Annie,

I hope the neurologist you see has a better knowledge of concussion than you doctors so far. If they said "(which the docs keep telling me I will, owing to the mildness of my injury)" than they are way off base on concussion knowledge.

True concussion specialists know that the prognosis from a concussion has little to do with the intensity of the impact. It has more to do with symptoms. Each brain responds differently. You brain is likely a sensitive brain. I would not be surprised that your concussion came at a time when your progesterone levels were very low. Progesterone is a neuro-protectant.

By anecdotal observations, I believe this is why women can be so much more severely injured by a 'simple concussion.' In men, progesterone levels are consistent at the resting level of women's progesterone. In women, progesterone will flat line at or near zero for a few days per month.

Athletic women who have very light or absent periods can flat line their progesterone levels, thus putting their brains at risk.

Listen to your WC doc. If you are to take a break, take it. Most WC laws protect the job of injured workers. The WC doctor needs to be more explicit to your boss. A simple "Don't work" order can leave your boss thinking you are being a problem. The WC doc needs to explain your need to rest to heal and to not work to avoid any further risk to you.

Unfortunately, WC laws offer far more protection for the employer than they offer the employee. Be sure to stick up for yourself. You may want to find a WC attorney who understands head injuries. At least a bit of WC legal advice so you understand AZ WC laws will be good.

If you can in AZ, you should try to pick the doctor yourself. Some states allow the worker to choose their own doctor instead of the doctors who are selected by the WC insurance co who tend to know who pays their bills.

This is a tough situation. I know because I have been through this system in California. Good luck with WC.

My best to you.