Dr. Stuart Williams Hough, MD

I had an extremely distressing experience with Dr. Hough. I called his emergency line while in a crisis due to severe, unrelenting physical pain that was interfering with my sleep and causing suicidal thoughts. I had already made multiple attempts to get help through his office, leaving messages and even visiting in person, but never received a call back regarding an urgent insurance referral or treatment options. When I finally reached Dr. Hough directly, he interrupted me, spoke angrily, and told me there was “no reason” to go to his office. He dismissed the fact that I was in crisis and showed no concern when I said I was experiencing suicidal thoughts. He then incorrectly claimed that “imaging is never done for lipomas” and said that my pain was from depression, despite the fact that a neurosurgeon in his own office had already ordered imaging and my PCP agreed it was necessary. He offered no empathy, no support, and no clinical guidance beyond vague suggestions about movement… and stress management. It was one of the most invalidating medical experiences I’ve ever had, especially while being in physical and emotional pain. I told him he was fired and that I would be pursuing formal action. No patient in crisis should be treated with such coldness and disregard.

I just had another appointment with Dr Hough, this time recorded, because as I had previously reported, he was argumentative, constantly interrupted me and claimed that I “didn’t trust him.” (You don’t get to tell me what I think or feel). I have been his patient for over 10 years, and he had previously been an excellent, kind person who listened to patients. Clearly something happened because others have reported his acerbic, aggressive bedside manner and misstated facts and talked down to me (a woman) repeatedly, something demonstrated in research is a real problem with women seeking pain tx. A year ago, Hough did a routine left hip injection that resulted in an unusual side effect which numbed my leg—not unusual in that it happened, unusual in the length of time. He maintained then as he does now that it had nothing to do with his injection. I’ve had this same hip, same area injected 8 times, and instead of outright saying he would not do the hip injection again a yr later, he sent… me on a goose chase of additional imaging, which was negative, and I told him it would be negative, and additional appointments. But for pain management, I was willing to jump through his hoops. I was and am concerned he was repeatedly twisting my words and constantly interrupting me, even after asking him to allow me to finish, but even with my husband present, he talked over me, then called ME adversarial. Disagreeing isn’t adversarial, especially when he has incorrect information. He was supposed to obtain records from the 8 other injections, and failed to do so. He the stated that he was not willing to do the procedure—WHY the hoops and WHY not tell me that four appointments ago? He was unprepared for the appointment. Although he maintains his injection was no where near any nerves that would cause temporary leg numbness, the only reason he would both refuse to continue to treat, while assuring me the leg numbness wasn’t his procedure, was that he in fact committed medical malpractice. He made no attempts to find out why it happened, and then blamed me for “not trusting him” when he came unprepared and with incorrect information. As such, I have reported him to my insurer, to his professional board and to the Maryland oversight agency to investigate. This provider has no care for patients anymore—I don’t know what happened—but if you are a woman or person of color, you should exercise caution as this provider will do what he did to me—gaslight, cause harm, talk over you, raise his voice, and dismiss you. I’ve seen other reviews consistent with my own experiences with him in 2024 and 2025. Ironically, he responds to Google reviews faster than portal messages or patient requests.

Dr Hough was very thorough and explained what I could expect after my injection. His diagnosis was very accurate. I highly recommend him.

Dr.Hough was very thorough and made certain he communicated his action plan for my care. The staff are very professional and friendly.

Outstanding in every way. Spot on diagnosis of the cause of my lower back pain and an encouraging treatment process. Came highly recommended by my neurologist, and deservedly. Best organized office and communication I have ever visited.

Dr Hough is an exceptional physician. I have suffered from chronic pain and Dr. Hough suggested I try a high frequency stimulator. I did a one week trial and it reduced my pain by at least 80 percent. Dr. Hough’s care is phenomenal. He is very focused, professional and compassionate.

Wonderful doctor did a great job of fixing my back

Your basic doc

DR. HOUGH IS ONE OF THE BEST DOCTORS THAT I BEEN SEEN BY. I HAVE NEVER HAD A DOCTOR WHO TOOK SUCH GOOD CARE OF THEIR PATIENTS. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM TO ANY AND EVERYONE.

Dr Hough is one of the best doctors I’ve ever had. He’s intelligent concerned thorough and skillful. I would highly recommend him to anyone