Dr. Ranjan Duara, MD is a Neurology specializing in the comprehensive care of older adults (65 and above). He is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, practicing at his clinic in Miami Beach, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Duara is committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive neurological care. His practice focuses on diagnosing and managing complex neurological conditions commonly affecting seniors, including dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke, and neuropathy. He works collaboratively with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible care.
Dr. Ranjan Duara, MD is a neurologist in Miami Beach, FL and has over 50 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Christian Med Coll-Madras U-Vellore in 1971 and completed an internship at Christian Med Coll-Madras University in 1973. His residency training in Neurology included positions at Saint Louis University Hospital (1979), Old Church Hospital (1977), and Cmch (1974). Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training in Nia/Nih (1979), solidifying his expertise in the comprehensive medical care of older adults. He is Board Certified in Neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, and is affiliated with Mount Sinai Medical Center. With this extensive and dedicated experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is currently welcoming new patients and telehealth appointments. Please call (305) 674-2543 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Duara's approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine. He strives to create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard, respected, and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Ranjan Duara is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Duara is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive neurological care with a focus on understanding each patient's unique needs. He skillfully diagnoses and manages complex conditions like dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke, and neuropathy, working collaboratively with other healthcare providers to create a personalized treatment plan that prioritizes comfort, independence, and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Ranjan Duara can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- BlueCare HMO
- BlueOptions
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice Large Group POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- FL Medical Providers
- Florida Blue
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- LocalPlus
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate Plus POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Seamless HMO
- SimplyBlue
- Small Group Elect HMO
- SureFit South Florida
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Ranjan Duara 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:
- 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.
- Parkinsonism: Parkinsonism is an umbrella term for several conditions that cause movement problems similar to Parkinson's disease. Working with a neurologist to find the right treatment plan can help manage these symptoms and enable individuals to live more fulfilling lives.
- Cervical Spine Myelopathy: Cervical spine myelopathy involves compression of the spinal cord in the neck, leading to symptoms that may affect mobility and daily routines. The good news is that treatment focuses on easing this compression to help you stay active and independent for as long as possible.
- Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome: Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a brain disorder caused by a severe thiamine deficiency, often linked to alcohol misuse, that can be managed with thiamine supplements to improve memory and cognitive function.
- Radiculopathy: If you're dealing with shooting pains or weakness in a limb stemming from a pinched nerve (radiculopathy), know that effective treatments like physical therapy and medications exist to significantly lessen the symptoms and allow you to live more comfortably.
- Migraine: Migraines are recurring headaches that may involve intense throbbing pain, visual disturbances, or other symptoms; working with your healthcare provider to find the right treatment plan can help you live more comfortably and independently.
- 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.
- Anterior Horn Disease: Anterior horn disease, affecting the spinal cord's motor neurons, can cause muscle weakness and wasting, but with proper care and therapies like physical therapy, seniors can maintain their mobility and independence for as long as possible.
- Aural Migraine: For some seniors, migraines can affect their hearing, leading to aural migraines which feature vertigo or hearing problems; treatment usually involves managing migraine triggers and using preventative medications to improve quality of life.
- Inflammatory and Toxic Neuropathy: This nerve condition, called inflammatory or toxic neuropathy, occurs when inflammation or toxins affect the nerves, causing discomfort; treatment options can significantly ease symptoms, enabling a better quality of life for you.
- Confusion: Feeling disoriented or struggling to think clearly can be distressing, but with proper medical evaluation and personalized care, many causes of confusion are treatable, enhancing daily life.
- Gait Abnormality: Walking problems can be frustrating, but various therapies, exercises, and adaptations, tailored to each person's needs, can help improve walking ability and prevent falls, promoting independence and safety.
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. Ranjan Duara offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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.
- Quantitative Sensory Test (QST): If you're experiencing nerve-related symptoms, a QST is a valuable tool in assessing their severity and location, contributing to a customized care plan that addresses your specific needs.
- 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.
- Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response Test: This non-invasive test helps doctors differentiate between hearing loss due to peripheral nerve damage versus central nervous system issues, allowing for more effective management of hearing problems in older adults.
- Functional Movement Screening: Functional Movement Screening helps healthcare providers track your progress and adjust your treatment plan for conditions affecting your movement, such as dementia or neuropathy.
- Memory Evaluation: By identifying the cause of memory issues, a memory evaluation enables seniors and their caregivers to make informed choices about lifestyle changes, medications, and other support strategies.
- Dementia or Depression Screening: Dementia or depression screening helps doctors identify cognitive changes and mood disorders that can impact a senior's daily life.
- Deep Brain Stimulation Evaluation: If you're struggling with symptoms of Parkinson's disease or another movement disorder, a deep brain stimulation evaluation is a crucial step to see if this targeted therapy is a viable option for you.
- ImPACT Testing: ImPACT testing assists in the diagnosis and management of mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) in older adults, providing objective data to support treatment decisions.
- Dementia Evaluation: A dementia evaluation helps doctors understand the type and severity of cognitive decline, allowing for a tailored treatment plan.
- EEG (Electroencephalogram): Following a stroke, an EEG can help determine the extent of brain damage and monitor your progress as you recover.
- Sudoscan: Sudoscan is a non-invasive test that helps healthcare providers assess small fiber neuropathy in seniors, contributing to a more comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan.
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. Ranjan Duara 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 relief from restless legs, allowing them to enjoy evening walks again, a cherished activity they had been unable to do for years. Their sleep improved significantly, bringing a renewed sense of well-being to their daily lives.
- With a tailored treatment plan, a senior was able to resume their beloved hobby of knitting, a source of joy and connection. Family members felt a sense of relief knowing their loved one could continue to enjoy meaningful activities.
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
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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. Ranjan Duara:
- What is a Neurologist, and when should a senior see one?
- Dr. Duara is a neurologist, a medical doctor specializing in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. She can help diagnose and manage complex neurological issues, especially in older adults, such as significant memory loss, Parkinson's disease, stroke, persistent dizziness, or nerve pain.
- My parent seems confused and is forgetting things. How can Dr. Ranjan Duara help?
- Dr. Duara specializes in evaluating memory and cognitive changes to determine the cause. He 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 a neurological exam with Dr. Duara, you can expect a series of simple, painless tests to evaluate your strength, coordination, reflexes, balance, and memory. These tests help Dr. Duara understand how well your nervous system is functioning.
- Can family members be involved in the appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Duara's practice strongly encourages family involvement in appointments and care planning, especially for neurological conditions, including those affecting cognition. With the patient's permission, we welcome family participation to ensure everyone understands the diagnosis and treatment plan.
- How do you manage Parkinson's disease in older adults?
- Dr. Duara's approach to Parkinson's in older adults is holistic, focusing on maintaining quality of life. Medications manage motor symptoms like tremors and stiffness, while physical and occupational therapy improve balance, mobility, and home safety. We work closely with patients and their families to create a personalized plan.
- What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease?
- Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, like a specific brand within the larger category.
- 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 is important for diagnosing conditions like meningitis, multiple sclerosis, or certain neurological infections. It's a common and safe way to gather information about your health.
- How are chronic migraines treated in seniors?
- Dr. Duara's approach to chronic migraines in seniors is careful and personalized. We identify and avoid triggers, use preventive medications to minimize attack frequency, and have safe rescue medications for when a migraine occurs. Importantly, we choose medications that don't interact with other prescriptions.
4302 Alton Rd Ste 650
Miami Beach FL 33140
Phone: (305) 674-2543
Dr. Ranjan Duara, 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): 1134159700
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. Ranjan Duara 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.