Maxim Daniel Hammer

ZERO stars! Completely dismissed and insulted me in front of a group of medical students so he could get some laughs. I was unable to walk, terrified, felt paralised from waist down, had been deteriorating for months from obvious neurological “something”. I suggested infection from either , Lyme, Epstein Barr virus, or mold (from VERY moldy house and gardening). He ignored, accused me of “faking” to my daughter, lied and told me all my test were “normal” (I was positive for EBV in blood. But he didn’t run it for CSF as he should’ve). 9 months later, still in wheelchair and bed. Lost 40 lbs. sever muscle wasting, 30+ drop in BP, constant dizziness, neck brace to hold head up…. Finally got Dr. to confirm my suspicion- Viral infection CMV, EBV and HVS1- need to start antiviral treatment immediately- even though this late in the illness usually has “very poor outcomes”. Supposed to be treated within 48 HOURS!!! And no treatment for EBV. Beware!

In 2003, I fell and ended up in the hospital for 5 days. An undiagnosed head and neck injury, I was treated for migraine, even though I couldn’t stand up. Then, my pcp sent me to Dr Hammer. Told me there was nothing structurally wrong me. Tried very hard to convince that I was creating my symptoms. Several appointments and several conversations about how I needed him to manage my care. Meanwhile, my neck was broken! I ended up in the ER in so much pain, yet, the drs kep asking, “ what do you think is wrong with you?” Finally, after demanding to see a neurologist, an intern came in and said, “ I know what’s wrong with you, you need an MRI of your neck.”” I then it was sent home to wait. 2 weeks I waited. Finally, his nurse got tired of my calls and read it. “ There really IS something wrong with you.” He said and hung up. I got a call back and within 5 minutes and was told to go immediately to the neurosurgeon where I was told, “ your within of being dead and in a wheelchair.”” I had… had to wear a cervical brace and go home again to withdraw from all the pain meds. I had had 3 screws, two fusions, a plate, two bone grafts and a spur removed that was cutting off my CSF. Dr Hammers office then ghosted me. Three months later, a breast biopsy fractured a thoracic disk, then three months after that, a car collision was a TBI and another T 1 compression fracture. Several years later, another set of fractures and two more TBIs. Basically, head and neck injuries ever since my cervical spinal fusion. Life has not been good because of the balance and osteoporosis fractures. If Dr Hammer had just believed me and did an MRI of my neck early on, I might not have gotten that intense surgery that left me with no spring in my neck. I was also diagnosed with cervical dystonia after the surgery and it’s now generalized. 2023. I’m still dogged by my past experiences with him. It’s still affecting my care.

Dr. Hammer is The Best! I trust him completely. He is a great detective - took time (and had the patience) to find and help me with my problem. I made an appointment with him because I had heard good things about him from my doctor's nurse, and while in the waiting room talked to a patient of his who said he has worked miracles. He is also a very nice person.

Misdiagnosed me. Told me there was nothing structurally wrong with me. I went home writhing in pain. I couldn't take anymore so I went to ER. Neurologist ordered an MRI of my neck. Waited two weeks calling and calling Dr Hammers office until finally his nurse looked at MRI report and said," oh, there really IS something wrong with you!" Sent me to a neurosurgeon. I needed major neurosurgery. Surgeon told me," you were THIS Close to being dead or in a wheelchair!" Dr Hammer didn't believe me with I told him my neck hurt . He did expense bloodwork but no MRI like I asked.

This doctor is to the point, down to earth and knows his area of expertise. He saved my mom's life, no doubt about it.

If you can wait to get an appointment, he's definately worth it. Very smart and very caring.