Dr. Robert Wicks, MD is a Neurosurgeon practicing at Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care | Kendall (Suite 407W) in Miami, FL. He is deeply committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive neurosurgical care specifically for older adults (typically 65 and over). Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, Dr. Wicks practices under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is dedicated to collaboratively working with your primary care physician and healthcare team to ensure the best possible outcomes. As a co-director of cerebrovascular surgery and director of the neurosurgical anatomy laboratory at Baptist Health's Miami Neuroscience Institute, he brings extensive expertise in neurological surgery, interventional neuroradiology, and skull base surgery. His dedication to his patients extends to innovative research and the integration of new technologies, aiming to improve patient recovery. Dr. Wicks is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (786) 345-7208 to schedule an appointment.
A general neurosurgeon, like Dr. Wicks, 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. His extensive training, which includes a fellowship at the Barrow Neurological Institute and an endovascular neurosurgery fellowship at Johns Hopkins, provides him with a deep understanding of the unique needs of this patient population. Dr. Wicks' approach to patient care prioritizes developing a comprehensive treatment plan that considers the specific needs and desires of the patient and family. He strives to provide the highest level of clinical care and technical expertise in a compassionate, holistic manner, and consultations are primarily offered in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Robert Wicks is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Robert Wicks is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive neurosurgical care. He expertly diagnoses and treats a wide range of neurological conditions, collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure personalized, high-quality treatment plans. His dedication to understanding each patient's unique needs, alongside their family's concerns, facilitates a supportive and effective approach to maximizing comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Robert Wicks can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- National (BlueCard) PPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Robert Wicks 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:
- 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.
- Aneurysm: Think of an aneurysm as a balloon-like swelling in a blood vessel in your brain; sometimes it needs surgical repair to prevent rupture.
- Pituitary Gland Cancer: Pituitary gland cancer is a rare type of cancer that starts in the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain, and treatment, such as surgery or radiation, may help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Moyamoya Disease: Characterized by narrowed brain arteries, Moyamoya disease may cause neurological issues, but advancements in medicine and surgical techniques offer effective ways to manage symptoms and help individuals maintain their daily routines.
- 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.
- Cerebral Embolism: A cerebral embolism happens when a blood clot travels to the brain, blocking blood flow and potentially causing stroke-like symptoms; prompt medical attention is crucial for minimizing lasting effects and improving recovery.
- Obstructive Hydrocephalus: Similar to a plumbing problem, obstructive hydrocephalus occurs when fluid in the brain doesn't drain properly, resulting in increased pressure that can impact cognitive function and physical abilities, but surgical solutions often provide lasting relief.
- Cancer of Cerebral Meninges: If diagnosed with a meningioma, a tumor on the brain's protective coverings, know that various treatment approaches exist, including surgery and observation, aiming to lessen symptoms and support a comfortable life.
- Hypothalamus Cancer: Hypothalamus cancer is a serious but treatable condition involving a part of the brain that manages many bodily functions; with a team of doctors, a personalized treatment plan can help manage symptoms, preserve independence, and improve quality of life for seniors.
- Stroke: While a stroke can be frightening, modern treatments aim to restore blood flow and limit long-term effects, helping seniors maintain their quality of life.
- Cerebral Artery Thrombosis: Cerebral artery thrombosis is a serious condition where a blood clot blocks an artery in the brain, potentially leading to a stroke; prompt medical attention is crucial for minimizing brain damage and improving recovery.
- Thoracic Stenosis: With thoracic stenosis, the space around your spinal cord in your upper back becomes smaller, potentially leading to compression and discomfort; thankfully, various treatments are available to improve your comfort and mobility.
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 Wicks offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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.
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Stereotactic radiosurgery helps seniors avoid the risks and recovery time associated with extensive brain surgery while still addressing tumors or other issues, keeping them active and engaged.
- Spinal Discectomy: For seniors experiencing debilitating back pain from a herniated disc, spinal discectomy offers a surgical solution to alleviate symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
- Stereotaxis: Stereotaxis uses precise imaging to guide minimally invasive procedures, helping neurosurgeons pinpoint and treat brain tumors or movement disorder issues with greater accuracy and less invasiveness for seniors.
