Dr. Kenneth Ellison, PA-C is a Neurosurgeon who practices at HCA Florida Fort Walton Beach Neurosurgery in Fort Walton Beach, FL. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Neurosurgical care for older adults, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His expertise as a general neurosurgeon encompasses the specialized care needed for common neurological conditions in this population, such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and brain tumors. He works collaboratively with your primary care physician and healthcare team to ensure the best possible outcome for each patient.
Dr. Ellison's practice specifically focuses on the needs of older adults (typically 65 and over). He brings a wealth of experience as a certified physician assistant, having practiced for three and a half years in family practice and occupational medicine before transitioning to neurosurgery, where he has spent the last eight years. Dr. Kenneth Ellison, PA-C, earned his medical degree from Trevecca Nazarene University and works alongside Dr. Robert Feldman. His approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (850) 863-3463 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Kenneth Ellison provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Kenneth Ellison is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Kenneth Ellison is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, offering compassionate and comprehensive neurosurgical care. His expertise in diagnosing and treating conditions like spinal stenosis and herniated discs, alongside his collaborative approach with primary care physicians and other healthcare professionals, ensures a personalized and effective treatment plan. He prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, working together to maximize comfort, independence, and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Kenneth Ellison can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Humana
- Medica Choice
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Options PPO
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Kenneth Ellison 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:
- Central Pain Syndrome: Central pain syndrome is a type of nerve pain following an injury or disease, leading to chronic discomfort. It's manageable with treatments aimed at reducing pain and improving your daily life, enabling you to maintain independence.
- Chiari Malformation Type 1: Chiari malformation type 1 is a condition where brain tissue extends down into the spinal canal, sometimes causing headaches, neck pain, and balance problems, and surgery can help relieve pressure and improve symptoms.
- Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak (CSF Leak): If you have a CSF leak, it means there's a hole allowing the protective fluid around your brain and spine to escape, which can lead to headaches and other symptoms; specialized medical care can help seal this leak and alleviate discomfort.
- Nerve Pain: Nerve pain in older adults can stem from various conditions like spinal stenosis or a pinched nerve, and with the right diagnosis and treatment plan, you can find relief and regain your ability to enjoy your favorite activities.
- Spinal Compression Fracture: Treatment for spinal compression fractures aims to reduce pain, stabilize the spine, and help you maintain your independence, improving your overall quality of life.
- Lumbar Disc Degeneration: Lumbar disc degeneration is the gradual wear and tear of the cushions between the bones in your lower back, sometimes causing pain and stiffness that can be managed with physical therapy, medication, or, in some cases, surgery to improve mobility and reduce discomfort.
- Bell's Palsy: If you experience sudden facial weakness from Bell's palsy, know that many people recover fully, and treatment options exist to support you during this time.
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. Kenneth Ellison offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Deep Brain Stimulator Programming: This process involves adjusting the settings of the implanted deep brain stimulator to achieve the best possible control over movement difficulties experienced by seniors.
- Nerve Surgery: As part of a comprehensive approach to your health, nerve surgery can help diagnose and treat conditions affecting your nerves, like spinal stenosis.
- Epidural Injection: Epidural injections deliver medication directly to the spine, offering temporary pain relief and helping determine the best long-term treatment plan for spinal stenosis or herniated discs.
- Repair Intracranial Aneurysm: For seniors with a diagnosed intracranial aneurysm, this surgical intervention helps manage the condition and prevent future health issues.
- Lumbar Selective Nerve Root Block: To manage your lower back pain effectively, this procedure helps your doctor identify which nerve roots are causing the problem, leading to a more targeted treatment approach.
- 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.
- Wada Test: For seniors facing brain surgery, the Wada test helps doctors create a tailored surgical plan by identifying the location of language and memory centers in the brain.
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. Kenneth Ellison 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 specialized treatment plan, a senior was able to resume their favorite hobby of knitting without the debilitating pain of central pain syndrome, bringing joy back into their daily routine. Family members felt a profound sense of relief knowing their loved one could enjoy activities once again.
- After undergoing surgery to address Chiari Malformation Type 1, a senior was able to resume her favorite hobby of knitting, finding relief from the debilitating headaches and neck pain that had previously hindered her.
- After treatment for a cerebrospinal fluid leak, a senior couple was thrilled to resume their daily walks in the park, a cherished activity that had been sidelined by persistent headaches.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Neurosurgical care with Dr. Kenneth Ellison:
- 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. Neurologists, on the other hand, diagnose and treat neurological conditions with medications 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 includes diagnosing and determining the best course of action, which may not always involve surgery. Dr. Ellison often 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. Kenneth Ellison?
- Your first consultation with Dr. Ellison 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 studies such as MRIs or CT scans. This comprehensive evaluation will help determine the best path forward, surgical or otherwise.
- Can you help with carpal tunnel syndrome?
- Dr. Ellison and our team are experts in peripheral nerve issues, including carpal tunnel syndrome. We can diagnose and treat this condition, often starting with conservative measures. If symptoms don't improve, a simple outpatient surgical release can relieve pressure on the nerve.
- What is a laminectomy?
- A laminectomy is a common spine surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. It involves removing a small piece of bone from a vertebra to create more space in the spinal canal, easing pain from conditions like spinal stenosis.
- 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 minimally invasive spine surgery?
- Minimally invasive spine surgery, performed by Dr. Ellison, is an advanced technique using smaller incisions and specialized instruments. This approach often results in less muscle damage, reduced post-operative pain, and a potentially faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
- What types of spine problems do you treat?
- Dr. Ellison and his 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, reducing pain and improving your ability to walk and stay active.
HCA Florida Fort Walton Beach Neurosurgery
320 Racetrack Rd NW Ste 100D
Fort Walton Beach FL 32547
Phone: (850) 863-3463
Dr. Kenneth Ellison, PA-C 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): 1831122803
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. Kenneth Ellison 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.