Dr. Steven Roper, MD is a Neurosurgeon dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Neurosurgical care for older adults at UF Health Neurosurgery - Neuromedicine Hospital in Gainesville, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a general neurosurgeon, Dr. Roper 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 (352) 294-5000 to schedule an appointment.
With over 35 years of dedicated experience in Neurosurgical care, Dr. Roper brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from University Of Texas Medical Branch in 1985, and completed an internship at University Of California-Los Angeles in 1987, gaining foundational clinical experience. He is Board Certified in Neurosurgery by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. Dr. Roper's practice is focused on providing exceptional care for seniors, and he is the director of the UF Health Comprehensive Epilepsy Program and surgical director of the UF Neuroendocrine Program. He frequently performs surgeries for pituitary tumors using minimally invasive approaches, and has performed more than 1,500 surgeries for the treatment of epilepsy. He also conducts clinical research focused on improving care for patients with pituitary tumors and intractable epilepsy, via surgery. Dr. Roper provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Steven Roper is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Roper's compassionate approach to senior care centers on providing comprehensive neurosurgical expertise. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic and personalized plan of action. His specialized knowledge of neurological conditions common in older adults, including spinal stenosis and herniated discs, combined with his dedication to patient well-being, allows him to guide seniors through their health journey with empathy and expertise.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Steven Roper can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- BlueCare HMO
- BlueOptions
- BlueSelect
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Large Group POS
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- National POS
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Seamless HMO
- Select HMO
- SimplyBlue
- Small Group Elect HMO
- myBlue
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Steven Roper 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:
- Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak (CSF Leak): A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak happens when fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord leaks out, causing headaches and sometimes other problems, but it can often be treated to relieve these symptoms and help you feel better.
- Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury: A thoracic spinal cord injury, affecting the mid-back area, can lead to various challenges with movement and sensation below the injury site, but with appropriate care and therapies, seniors can often maintain a good quality of life and independence.
- Lumbar Spine Fracture: If you've suffered a fracture in your lower spine, know that there are many treatment options available to manage your pain, promote healing, and help you return to the activities you enjoy.
- Spinal Cord Injury: A spinal cord injury is damage to the nerves in your spine, which can lead to a variety of challenges depending on the severity and location; rehabilitation and support services can help maintain independence.
- Meningiomas: If you've been diagnosed with a meningioma, know that many are slow-growing and may not require immediate treatment; your doctor will discuss management options including surgery or close monitoring to address any symptoms and preserve your independence.
- Traumatic Brain Injury: A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden, forceful event causes damage to the brain, potentially impacting memory, thinking, and daily functioning, and specialized care can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Cerebral Embolism: A cerebral embolism occurs when a blood clot, formed elsewhere in the body, travels to the brain and cuts off blood supply; managing this condition promptly can help prevent long-term disability and support independence.
- Chordoma: Chordomas are slow-growing tumors that can affect the bones near the spinal cord or base of the skull; careful surgical planning often helps maintain independence and quality of life for older adults.
- Traumatic Cerebral Edema: Traumatic cerebral edema is brain swelling resulting from a head injury. Treatment focuses on reducing the swelling to protect brain function and help ensure the best possible outcome and recovery.
- Herniated Disc: Managing a herniated disc often involves pain relief, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery to reduce pressure on affected nerves and improve your overall quality of life, allowing you to maintain daily functions.
- Aneurysm: An aneurysm is a bulge or weakening in a blood vessel in the brain that, if left untreated, can lead to a life-threatening bleed.
- Post-Traumatic Coma: Post-traumatic coma is a prolonged state of unconsciousness following a head injury, requiring careful medical monitoring and support to help the individual regain awareness and function.
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. Steven Roper 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.
- 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.
- Pituitary Gland Tumor Excision: Removing a pituitary tumor through surgery can alleviate symptoms like headaches and improve overall health and quality of life for older adults.
- Somatic Nerve Block: This procedure helps doctors precisely pinpoint the location of nerve compression or damage, aiding in more targeted and effective treatment for seniors with spinal or peripheral nerve conditions.
- Vascular Transcatheter Embolization: For seniors with brain aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), transcatheter embolization offers a less invasive way to block blood flow to these areas, reducing the risk of rupture or hemorrhage.
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Stereotactic radiosurgery uses precisely focused radiation to treat small tumors or abnormalities in the brain, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue, thus helping seniors maintain their quality of life.
- Spinal Fusion: For seniors experiencing debilitating back pain from spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease, spinal fusion can be a key element in reducing pain and restoring function, improving their quality of life.
- 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.
- 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.
- Epilepsy Surgery: Epilepsy surgery aims to remove or repair the brain tissue responsible for seizures, leading to better seizure control and fewer episodes for seniors.
- Destruction of Brain Tumor: Removing a brain tumor surgically helps manage symptoms like headaches, vision problems, or weakness caused by the tumor's growth.
- 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.
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. Steven Roper 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 experiencing debilitating headaches, a senior felt a significant improvement in their quality of life following treatment for a cerebrospinal fluid leak. They were able to return to their beloved hobby of painting, a source of great joy and connection.
- After the thoracic spinal cord injury, a senior felt more secure at home, thanks to a customized home safety assessment and adaptive equipment prescribed by the neurosurgery team. With the support of physical therapy, the senior regained the ability to participate in daily activities, such as cooking and spending time with their loved ones.
- After a lumbar spine fracture, a senior was able to resume their beloved daily walks with reduced pain and increased mobility thanks to a personalized treatment plan. The family felt immense relief knowing their loved one was regaining their independence and enjoying a more comfortable lifestyle.
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. Steven Roper:
- 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 with medication and non-surgical therapies. While their approaches differ, neurosurgeons and neurologists often work together 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. Roper frequently recommends conservative treatments like physical therapy or injections first, and only considers surgery when necessary.
- What can I expect during my first consultation with Dr. Steven Roper?
- Your first consultation with Dr. Roper will be a thorough diagnostic process. We will review your symptoms, conduct a detailed neurological exam, and carefully evaluate any existing imaging, such as MRIs or CT scans. This comprehensive evaluation will help determine the best path forward, whether surgical or non-surgical.
- How do you treat brain tumors in older adults?
- Dr. Roper's approach to brain tumors in older adults is highly individualized, considering the specific tumor type and the patient's overall health. Treatment options may include surgical removal, radiation therapy like Gamma Knife, or observation, always prioritizing maximizing quality of life.
- Can you help with carpal tunnel syndrome?
- Dr. Roper and our team are experts in peripheral nerve issues, including carpal tunnel syndrome. We can diagnose and treat it, often with conservative measures like splinting, but we can also perform a simple outpatient surgical release if necessary to relieve pressure on the nerve.
- What is minimally invasive spine surgery?
- Minimally invasive spine surgery, performed by Dr. Roper, 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 types of spine problems do you treat?
- Dr. Roper's practice treats common age-related spine conditions, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and sciatica, which often cause significant back or leg pain. We aim to relieve pressure on the nerves to reduce pain and improve your ability to walk and stay active.
- 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, which interfere with pain signals before they reach the brain. This is often an advanced option for pain that hasn't responded to other treatments.
UF Health Neurosurgery - Neuromedicine Hospital
1505 SW Archer Rd
Gainesville FL 32608
Phone: (352) 294-5000
Dr. Steven Roper, 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): 1679500342
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. Steven Roper 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.