What Medical Professionals Say!

Neuropathic Pain: a Clinical Guide to Diagnosis is a practical volume written by a master clinician and pain specialist. Dr. Robert Schwarzman redefined Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (aka CRPS) with nuanced elaboration on other forms of neuropathic pain, from molecules to pain behavior. This book is a body of knowledge culminating in decades of experience diagnosing and treating neuropathic pain by an astute and compassionate observer. The book is equally valuable for all physicians who deal with pain, including physiatrists, neurologists, and general medicine physicians.

Sayed Ausim Azizi, MD, PhD, FANA
Department of Neurology
Yale University School of Medicine.

Dr. Robert Schwartzman stood at the forefront of the field of neurology. He was renowned for his unrivaled expertise in evaluating, treating, and diagnosing conditions associated with neuropathic pain. With a vast wealth of knowledge backed by years of experience, Dr. Schwartzman cemented his position as an indisputable leader in his field. This is another of his books that proves it. This book about neuropathic pain is a must-read by everybody interested in this subject matter.

G. Peter Gliebus, MD FAAN,
Associate Professor, Academic Chair of Neurology
Drexel University College of Medicine.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to observe many examiners in Neurology, but no one has taught me more than Dr. Schwartzman, my chairman, for more than 25 years. With each Chairman's Rounds, there was something he taught me, along with the rest of the audience. Dr. Schwartzman was the consummate examiner and diagnostician; nowhere was this more evident than in his approach to neuropathic pain. His academic and thoughtful approach to the diagnosis and treatment of neuropathic pain is unparalleled. He has captured his decades of experience in writing this monumental work dedicated to diagnosing neuropathic pain. It is truly a gift to the medical community and will be an essential read for anyone caring for patients with neuropathic pain.

Terry Heiman-Patterson, MD
Professor of Neurology
Director Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine

Dr. Schwartzman was the greatest clinical teacher I have ever met. His method, warmth, and vast knowledge were unparalleled. All of us still repeat his sayings or aphorisms, which were tremendously helpful as a teaching tool but also colorful and funny. I had the privilege of being one of his Chief Residents. Six months that helped shape me and in which I learned and grew tremendously. Work was punctuated by our Friday evening meetings to debrief and talk about the previous week, the future, and life in general. I consider Dr. Schwartzman my principal mentor.

I will never forget him, and still tell my children about the great teacher who helped me become a neurologist and a better doctor.

Victor C. Urrutia, MD, FAHA
Professor of Clinical Neurology
Director, The Johns Hopkins Hospital Comprehensive Stroke Center
Director, Sheikh Khalifa Stroke Institute
JHMI Medical Director
Director, Global Center for Organized Stroke Care

Dr. Schwartzman's teachings are exceptional pearls of wisdom: the knowledge and astute examination skills he taught, as well as his insights about life in general. He helped me become a good doctor and a good person.

He said medicine is a profession where you get to help people every day, and the added benefit is that you get paid for it!

Rohini Bhole, MD
Associate Professor
Department of Neurology
University of Virginia
Drexel Neurology Residency Graduate 2014

I was privileged to serve under Dr. Schwartzman as a chief resident at Drexel Univ College of Medicine. The knowledge base he provided enabled me to open my own practice specializing in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. His teachings carry me through my days as I often refer to his published papers and books. As a result, my patients benefit profoundly, and I am blessed with a very rewarding career. This book contains a treasure of knowledge that is an indispensable reference and a gift to all physicians.

Lara Edinger, DO
Edinger Pain Management
10921 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1109
Los Angeles, CA, 90024-4005

What a gift to have this manuscript left behind by such a highly respected neurologist and master diagnostician. Dr. Schwartzman taught me the wealth of information to be gleaned from the subtleties of a careful physical exam. Neuropathic Pain: a Clinical Guide to Diagnosis offers those seeking expert guidance a way to fill the void created by the passing of a generous scholar and tireless advocate of the patient suffering from neuropathic pain.

Lynn Durmala, FNP-BC

Dr. Schwartzman had a brilliant gift of quickly assessing patients in a way that few others could because of his comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of the neurological system, yet in a compassionate and caring manner. Through my interactions with patients, I heard countless stories of his astounding ability to thoroughly diagnose conditions that puzzled patients' prior caregivers as they struggled with debilitating pain. He was always professional, knowledgeable, and kind - a rare physician with a blend of these admirable qualities.

I had the honor of knowing Dr. Robert Schwartzman as a patient initially, who, after a long search, was able to provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment. He became a wonderful mentor from whom I learned so much, attending his pain clinics for a decade. Through this mentorship, I then provided physical therapy for many of his patients with complex regional pain syndrome and brachial plexus traction injuries.

Finally, Dr. Schwartzman loved to share and teach what he discovered through decades of practice and research. I strongly believe that the insights conveyed in this book will continue to aid clinicians in diagnosing and understanding neurological pain disorders.

Irene Connolly, PT, MS
Owner Cedars Therapy, LLC

“Standing on the shoulders of Giants”
Dr. Schwartzman was the most influential mentor I have had in my career. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of neurology (and everything else!), sage-like wisdom, and a great sense of humor! I am honored and privileged to be counted among his residents and chief residents. In the Winter of 2008, as I navigated the neurology residency interview trail, Drexel University/Hahnemann University Hospital was an interview I will never forget. I remember watching in awe and admiration as Dr. Schwartzman, the Neurology Maestro he was, masterfully conducted Neurology Grand Rounds. In this exact manner, every morning during Morning Report, Dr. Schwartzman, taught us how to use key pieces of the history and neurologic exam to precisely localize neurologic lesions as well as formulate a sophisticated differential diagnosis. "Age and Chief Complaint" became a statement all of his residents became familiar with. To this day, I continue to use the classical neurology teachings of Dr. Schwartzman in the evaluation of patients and in teaching my trainees. This book will be an invaluable resource to all who consult it, for it contains the distilled wisdom of an Academic Giant and one of the most talented Neurologists of our time, Dr. Robert J. Schwartzman.

Gilbert Mbeo MD
Assistant Professor, University of Central Florida
Board Certified in Adult Neurology, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Board Certified in Neurocritical Care, United Council of Neurologic Subspecialties
Board Certified in lnterventional Pain Management, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Neurologist, Neurointensivist , and lnterventional Pain Management Specialist