Dr. Silvia Baxter, MD is a Neurosurgeon dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Neurosurgical care for older adults. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) at HCA Florida Ocala Stroke Specialists in Ocala, FL. As a partner in senior health, Dr. Baxter understands the unique needs of this population and is committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for her patients. A general neurosurgeon 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. She serves older adults (typically 65 and over) and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (352) 629-1743 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Baxter is also accepting telehealth visits.
Dr. Baxter's extensive training and experience make her uniquely qualified to address the specific health challenges of older adults. She earned her medical degree from Howard University College Of Medicine, followed by residency training in Neurosurgery at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (graduated 2018), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Older adults (typically 65 and over). To further specialize, she pursued fellowship training in Endovascular Neurosurgery at the University of Utah (graduated 2019), deepening her expertise in a specific area of patient health. She is Board Certified in Neurosurgery by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. Dr. Baxter is committed to providing comprehensive, minimally invasive and individualized patient care using the latest advancements in neuroendovascular and spine surgery. She specializes in brain and spine surgical procedures, including treatments for conditions such as brain aneurysms, brain tumors, degenerative disc disease, spine trauma and tumors, artery stenosis and ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. She also offers consultations in Spanish.
This physician's dedication extends beyond clinical excellence; she is an Endovascular Neurosurgeon taking care of patients in Ocala, Florida. Her commitment to her patients is reflected in her extensive experience, including several published journal articles and presentations at neurological conferences. Dr. Baxter's background also includes volunteerism, evidenced by her leadership roles in outreach programs and medical missions, further highlighting her compassionate approach to patient care. Outside of work, she enjoys a variety of activities, including mountain biking, hiking, diving, skiing, and traveling.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Silvia Baxter is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Baxter acts as a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive neurosurgical care. With specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating neurological conditions like spinal stenosis and herniated discs, she works collaboratively with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure a personalized approach, maximizing comfort and independence for your loved one.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Silvia Baxter can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Open Access Plus
- Superior Health Plan
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Silvia Baxter 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:
- Spinal Cord Tumor: Depending on its type and location, a spinal cord tumor can be treated surgically, aiming to improve or stabilize your neurological function and preserve your comfort and ability to perform daily activities.
- Thoracic Stenosis: Thoracic stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal in the chest area, can cause discomfort and limit mobility; treatment options, including surgery, aim to alleviate symptoms and maintain your independence.
- Cauda Equina Syndrome: Cauda equina syndrome is a serious nerve compression that needs prompt medical care. Surgery can often restore function and reduce pain, helping you maintain your independence and improve your quality of life.
- Subdural Hemorrhage: A subdural hemorrhage is bleeding on the surface of the brain, often occurring after a fall or minor head injury, which can be treated to reduce pressure and improve symptoms like headaches and confusion.
- Intracranial Arterial Stenosis: If you have intracranial arterial stenosis, it means the arteries in your brain are narrower than they should be, potentially affecting blood supply. Working closely with your doctor on treatment options like medication or procedures can help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Pathological Spine Fracture: Sometimes, underlying health conditions, such as osteoporosis, weaken the spine, leading to a pathological fracture, which is a break in the bone.
- Thoracic Spine Myelopathy: If you're experiencing tingling, weakness, or gait problems due to compression of the spinal cord in your upper back (thoracic spine myelopathy), know that surgical options can help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- 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.
- Herniated Disc: With a herniated disc, the protective gel inside a spinal disc pushes out, potentially leading to back or leg pain and numbness, but treatment can often alleviate symptoms and restore mobility.
- Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a condition where excess fluid builds up in the brain, causing symptoms like walking problems, memory loss, and urinary urgency, but often treatable with a simple surgical procedure to improve quality of life.
- Compressed Spinal Cord: Pressure on your spinal cord can result in a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to significant disability; advancements in neurosurgery allow for effective treatment options to address this pressure, improving your quality of life and ability to participate in your favorite activities.
- Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): A cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels in the brain that can cause bleeding or seizures, but with proper medical care and sometimes surgery, many seniors can manage their symptoms and maintain a good 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. Silvia Baxter offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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 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.
- Repair Intracranial Aneurysm: Intracranial aneurysm repair is a crucial step in managing a serious brain condition, thereby enhancing the long-term well-being of our senior patients.
- Vascular Transcatheter Embolization: This procedure helps diagnose and manage vascular issues in seniors by precisely delivering agents to block abnormal blood flow, a safer alternative to open surgery in many cases.
- Somatic Nerve Block: As part of a comprehensive pain management plan for seniors, somatic nerve blocks can help determine the effectiveness of potential surgical interventions or other long-term treatments.
- Peripheral Nerve Block: A peripheral nerve block is a procedure that helps pinpoint the source of nerve pain by temporarily numbing specific nerves, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning for seniors.
- Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Repair: Intracranial arteriovenous malformation (AVM) repair is a neurosurgical procedure to fix a tangle of abnormal blood vessels in the brain, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of stroke or bleeding.
- Brain Surgery: To diagnose and manage serious brain conditions, brain surgery might be recommended to obtain tissue samples or relieve pressure.
- 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.
- 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.
- Neurostimulation: For seniors with severe back pain caused by spinal stenosis or herniated discs, neurostimulation can offer an alternative to surgery by targeting pain pathways.
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. Silvia Baxter 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 careful surgical intervention for a spinal cord tumor, a senior felt a renewed sense of independence, regaining the ability to walk their dog in the park, a cherished daily activity.
- After surgical intervention for thoracic stenosis, a senior couple felt a significant improvement in their ability to navigate their home safely, enjoying evening walks together without the prior, debilitating pain.
- Following surgery for cauda equina syndrome, a senior couple found renewed comfort and security in their home, able to enjoy their favorite activities together without the debilitating pain.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She 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. Silvia Baxter:
- 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 neurologists, who diagnose and treat neurological conditions with medication and non-surgical therapies, neurosurgeons perform surgical procedures. They often collaborate with neurologists as part of a team approach to patient care.
- Does seeing a neurosurgeon always mean I will need surgery?
- Absolutely not. Dr. Baxter's role includes diagnosing the issue and determining if surgery is the best course of action. She 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. Silvia Baxter?
- Your first consultation with Dr. Baxter 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 like MRIs or CT scans. This comprehensive evaluation will help determine the best path forward, surgical or otherwise.
- 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 minimally invasive spine surgery?
- Minimally invasive spine surgery, performed by Dr. Baxter, is an advanced technique using smaller incisions and specialized instruments. This approach results in less muscle damage, reduced pain, and a potentially faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
- What types of spine problems do you treat?
- Dr. Baxter and her team treat common age-related spine conditions, including 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 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 and improve symptoms.
- 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.
HCA Florida Ocala Stroke Specialists
1901 SE 18th Ave Ste 101
Ocala FL 34471
Phone: (352) 629-1743
Dr. Silvia Baxter, 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): 1912297920
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. Silvia Baxter 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.