I take exception to Marilee's recommendation of getting to a neurologist. While this may sound like the logical thing to do, Marilee was very fortunate to find a neurologist who has some level of understanding of Post Concussion Syndrome.

I have been seen by many neurologists. Only 2 out of at least 12 or 15 had a decent understanding of concussion. The wrong neurologist can start a medical record that can follow your quest for help and get in the way of future help. The riskiest neurologist in my opinion, is the one who works in a large multi-specialty group practice or HMO.

I am talking of the clinics of group that share access to medical records. If the family practice and ob/gyn and neurologist, etc. all have access to your complete records, the wrong label or diagnosis can block you access to further care.

In my case, one doctor diagnosed my as somatoform disorder. This can mean three different things. His symptoms are unexplainable, his symptoms are likely made up (psycho-somatic or hypochondriac) or we recognize his symptoms but can not reach a definitive diagnosis. The first two can leave you in limbo land or worse. The last can hopefully leave a chance at further diagnostic work.

After one doctor in my HMO diagnosed me as somatoform, my access to further help shut down. I spent my own money to get further diagnostic work but even then, my health care company (HMO) refused to even consider my private doctor's diagnosis.

So, if your are going to see a neurologist, get a referral to a neuro who has a true understanding of concussion. This will be a difficult but important task. If litigation is involved, do not do this wiithout the advice of your attorney.

My recommendation for early on is to learn to recognize your symptoms. The TBI Guide is a good startat helping you understand them. Telling a doctor that you don't feel right or feel dizzy or confused is too subjective. If you can better define the specific symptoms (but not in medical terms), the doctors can put a better picture together. Using medical terms creates a risk of being rejected by doctors who do not like patients doing self-diagnosis. The modern term for this is cyber-chondriac.

Instead, say:

I get stuck trying to find a simple word. I might know what I want to say but can't get the word to my lips. This has never happened to me before as often as it happens now.

The bright lights overwhelm me.

The voice of multiple people talking at the same time causes me to become disoriented.

If I try to watch TV, I can not pick out the dialogue from the common noises in the house like the heater fan, etc.

Try to define any specific situations where your symptoms get worse. Morning, at the mall, after trying to read, etc.

It also helps if you can bring a family member with you to explain what they observe. They can also take notes for later reference.

And, DO NOT SOUND LIKE YOU ARE WHINING or grumbling. A journal can help take the whine out of your presentation of symptoms to the doctor.