Concussion
 

My husband had a concussion a year ago from work injury (fall). His feet flew up and the 1st thing that hit was the back of his head. His employer told him that he was fine and he drove himself home.

We have taken him to the hospital 3 times with CT scans done - all negative. We just got Workers Comp to approve MRI which was done today and it was negative also.

We now have to go to court to fight for financial benefits. This is going to be difficult with the MRI being negative. Are there other tests that we can have done? I have heard an EEG or neuropsychological tests. Would you suggest the same?

CT and MRI are ineffective scans for the intricate injuries of concussion.

Courts will ask for them anyway. WCB does too. The results are then used against you but you still need to have them. Sad but true. It's because at the present time we have nothing better to use for scans.

EEG would be useful only if he is having seizure activity. Even then it has to occur right when the EEG is performed. Otherwise it too will show negative and the courts will use that against you.

Neuropsych testing is pricey and you must do your homework to find one who has worked with concussion and PCS because not all of them are educated about it. Mine was not at all educated about PCS and WCB paid him handsomely for their desired report.

Get a fantastic lawyer and prepare for a long battle. Although it sounds like (and I believe) you 100% have a case, everyone else has their own interests at heart. All I'm saying is the person "in the right" doesn't always win the fight. Stay strong.

cungham89,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Sorry to hear about your husband.

MsRriO is right about getting a good NeuroPsychological Assessment from someone who understands concussions. Most have a bias against long term symptoms from concussions.

There is some excellent information at www.tbilaw.com and www.subtlebraininjury.com

What are your husband's symptoms ?
What diagnosis and treatments have been done ?
Where do you live ?
Different locations have different services available.

A Diffusion Tensor Image MRI or fMRI ( functional MRI ) can sometimes prove helpful if you have access to them.

Your husband may also have an undiagnosed and untreated upper neck injury. The joint between C-1/atlas and the occiput (base of the skull) may be damaged and unstable. It can cause muscle spasms and inflammation that lead to head aches and a myriad of symptoms.

We are here to help. Please feel free to share.

My best to you.