Dr. Thomas Derbes, MD is a Neurology specializing in the comprehensive neurological care of older adults (65 and above) at his clinic in Lynn Haven, FL. He is deeply committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care, working diligently within the framework of Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and registered with The Florida Board of Medicine. Dr. Derbes understands the unique needs of seniors and recognizes the importance of collaboration in managing complex neurological conditions. He provides specialized expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke, and neuropathy, often common in this population, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible care.
Dr. Thomas Derbes, MD is a neurologist in Lynn Haven, FL, with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in 1980, and subsequently completed his residency training in Neurology at Tulane University Hospital and Clinics, and University Hospital. He is Board Certified in Neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, and is affiliated with HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital. Dr. Derbes's wealth of clinical knowledge, gained through his extensive career, coupled with his compassionate approach, makes him a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey. He is currently welcoming new patients and can be reached at (850) 872-1300 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Derbes strives to create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions, using evidence-based medicine and collaborative care. He provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Thomas Derbes is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Derbes 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 collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to diagnose and manage complex neurological conditions like dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke, and neuropathy, ensuring a personalized and coordinated approach to care that prioritizes comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Thomas Derbes can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Coventry Health Care
Humana
Tricare
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Open Access Plus
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Thomas Derbes 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:
- Stroke: Recovering from a stroke requires patience and support, but with proper medical care and rehabilitation, many seniors can improve their mobility, communication skills, and overall well-being, retaining their independence for as long as possible.
- Cerebrovascular Disease: Cerebrovascular disease encompasses various conditions impacting blood flow to the brain; early detection and treatment, often involving medication and lifestyle adjustments, are crucial for preventing serious health issues and preserving cognitive function.
- Myelopathy: Myelopathy is a condition affecting the spinal cord, sometimes causing weakness, numbness, or balance problems, and its management often involves medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments to help maintain independence.
- Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition where the pressure inside your skull is too high, often causing headaches and vision problems, but thankfully, treatment can help lower this pressure and improve your comfort.
- Peripheral Autonomic Neuropathy: This condition, peripheral autonomic neuropathy, involves damage to the nerves controlling involuntary body functions, potentially resulting in issues like irregular heartbeat or bladder control; your doctor can work with you to develop a management plan to help you feel more comfortable and in control.
- Difficulty With Walking: Experiencing difficulty walking can impact daily life, but with a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, seniors can regain some of their independence and improve their overall quality of life.
- Tension Headache: Managing tension headaches in older adults often involves simple strategies like regular exercise, relaxation techniques, and avoiding headache triggers to maintain a comfortable daily life.
- Radiculopathy: Radiculopathy is a condition causing pain, numbness, or weakness in your arm or leg due to a pinched nerve in your spine, and it can often be managed with medication, physical therapy, and sometimes injections to relieve pressure and improve mobility.
- Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is characterized by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid, causing gait disturbances, cognitive impairment, and urinary problems; early diagnosis and treatment, often a shunt procedure, can help maintain independence.
- Sleep Apnea: If you or a loved one snores loudly and frequently feel tired despite enough sleep, it could be sleep apnea, a condition where breathing pauses during sleep; a doctor can diagnose this and recommend treatments to improve daytime alertness and energy levels.
- Ataxia: If you're experiencing ataxia, it means your brain isn't sending the correct signals to your muscles, causing jerky or uncoordinated movements, however, medication and support can significantly enhance your quality of life.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: Experiencing sharp, shooting pains in your face? It might be trigeminal neuralgia, a condition we can manage through medication, therapies, or even surgery to bring you relief and restore comfort to your daily routine.
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. Thomas Derbes offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Somatic Nerve Block: A somatic nerve block is a procedure that can help pinpoint the source of nerve pain in seniors, guiding more effective treatment plans.
- Dementia or Depression Screening: By screening for dementia and depression, healthcare providers can determine the best course of treatment and support for seniors and their families.
- Spinal Nerve Block: Spinal nerve blocks can temporarily numb specific nerves in your spine, offering pain relief and helping determine the cause of your discomfort.
