Dr. Robert Uteg, MD is a Neurosurgeon dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Neurosurgical care for older adults at his clinic in Hudson, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in senior health, Dr. Uteg understands the unique needs of this population, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and healthcare team to ensure the best possible outcome for each patient. He specializes 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. He serves older adults (typically 65 and over) and prospective patients should call (727) 868-9563 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Robert Uteg, MD is a neurosurgeon in Hudson, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin, Hospital and Clinics in 1988 and is Board Certified in Neurosurgery by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings a deep understanding of senior health to his practice. He's committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Uteg provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Robert Uteg is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Uteg is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive neurosurgical care with a focus on the individual. His expertise encompasses a wide range of neurological conditions, from spinal stenosis to brain tumors, and he collaborates closely with primary care physicians and the entire healthcare team to ensure the best possible outcomes, prioritizing patient comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Robert Uteg can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Robert Uteg 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:
- Back Pain: Dealing with persistent back pain can be challenging, but seeking medical advice is crucial. Doctors can pinpoint the cause of your pain and create a personalized plan to address it, possibly involving medication, therapies, or surgery, that keeps you comfortable and active.
- Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak (CSF Leak): If you have a CSF leak, it means there's a hole allowing the protective fluid around your brain and spine to escape, which can lead to headaches and other symptoms; specialized medical care can help seal this leak and alleviate discomfort.
- Cervical Spine Myelopathy: As we age, sometimes the spinal cord in the neck gets squeezed, leading to cervical myelopathy; thankfully, various treatments, including surgery, can help manage symptoms and maintain independence.
- Cervical Stenosis: Cervical stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck, can impact daily activities; with appropriate treatment like surgery or medication, many seniors can regain their independence and enjoy a better quality of life.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Experiencing back pain or stiffness? It could be degenerative disc disease, a natural part of aging, but treatments and lifestyle changes can help you manage your symptoms and enjoy an active life.
- Herniated Disc: A herniated disc happens when the soft cushion between your spinal bones bulges out, sometimes pressing on nerves and causing pain.
- Nerve Root Injury and Plexus Disorders (incl. Pinched Nerve): A pinched nerve, or nerve root injury, happens when pressure on a nerve causes pain, numbness, or weakness; treatment may include medication, physical therapy, or in some cases, surgery to relieve the pressure and improve function.
- Spinal Stenosis: As we age, the spaces in our spine can narrow, leading to spinal stenosis, a condition that can cause significant back pain and leg weakness; non-surgical and surgical treatments aim to ease this discomfort and maintain your independence.
- Spinal Stenosis with Neurogenic Claudication: Neurogenic claudication, a symptom of spinal stenosis, leads to leg pain and cramping during walks, limiting your ability to get around; thankfully, treatments such as minimally invasive surgery or physical therapy can often help restore your ease of movement.
- Spondylolisthesis: Surgery for spondylolisthesis is an option if other treatments haven't helped to relieve pain and improve your ability to perform daily activities.
- Thoracic Stenosis: Thoracic stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the mid-back, sometimes causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs, which may be relieved through surgery or other treatments.
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. Robert Uteg offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Dural Repair or Other Spinal Cord Repair: For seniors with spinal injuries or conditions affecting the spinal cord, dural repair or other such procedures can help prevent further damage and promote healing.
- 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.
- Nerve Ablation: As a part of your comprehensive care plan, nerve ablation may be used to pinpoint the source of your nerve pain and potentially alleviate symptoms.
- Nerve Destruction by Neurolytic Agent: This procedure, using a neurolytic agent, helps diagnose the source of chronic pain by temporarily blocking nerve signals, thus helping to guide treatment decisions.
- Lumbar Spine Surgery: By surgically addressing the source of their lower back pain, seniors can experience reduced pain medication reliance and improved physical function, leading to greater independence and enhanced well-being.
- Intracranial Vascular Surgery: This specialized surgery addresses brain aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), helping seniors avoid potentially life-threatening bleeding and neurological damage.
- Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery: Endoscopic endonasal surgery is a valuable diagnostic and treatment option for seniors, helping to pinpoint the location and nature of some brain issues, and often eliminating the need for more extensive procedures.
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. Robert Uteg 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:
- With a tailored treatment plan, a senior couple found relief from persistent back pain, allowing them to resume their beloved weekly ballroom dancing.
- After specialized care for a cerebrospinal fluid leak, a senior couple felt much safer navigating their home and could enjoy their daily walks together without the debilitating headaches.
- With the guidance of a neurosurgeon, a woman regained the ability to play the piano, a cherished hobby, after experiencing reduced symptoms of cervical spine myelopathy. Her family felt a sense of relief and joy as she once again enjoyed this beloved activity.
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 Neurological Surgery (Neurosurgery)
Here are answers to some common questions about Neurosurgical care with Dr. Robert Uteg:
- 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 collaboratively with neurologists as part of a comprehensive care team.
- Does seeing a neurosurgeon always mean I will need surgery?
- Absolutely not. A large part of a neurosurgeon's job is diagnosis and determining if surgery is the best option. Dr. Uteg 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. Robert Uteg?
- Your first consultation with Dr. Uteg will be a thorough diagnostic process. He will review your symptoms, conduct a detailed neurological exam, and carefully review any imaging studies like MRIs or CT scans. This comprehensive evaluation will help determine the best path forward, whether surgical or non-surgical.
- What is spinal stenosis, and how is it treated?
- Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, often due to age-related arthritis, which can put pressure on nerves. Treatment options range from physical therapy and injections to surgery, such as a laminectomy, to relieve pressure on the nerves.
- How do you treat brain tumors in older adults?
- We tailor treatment plans for each older adult with a brain tumor, considering the tumor type and their overall health. Options might 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. Uteg, is an advanced technique using smaller incisions and specialized instruments. This approach results in less muscle damage, reduced post-operative pain, and a potentially faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
- Can you help with carpal tunnel syndrome?
- Dr. Uteg and our team are experts in peripheral nerve issues, including carpal tunnel syndrome. We can diagnose and treat it, often with conservative measures like bracing. If symptoms persist, a simple outpatient surgical release can relieve pressure on the nerve.
- 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, interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain. This is an advanced option for pain that hasn't responded to other treatments.
7315 Hudson Ave
Hudson FL 34667
Phone: (727) 868-9563
Dr. Robert Uteg, 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): 1992896120
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. Robert Uteg 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.