Neuropsychiatrist or neurosurgeon? Whom should I consult next?
 

I am 6 months into PCS and thinking to consult a new doctor. I have seen 2 neurologists and my experience wasn't good at all. I understand there is no treatment for this and most doctors don't know much but still I want to get some opinion at least and know what's going on! Should I see a neuro psychiatrist or a neurosurgeon? Or a plain psychiatrist for that matter?

I was surprised to see when my physiatrist told me about concussions and how it has affected my body. She immediately recognised that I was brain injured when she saw me entering her cabin! At least she was tons better in knowledge when compared to a well known and renowned neurologist I last saw who was plain **** and blamed it all on my anxiety!

Very good question....I would like to know the same thing.

I just saw a neuropsychologist 3 weeks ago who did about 4 hours of tests. I'm actually getting my results tomorrow so I'll let you know if it was helpful. My neurologist is reviewing them with me. He says he will develop a treatment plan with those results in mind.

From what I have read, the sooner a person gets to see a neuropsychologist the better. They can determine what types of cognitive issues you are having and it helps with your treatment plan. I'm not getting my hopes to high because I have read on this site that they scored pretty well but still have a lot of symptoms.

I am almost 6 months pcs too. I was in a bad car accident in May. Totaled my car--I walked away with very little visible injuries just my brain very shaken up!

I still have short term memory loss, difficulty with attention and concentration, headaches (they are daily but not as severe), and major fatigue. I'm working part time now. My brain has trouble shutting off so I feel like I think the same thing over and over again. It's pretty annoying.

I'm not sure at what point you would be referred to a neurosurgeon. I wish you well!

I suggest seeing a physiatrist, a specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. A physiatrist will usually have access to a neuropsychologist if you need one.

Please note that I did not say a psychiatrist or psychologist. A psychiatrist is an MD who treats mental illness and can prescribe drugs. A psychologist is a Ph.D. or Psych.D. who treats psychological issues and can not prescribe drugs. A Neuro-Psychologist is a specialized psychologist with extra training in diagnosing brain dysfunctions (not mental illness)


A physiatrist is an M.D. They are often affiliated with a rehabilitation hospital. Look for them in the phone book under Physicians and Surgeons in the heading Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Thanks Mark. I think I need to see one soon. I yell at my family members over small things and realise later that something is not right with me. I am constantly irritated and angry at others for no obvious reason. I feel trapped and angry of what life has become. Sorry for being so negative I badly need to vent. I dont want to get on any antidepressants anymore but just want to heal and come out of this **** as fast as possible! Sorry I know these are not healthy thoughts while recovering but I suddenly feel terrible

I would agree with Mark with the exception that I do not get the point of a Physical Medicine doc... mine has done nothing really... she is more of a gatekeeper of treatment... she acts more like an advocate... if you can advocate for yourself I would suggest just the neuropsych

A neurosurgeon isn't indicated unless there is a aneurysm, bleeding, clotting or some other physical problem within the brain that requires surgical intervention, which is very unlikely after six months.

What did your physiatrist advise? Mine ordered a neuropsychological assessment from a clinical neuropsychologist and then tailored my therapies based on deficit areas identified. I'd start there since she seemed to recognize your symptoms being related to the mTBI.