a range of physical limitations, but rehabilitation and supportive care can help older adults manage symptoms and improve their comfort and function.
- Cervical Stenosis: As we age, the spaces in our neck can narrow, leading to cervical stenosis; managing this condition often involves physical therapy, medication, or minimally invasive surgery to alleviate pressure and improve mobility.
- Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: PCNSL is a form of lymphoma that begins in the brain or spinal cord; treatment, usually a combination of approaches, focuses on relieving symptoms and improving a senior's overall wellbeing and daily function.
- 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.
- Lumbar Spine Fracture: A broken bone in your lower back, a lumbar spine fracture, can be managed effectively through various methods, often improving your ability to perform daily activities and maintain your quality of life.
- Chiari Malformation Type 1: Chiari malformation type 1 is a structural abnormality affecting the brain and upper spinal cord, potentially causing a variety of symptoms; carefully considered surgery can often improve symptoms and improve the quality of life for older adults.
- Brain Abscess: If a brain abscess is detected, treatment usually involves antibiotics and potentially surgery to drain the infected area, allowing you to better manage symptoms and maintain your quality of life.
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. Rakesh Kumar offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Herniated Disc Surgery: Herniated disc surgery is a surgical option to alleviate severe back pain and nerve compression caused by a bulging or ruptured disc, improving mobility and quality of life for seniors.
- Destruction of Brain Tumor: For seniors with brain tumors, this procedure aims to eliminate cancerous cells and reduce the pressure the tumor puts on healthy brain tissue.
- Peripheral Nerve Block: Peripheral nerve blocks help seniors manage pain by delivering medication directly to the affected nerve, reducing reliance on systemic medications and their potential side effects.
- Spinal Discectomy: Spinal discectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a damaged or herniated disc to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, improving pain and mobility for seniors.
- Spinal Cord Stimulation: Spinal cord stimulation is a treatment option that can help manage chronic pain in the back and legs by sending mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord.
- Craniectomy: For seniors facing life-threatening brain conditions, a craniectomy can be a vital part of their care plan, allowing surgeons to access and treat the underlying issue.
- 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.
- Neuroplasty: Neuroplasty can help diagnose the precise location and severity of nerve damage, guiding treatment decisions for seniors experiencing persistent pain.
- Spinal Compression Fracture Repair: As part of a comprehensive care plan, spinal compression fracture repair addresses the underlying cause of back pain and prevents further spinal instability in older adults.
- Pituitary Gland Tumor Excision: This surgical procedure aims to precisely remove pituitary gland tumors, relieving pressure on surrounding structures and improving a senior's neurological function.
- Vertebroplasty: Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that strengthens weakened vertebrae in your spine, relieving pain and improving mobility.
- Spinal Nerve Block: Spinal nerve blocks can help you avoid surgery by providing pain relief and allowing time to see if conservative treatments will be sufficient.
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. Rakesh Kumar 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 a traumatic brain injury, a senior felt a renewed sense of safety and security at home, thanks to a tailored treatment plan that addressed their specific needs. The family felt immense relief knowing their loved one was recovering and regaining daily living skills.
- With careful guidance, a senior couple regained their mobility and the ability to enjoy daily walks in their neighborhood park, a cherished activity that had been limited by spondylolisthesis. They felt renewed confidence and security in their home environment, knowing they could move about more easily.
- With expert guidance, a senior couple felt a significant reduction in back pain and improved balance, allowing them to confidently enjoy their favorite daily walks in the park again.
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. Rakesh Kumar:
- What is a Neurosurgeon, and how are they different from a Neurologist?
- A neurosurgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in performing surgery on the brain, spine, and nerves. Unlike a neurologist, who diagnoses and treats neurological conditions with medication and non-surgical therapies, a neurosurgeon focuses on surgical interventions. They often work together as a team to provide the best possible care for patients.
- Does seeing a neurosurgeon always mean I will need surgery?
- Absolutely not. A neurosurgeon's role includes diagnosing the problem and determining if surgery is the best course of action. Dr. Kumar often recommends conservative treatments first, like physical therapy or injections, and only considers surgery when necessary.
- What can I expect during my first consultation with Dr. Rakesh Kumar?
- Your first consultation with Dr. Kumar will be a thorough diagnostic process. It will include a review of your symptoms, a detailed neurological exam, and a careful review of any imaging studies such as MRIs or CT scans. This comprehensive evaluation will help determine the best path forward, whether surgical or non-surgical.
- What is a laminectomy?
- A laminectomy is a common spine surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. It involves removing a small piece of bone from a vertebra to create more space in the spinal canal, easing pain from conditions like spinal stenosis.
- What is spinal stenosis, and how is it treated?
- Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, often occurring with age-related arthritis, which can put pressure on nerves. Treatment options range from physical therapy and injections to surgery, such as a laminectomy, to create more space for the nerves in severe cases.
- How do you treat brain tumors in older adults?
- Dr. Kumar'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, or observation, always prioritizing maximizing quality of life.
- What is minimally invasive spine surgery?
- Minimally invasive spine surgery, performed by Dr. Kumar, is an advanced technique using smaller incisions and specialized instruments. This approach leads to less muscle damage, reduced pain, and a potentially faster recovery than traditional open surgery, making it a beneficial option for seniors.
- What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for?
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a surgical therapy to manage movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease or essential tremor, when medications are no longer sufficient. It works by implanting a small device that sends electrical signals to help control tremors and other motor symptoms, similar to a pacemaker for the brain.
5106 N Armenia Ave Ste 3
Tampa FL 33603
Phone: (813) 877-7463
Dr. Rakesh Kumar, 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): 1962496133
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. Rakesh Kumar 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.