Dr. William Fox, MD is a Neurosurgeon dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Neurosurgical care for older adults at his clinic in Jacksonville, 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, he 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 committed to providing outstanding care incorporating evidence-based medicine, modern neurosurgical technological advancements, and the individual needs of every patient. Dr. Fox is currently welcoming new patients and you can schedule an appointment by calling (904) 659-7405.
Dr. Fox, a Senior Associate Consultant specializing in endovascular and cerebrovascular neurosurgery as well as minimally invasive and complex spinal surgery, brings over 20 years of dedicated experience in Neurosurgical care. He earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School in 2003 and completed an internship at University of Michigan Hospitals in 2004. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Neurosurgery at University of Michigan Hospitals, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of older adults (typically 65 and over). He further specialized by pursuing fellowship training at University of Florida Hospital in 2008, deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Neurosurgery by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. Dr. Fox believes that commitment to the highest ideals of medicine, clear and honest communication, teamwork, and formulating an individualized treatment plan for every patient improves safety, increases precision and leads to the best outcomes. His office strives every day to make the patient experience exceptional from start to finish. Dr. William Fox provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. William Fox is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. William Fox, a compassionate neurosurgeon, acts as a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive care for a wide range of neurological conditions. His expertise in diagnosing and surgically treating complex issues like spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and brain tumors is combined with a collaborative approach, working closely with primary care physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcome and maintain the highest quality of life for each patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. William Fox can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Oxford Health Plans
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Card
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care (Humana)
- Choice Plus
- ChoiceCare Network
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. William Fox 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 Stenosis with Neurogenic Claudication: A condition called spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication can make walking painful due to nerve compression in your spine; fortunately, many effective treatments exist, such as specialized exercises, medications, or surgery, enabling you to enjoy a more active lifestyle.
- 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.
- Thoracic Stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal in the mid-back (thoracic spine) can lead to thoracic stenosis, causing symptoms like back pain and leg weakness; surgery and other strategies can help you live more comfortably.
- 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.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be frightening, but with the right support and medical care, many individuals recover significantly, regaining their capabilities and improving their quality of life, even regaining participation in activities they enjoy.
- Pineal Region Tumors: A pineal region tumor is a growth in a small area of the brain, and depending on its characteristics, treatment might include surgery to help maintain independence.
- Herniated Disc: A herniated disc is a common condition where a spinal disc pushes against a nerve, causing pain and limited movement; however, many effective treatments exist to help you manage pain and regain your independence.
- Nerve Root Injury and Plexus Disorders (incl. Pinched Nerve): Nerve root injuries and plexus disorders, which involve damage to nerve networks, can cause significant discomfort and mobility issues in older adults; managing these conditions often involves a combination of approaches to reduce pain and improve quality of life.
- Medulloblastoma: This aggressive brain tumor, called medulloblastoma, needs prompt medical attention including surgery, which aims to improve the senior's symptoms and extend their lifespan, allowing them to continue enjoying their favorite activities.
- 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 Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): Sometimes, blood vessels in the brain develop abnormally, forming an AVM. While this can be concerning, understanding the condition and exploring available treatments, such as minimally invasive procedures or surgery, can help seniors and their families manage the situation and maintain independence.
- 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.
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. William Fox offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Intracranial Vessels Stenting: As part of a comprehensive care plan, intracranial vessel stenting can help prevent strokes or other serious complications related to blocked brain blood vessels in seniors.
- Brain Surgery: Brain surgery offers a potential treatment option for seniors experiencing symptoms from brain conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.
- Lumbar Fusion with Robotic Assist: Lumbar fusion with robotic assist is a surgical procedure that helps stabilize the spine and alleviate pain caused by conditions like spinal stenosis or herniated discs in seniors.
- Posterior Interbody Lumbar Fusion (ALIF): To address significant spinal instability in seniors and improve their ability to perform everyday activities, PLIF offers a surgical solution to create a more stable spine and reduce chronic pain.
- 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.
- Lumbar Spinal Fusion: Lumbar spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that joins together vertebrae in the lower back to relieve pain and stabilize the spine, improving mobility and quality of life for seniors with severe spinal conditions.
- Laminoforaminotomy: To address the specific needs of seniors with spinal stenosis, laminoforaminotomy may be part of a treatment strategy to decompress nerves and allow for better movement and less pain.
- Destruction of Brain Tumor: Surgical removal of a brain tumor allows doctors to accurately diagnose the type and grade of the tumor, guiding further treatment decisions.
- Spinal Cord Stimulation: To enhance a senior's overall well-being and mobility, spinal cord stimulation can be used to target and reduce pain signals, leading to increased comfort and function.
- Intracranial Vessel Angioplasty and Stenting: Intracranial vessel angioplasty and stenting is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a catheter to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the brain, improving blood flow and reducing stroke risk, a crucial step in maintaining brain health for seniors.
- Spinal Nerve Block: Spinal nerve blocks can help you avoid surgery by providing pain relief and allowing time to see if conservative treatments will be sufficient.
- Vertebroplasty: For seniors with painful compression fractures in their spine, vertebroplasty helps reduce pain and stabilize the affected vertebrae, enhancing comfort and daily 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. William Fox 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 undergoing specialized exercises and medication, a senior was able to walk comfortably for longer periods, enjoying their daily neighborhood strolls once again.
- After careful monitoring and guidance, the patient felt significantly more secure at home, able to enjoy their daily routines without the constant worry of a potential brain bleed. Family members were relieved to see their loved one regain a sense of peace and normalcy.
- After surgery and physical therapy, a retired teacher was able to walk her dog again, a daily routine she cherished, finding relief from the back pain and leg weakness caused by thoracic stenosis. The family felt a renewed sense of security knowing she could safely navigate her home environment.
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 Neurological Surgery (Neurosurgery)
Here are answers to some common questions about Neurosurgical care with Dr. William Fox:
- 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. They differ from neurologists, who diagnose and treat neurological conditions with medication and non-surgical therapies. Often, neurosurgeons and neurologists work together as a team to provide the best possible care.
- 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. Fox 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. William Fox?
- Your first consultation with Dr. Fox will be a thorough diagnostic process. We will review your symptoms, perform a detailed neurological exam, and carefully examine any existing imaging, like MRIs or CT scans. This comprehensive evaluation will help us determine the best path forward, whether surgical or non-surgical.
- What is minimally invasive spine surgery?
- Minimally invasive spine surgery, performed by Dr. Fox, 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, making it a beneficial option for seniors.
- 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 an advanced option for pain that hasn't responded to other treatments.
- What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for?
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a surgical therapy to manage movement disorders like Parkinson's disease or essential tremor when medications aren't 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.
- Can you help with carpal tunnel syndrome?
- Dr. Fox 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, and if needed, perform a simple outpatient surgical release to relieve pressure on the nerve.
- 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.
4500 San Pablo Rd S
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 659-7405
Dr. William Fox, 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): 1134241243
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. William Fox 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.