William Hammesfahr

William Hammesfahr is an American neurologist practicing in Florida, who specializes in treating stroke victims. He became a public figure during his involvement in the Terri Schiavo case, during which he examined Schiavo and testified on behalf of her parents.

For stroke victims, Hammesfahr recommends treatment with medicines to open constricted blood vessels and improve blood flow to the affected areas of the brain. He also advocates using Transcranial Doppler testing (TCD) to monitor patients' progress, which involves using sound waves to measure the speed of blood flow through the brain. The concept of dilating blood vessels to treat strokes is not commonly practiced by the medical community.

Dr. William Hammasfahr's patent is described as "A method for treatment of a disease comprising vasospasm or other symptom alleviable by smooth muscle relaxation and a vasodilator delivery system". https://patents.google.com/patent/US20020188202

Dr Hammesfahr’s practice was extensively examined and validated in 2003 and 2004 by Florida's Board of Medicine [1] [2] Special codes were created in the Medicare System for Dr Hammesfahr’s procedures and methods. Dr Hammesfahr’s clinic in Florida is in The Villages.

Education

Dr. Hammesfahr obtained his M.D. in 1982 from Northwestern University and completed his residency training at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond.

Terri Schiavo

Dr. Hammesfahr became the subject of public controversy in 2002 when he examined Terri Schiavo, the woman at the center of a debate in the United States about euthanasia. Testifying on behalf of Schiavo's parents, Hammesfahr argued that, contrary to majority medical opinion, which stated that Schiavo was in an irreversible persistent vegetative state, she was in a minimally conscious state and might recover. He testified that his treatment might improve her to the point of being able to communicate, a stand debated by the other neurologists involved in the case.[3]

Nobel Prize Nomination

Hammesfahr was nominated for a Nobel Prize by U.S. Representative Michael Bilirakis (R-FL)in 1990. [Nobel Prize#Nomination and selection]]." [4] Covered by Fox News and MSNBC hosts Sean Hannity[5] and Joe Scarborough, and [6] Pat Robertson on The 700 Club.[7][8] Nobel Prize Nomination Criteria

Dr. William Hammasfahr's patent is described as "A method for treatment of a disease comprising vasospasm or other symptom alleviable by smooth muscle relaxation and a vasodilator delivery system". [9]

Notes

1. William Hammesfahr M.D. -v- Department of Health, Board of Medicine (pdf)
2. https://caselaw.findlaw.com/fl-district-court-of-appeal/1062354.html
3. "Doctor testifies he could help Schiavo".
4. Letter seeking to nominate Dr. Hammesfahr for a Nobel prize, signed by U.S. Rep. Mike Bilirakis
5. Hannity & Colmes, Fox News Channel. March 21, 2005.
6. Scarborough Country, MSNBC, as well as
7. board, Clarence Page, a member of the Tribune's editorial. "The lessons we should learn from a medical tragedy". chicagotribune.com.
8. Peeling the Onion: Reversing the Ravages of Stroke ISBN 0-9765756-0-4 This 2005 Hammesfahr Institute associate's book (Sora Publishers) prominently declares on the cover: "Introduction by William M. Hammesfahr, M.D., 1999 Nobel Prize Nominee"
9. https://patents.google.com/patent/US20020188202