Andi,

Sorry to hear of your difficulties. You have come to the right place for help and understanding.

First, listen to you body. It is telling you it is mentally exhausted. It is not uncommon to have limits of just an hour or two of focused work. Doing telesales is far more intense than focused work. My wife has done some in call centers here in Idaho. It takes a very strong and healthy brain.

Tele-surveys are much easier to do. They are much less intense.

Your difficulty remaining on track of a thought is common. I finally found that I do best using the computer as my short term memory. I read what I have typed and can get back on track usually.

It sounds like you need to have a neuro-psych assessment. Especially before taking on a school schedule. You will likely have very poor retention until you recover more and learn some work-arounds and other accommodations.

I would be very careful about hair school. Your brain will likely be much more sensitive to chemicals, both inhaled and absorbed through the skin. The chatter of a salon may also prove to be exhausting auditorily. After some time of healing, you might try experiencing time with the chemicals of a salon.

I get my hair cut in a unisex salon. I need to be there during quiet times or ask the stylist to limit the chatter. Fortunately, it is only a two chair salon.

As you struggle with disability pay, check to see if it is taxable. It usually is not taxable so the take home is not 40% less, more like a 10 to 20% less. Check to see if your state has a Brain Injury Trust Fund that can help. Some states have vocational rehabilitation departments that can help with retraining.

Don't be afraid or too proud to ask for help. Help now can prevent much more serious problems later. Hope for the best but plan for the worst.

I am surprised that you did not get a follow up CT. Early CTs are not all they are sold to be. Most concussion damage does not show up on a CT until the third day. Fortunately, if you have made it this long, you don't likely have a need for a follow-up CT.

You greatest risk now is a Second Concussion. You need to avoid any risky activities and be sure to be seat belted in. My wife and I purposely found a car with side curtain airbags to protect my brain. Second Impact Syndrome can be deadly and Multiple Impact Syndrome can lead to a life of disability.

Let us know how we can help you.

My best to you.