Annie,

Welcome to NT. Sorry for your reason for being here but you are in the right place.

Your experience with doctors is not uncommon. All of your symptoms are classic PCS. Your head impacts the past few years are all adding up to your current symptoms. It is called Multiple Impact Syndrome. Your brain has become sensitized to any impact.

The research shows that 'subconcussive' impacts can be just as damaging as the more serious impacts. Subconcussive impacts are head hits that do not cause immediate symptoms. They have a cumulative effect.

I wish I could help you with getting medical care. There is not much that can be done with PCS/MIS. Sometimes, a knowledgeable doctor will prescribe a low dose (10mg per day) of amitriptyline (Elavil). It is a tri-cyclic anti-depressant than helps with some PCS symptoms.

Work Comp is a challenge with PCS. If you can get assessed by a Neuro-psychologist with good experience with PCS, you may get lucky and Work Comp will help you. Since the last impact was at work, WC is a good direction to go.

It is hard to find a Neuro-psych in northern AZ. Frances Margaret Robbins, LP; PHD is in Flagstaff. She is affiliated with a Rehab hospital there so likely has experience with head injuries.

You will benefit from writing a journal. If you can, list the prior impacts and any symptoms that you may remember. Then list the more problematic symptoms after this recent impact at work.

Try to avoid 'feelings' type of symptoms. It is better to list how you function, like, can't focus, sensitive to noise or light, memory problems, headaches that interfere with ability to think, lose focus and 'space out,' Etc. You may struggle to understand your symptoms and describe them in words. This is not uncommon. Just do your best.

An unremarkable CT is normal for PCS. There is no imaging system that can routinely image damage from a concussion. The symptoms are mostly within the neuro-psych spectrum.

It will be worth it to drive a distance to be seen by someone who understands concussion. Professionals who understand concussion are hard to find. It may help to pre-screen any doctors you see. Call and ask if Dr ??? has experience with persistent symptoms from concussion.

Many doctors do not believe a concussion will cause persistent symptoms. You need to avoid them. You need to be cautious to avoid any doctors who may put comments in your medical record that you are malingering or have somatoform disorder or are a 'head case.' Bad comments in your medical record can be difficult to overcome.

With diligence (hard with a concussion, I know) you can get the care and diagnostics you need.

My best to you.