CONDITIONS WE DIAGNOSE
Ultrasounds, Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) -- These tests are used to determine how well the body’s electrical signals are traveling to nerves and muscles 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 and neuropathy, Peripheral nerve injury, Pinched nerves/nerve trauma, True cause of back or neck pain, Unsuccessful neck or low back surgery.
ELECTROMYOGRAPHY (EMG) AND NERVE CONDUCTION STUDIES (NCS)
Electromyography (EMG) measures the electrical activity of muscles and Nerve Conduction Studies measure how well the nerves send electrical signals. Nerves control the muscles in the body by sending electrical signals that make the muscles react in specific ways. Dr. Wheat examines only the muscles necessary to determine the cause of a patient’s pain. He will look at and listen to the electrical signals that travel from the needle to the EMG machine and then read the signals. The procedure usually takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. LEARN MORE
ULTRASOUND
Dr. Wheat is dedicated to helping patients receive an accurate diagnosis so that they can quickly return to an active, pain-free life. He is one of the only physicians in Northwest Louisiana who uses ultrasound as a non-invasive, visual approach for diagnosing neuromuscular and skeletal pain. Dr. Wheat has performed more than 12,000 neuromuscular and skeletal ultrasound procedures in his 25 years as a physician, which makes him one of the most trusted and skilled physicians in the region.
ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS?
You should experience no side effects with ultrasound to diagnose neuromuscular and skeletal pain. An EMG is also a very safe procedure with no serious side effects. There is sometimes brief tingling of hands and feet after the electrical tests and the needle tests may result in slight bleeding or small bruises or swelling at the insertion sites. Muscles may also ache for a few hours after the needle tests, but this is usually minimal.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THE TESTS?
Let Dr. Wheat know if you are taking aspirin, blood thinner such as Coumadin®, have a pacemaker or have hemophilia. Bathe or shower to remove oil from your skin, and do not use body lotion or powder on the day of the test. It is wise to wear loose clothing and no jewelry.