STEPHEN WHEAT, MD — WHEAT MEDICAL, NERVE & MUSCLE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING SINCE 1991
Men In Business—June 2018
Dr. Stephen W. Wheat is one of the top physicians in the region specializing in electrodiagnostic medicine to diagnose the cause of nerve and muscle pain and the only physician in Northwest Louisiana to use ultrasound as a non-invasive, visual approach to diagnosing the cause of neuro-musculoskeletal pain. He is dedicated to helping patients receive an accurate diagnosis so that they can quickly return to an active, pain-free life.
“Diagnosing the exact cause of a patient’s pain is why I do what I do. Twelve million people are being misdiagnosed each year in the United States. The answer to why a patient hurts hinges on an accurate diagnosis," said Dr. Wheat. "I want my patients to know that they are being heard and that they are being diagnosed by one of the most experienced and highly credentialed physicians in Northwest Louisiana. I'm the only physician in the region who uses evidence-based, fact-based tools to provide answers to a patient's pain symptoms. I have performed greater than 14,000 electrodiagnostic procedures and 10,000 neuromuscular and skeletal ultrasound procedures in more than 25 years as a physician. That level of competence along with a triple board certification in electrodiagnostic medicine, internal medicine and physical medicine enables me to provide a service to patients that no one else offers," added Dr. Wheat.
Dr. Wheat has been recognized as one of Louisiana’s Top Docs by Louisiana Life Magazine. He uses advanced diagnostic capabilities including ultrasound, Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) to diagnose chronic pain issues. His treatment plans are derived from the latest scientific advances. Dr. Wheat has trained extensively at leading institutions and teaches and lectures at some of those same leading institutions.
“I teach physicians at the Baylor College of Medicine: Department of Neurology, Houston, Texas. I have found that is one of the best ways to keep current with up-to-date pain diagnostics," said Dr. Wheat. "Teaching others what they need to know to be skilled, knowledgeable physicians requires that I keep current with the latest in electrodiagnostic medicine. The benefits transfer directly to my patients,” added Dr. Wheat.
The electrodiagnostic tests in which Dr. Wheat specializes are used to determine how well the body’s electrical signals travel to nerves and muscles. These tests are used to help diagnose or rule out nerve and muscle disorders including, but not limited to, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatic nerve problems, herniated disk disease, polyneuropathy/neuropathy, peripheral nerve injury and pinched nerves.
“I have spent almost three decades working to find the most reliable tools to diagnose people’s nerve and muscle pain and to help them, as well as their physicians, get them back to their normal lifestyles as quickly as possible,” said Dr. Wheat. “Patients come to my office with a specific concern and that becomes my #1 concern. I don’t believe there is anything worse for patients than not knowing why they hurt. No one in the state is as qualified or committed to giving these patients a more comprehensive assessment and answers than I am,” added Dr. Wheat.
Dr. Wheat is a graduate of Louisiana State University Medical School, Shreveport. He earned a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans. In 1997, Dr. Wheat completed an internal medicine residency at Louisiana State University Medical Center, Shreveport, and then earned a board certification in electrodiagnostic medicine. Dr. Wheat has served as a member of the Mayo Clinic Professional Practice and Professional Program Committees of the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine and is a regular guest lecturer at the Baylor College of Medicine: Department of Neurology, Houston, Texas.
Dr. Wheat’s Shreveport office is located at 385 West Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, Suite 500. He also practices in Natchitoches at 138 East 5th Street. To find out more about his practice and how he can help find the source of your pain, call 318-352- 4477 or visit www.wheatmedical.com