Icing should be better for her neck inflammation. Check the Vitamins sticky at the top for a recipe for making crushable/moldable ice packs at home. 15 minutes on, 30 off, then 15 on and repeat.

The skull should heal in 12 weeks but the damage to the skin layers can take much longer and leave her sensitive to contact. The injury to the brain can take much longer to heal. The healed fractured skull has little to do with her ability to work or her recovery.

Headaches from a head injury can last much longer that fractures. I have suffered for up to 6 to 9 months of recurring headaches after 2 different head impacts.

The neck is often a cause or contributor to headaches. Finding a specialist in whiplash and upper neck injuries is helpful. A Physiatrist, PT or upper cervical chiro or even an osteopath may be worthwhile. Remember, everybody has different skill levels regardless of their credentials. Most in the PCS community understand the need to find the doctor or other specialist who truly 'gets it.'

Her posture during rest and sleep is important to her neck. She needs to maintain good straight head and neck posture, 27/7. The ligaments in the upper neck take a long time to heal. Some gentle traction and light head rocking can help the upper cervical spine settle. A good PT can do this.

A neuro is not usually qualified to say whether she should return to work in this situation. The neuro will do a basic neuro exam and say she is fine. A Physiatrist will usually look at the bigger picture. If she is having any memory, cognitive or mental focus issues, a neuro psychologist is helpful.

As I said, a neuro rehab hospital or clinic is a good start. Weill Cornell and NYU Langone both look worthwhile.

I hope your attorney is one of the TBI specialists. NYC has some good ones.