- Quantitative Sensory Test (QST): As part of your overall neurological assessment, a QST helps pinpoint the precise nature of your nerve problems, paving the way for more targeted and effective care.
- Nerve Conduction Studies: Nerve conduction studies are a valuable tool for managing conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, identifying the underlying nerve issues that cause discomfort.
- 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.
- Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response Test: For seniors experiencing unexplained dizziness or balance problems, a BAER test can help determine if the issue originates from the brainstem, supporting targeted treatment and improving quality of life.
- Evaluation and Treatment of Sleep Disorders: Addressing sleep problems is a crucial part of a comprehensive care plan for seniors, improving quality of life and potentially preventing further health decline.
- Evoked Potential Test: For seniors with suspected nerve damage, this test helps create a comprehensive understanding of their condition, enabling targeted therapies for improved quality of life and better management of symptoms.
- Deep Brain Stimulation Evaluation: To create a personalized care plan, your doctor might recommend a deep brain stimulation evaluation to assess whether it can help alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Non-Cosmetic Chemodenervation: This procedure, which involves injecting medication to temporarily paralyze specific muscles, can be an important part of a treatment plan for seniors experiencing muscle stiffness or uncontrolled movements from neurological conditions.
- EMG (Electromyography): To better understand the source of your muscle weakness or numbness, your doctor might use an EMG, a simple procedure aiding in the creation of a personalized care 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. Thomas Derbes 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:
- Following a stroke, a senior was able to regain the ability to enjoy their favorite hobby, knitting, thanks to a tailored rehabilitation program that addressed their specific needs. The family felt immense relief knowing their loved one could participate in activities that brought them joy and connection.
- After working closely with a neurology specialist, a senior couple felt more secure in their home environment, thanks to strategies for managing their cerebrovascular disease symptoms. They could now enjoy their daily walks and engage in hobbies they loved without the worry of sudden health changes.
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
View on Map
- 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. Thomas Derbes:
- What is a Neurologist, and when should a senior see one?
- Dr. Derbes's neurology practice specializes in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. You should schedule an appointment if you or a loved one has concerns about significant memory loss, Parkinson's disease, stroke, persistent dizziness, or nerve pain. Dr. Derbes is an expert in diagnosing and treating complex neurological issues in older adults.
- My parent seems confused and is forgetting things. How can Dr. Thomas Derbes help?
- Dr. Derbes 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 both you and your family.
- What can I expect during a neurological exam?
- During your appointment with Dr. Derbes, you can expect a series of simple, painless tests to evaluate your strength, coordination, reflexes, balance, and memory. These tests help Dr. Derbes understand how your nervous system is functioning.
- Can family members be involved in the appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Derbes welcomes family involvement in appointments and care planning. With the patient's permission, we find that family participation is vital, especially for neurological conditions, to ensure everyone understands the diagnosis and treatment plan.
- How do you manage Parkinson's disease in older adults?
- Dr. Derbes's approach to Parkinson's in older adults focuses on a holistic strategy to maximize quality of life. Medications help manage motor symptoms, and we work closely with physical and occupational therapists to improve balance, mobility, and home safety.
- What are EEGs and EMGs used for?
- EEGs record the brain's electrical activity, helping us investigate possible seizure activity. EMGs assess the health of muscles and the nerves that control them, aiding in diagnosing weakness or nerve problems.
- What is neuropathy, and can the numbness in my feet be treated?
- Neuropathy is damage to the peripheral nerves, often causing numbness, tingling, or pain in the feet and hands. While nerve damage can't always be reversed, Dr. Derbes can work to manage the underlying cause and prescribe medications to significantly reduce painful symptoms and improve comfort.
- What can be done for 'essential tremor'?
- Essential tremor, while sometimes frustrating, is a different condition than Parkinson's disease. We can often effectively manage it with medications like beta-blockers or therapies, aiming to reduce the tremor and improve your ability to perform daily tasks like writing or drinking.
2211 S Highway 77 Ste 105
Lynn Haven FL 32444
Phone: (850) 872-1300
Dr. Thomas Derbes, 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): 1568450625
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. Thomas Derbes 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.