Should you expect much from Neurologists?
 

So I finally got around to seeing one, as I still suffer from headaches (albeit, far more minor than before), some nausea sometimes and fatigue. I had to wait over 3 months to get the appointment and no offence to him, he was a nice guy, but I didn't really get any information. He re-assured me there was no actual damage in the MRI scan, (but thats always the case), diagnozed me with suffering from post concussion and said that my symptoms should disappear within a year. No advice on how to rest and improve them, if I should push through the symptoms I get, avoid screens, avoid stress, nothing of that nature.

He said if the symptoms hadn't calmed down further within 6 months go back... but I'm not really sure what the help would be in that instance. At least I was cleared to get back to training in the pool, so thats something I'll look forward to.

Tbh I did expect a bit more inside information from the neurologist.

You are fortunate the neuro did not just say. "You should have recovered by now. You must just be struggling with anxiety. Here's a prescription."

That has happened to many.

Pretty much everyone on here said this would be the case. But I still had my hopes up for a result. You must wonder, they have to see so many concussions of this nature they do believe they get better within 12 months naturally.

He did recommend anti depressents to reduce the symptoms, but I just don't feel adding more possible issues is going to help.

What did you expect him to do ?

There is no standard comprehensive treatment for PCS.

You just treat each symptom. Some symptoms are not treatable.

Oh, I didn't really expect him to do anything. But more insight on the nature of the injury itself, expectations, what limitations to put on myself (if I should try and push through the symptoms etc) would have been useful. In short, you can learn as much (or a lot more) browsing on here as you can seeing a neurologist was my experience.

I have the same question about whether or not I should push through my symptoms - I think I've found the answer for myself that pushing "through" them is not helpful. I still wonder if I should push up to my limit and stop, or if I should back off and stay back away from the limit.

For example, if I can walk 1/4 mile now, should I do that every day? Or should I back off my walking to, say, 1/8 mile in order to rest my brain and stay relatively symptom-free and check back once a week or so on whether or not I can now make it to 1/2 mile?

Advice welcome - thanks!

Jenn

I didn't have a great experience with my neurologist either. He could tell me that I was suffering from post-concussion syndrome but didn't have concrete steps to help me improve.

I had much better success with a physiatrist - specialist in rehab and physical medicine. My physiatrist was able to refer me to several helpful services.