- Repair Intracranial Aneurysm: Repairing an intracranial aneurysm helps prevent a potentially life-threatening brain bleed in older adults.
- Intracranial Vessels Stenting: This procedure helps manage symptoms caused by narrowed brain arteries, such as dizziness, weakness, or memory problems, thus improving a senior's quality of life.
- Carotid Artery Stent Placement: Carotid artery stent placement is a minimally invasive procedure that helps improve blood flow to the brain by opening narrowed arteries, reducing the risk of stroke in seniors.
- Brain Tumor Biopsy: By analyzing the tissue sample obtained during a brain tumor biopsy, healthcare professionals gain critical insights into the tumor's characteristics, assisting in the development of a comprehensive and effective treatment strategy.
- 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.
- Spinal Fusion: Spinal fusion surgery is a procedure that permanently joins two or more vertebrae in the spine to relieve pain and improve stability, offering lasting relief for seniors suffering from spinal stenosis or herniated discs.
- Vascular Transcatheter Embolization: Vascular transcatheter embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that helps seniors manage bleeding or blood vessel abnormalities in the brain or spine without major surgery.
- 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.
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 Wicks 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 guidance from a neurosurgeon, a senior was able to resume daily walks in the park, a cherished activity that had become increasingly difficult due to back pain. The family felt a sense of relief and optimism knowing their loved one could enjoy these outings again.
- After careful surgical repair of the aneurysm, the patient felt a significant reduction in the nagging headaches and dizziness, allowing them to resume their beloved hobby of painting.
- After undergoing treatment for pituitary gland cancer, a senior couple felt a renewed sense of security in their home, able to enjoy evening walks together without the debilitating symptoms.
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)
- Combination of anti-VEGF therapy and temozolomide in two experimental human glioma models, 2013-11-02
- Inhibition of Corneal Neovascularization by Subconjunctival Injection of Fc-Endostatin, a Novel Inhibitor of Angiogenesis, 2015-09-28
- Multicellular 3D Neurovascular Unit Model for Assessing Hypoxia and Neuroinflammation Induced Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction, 2020-06-17
- Intracranial MEMS-Based Temozolomide Delivery in a 9L Rat Gliosarcoma Model, 2012-05-14
- Author Correction: Multicellular 3D Neurovascular Unit Model for Assessing Hypoxia and Neuroinflammation Induced Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction, 2020-11-18
- Extravascular Optical Coherence Tomography: Evaluation of Carotid Atherosclerosis and Pravastatin Therapy, 2014-03-13
- Developing a hippocampal neural prosthetic to facilitate human memory encoding and recall, 2018-03-28
Here are answers to some common questions about Neurosurgical care with Dr. Robert Wicks:
- 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. Neurologists, on the other hand, diagnose and treat neurological conditions using medication and non-surgical therapies. While their approaches differ, neurosurgeons and neurologists often collaborate 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 includes diagnosis and determining if surgery is the best course of action. Dr. Wicks 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 Wicks?
- Your first consultation with Dr. Wicks will be a thorough diagnostic process. We will review your symptoms, perform a detailed neurological exam, and carefully review any imaging studies like MRIs or CT scans. This comprehensive evaluation will help determine the best course of action, whether surgical or otherwise.
- What types of spine problems do you treat?
- Dr. Wicks treats common age-related spine problems like 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.
- What is minimally invasive spine surgery?
- Minimally invasive spine surgery, performed by Dr. Wicks, is an advanced technique using smaller incisions and specialized instruments. This approach leads to less muscle damage, reduced post-operative pain, and a potentially faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
- What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for?
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a surgical therapy used 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, much like a pacemaker for the brain.
- 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 spinal stenosis, and how is it treated?
- Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, often due to age-related arthritis, which can pinch nerves. Treatment options range from physical therapy and injections to surgery, like a laminectomy, to create more space for the nerves in severe cases.
Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care | Kendall (Suite 407W)
8950 N Kendall Dr Ste 407W
Miami FL 33176
Phone: (786) 345-7208
Dr. Robert Wicks, 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): 1881985323
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 Wicks 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.