[macdebbie]

I was in a car accident 2/20, and am still suffering PCS symptoms - mainly dizziness, headaches, trouble concentrating, memory problems, word finding problems.

I am back to work - 6 hours a day - but it is hard. I am exhausted at the end of the day. I am a financial advisor, so work with numbers on a computer all day. On top of that, I am stressed because my boss tells me that I am "a liability" and I had "better not make mistakes".

The neurologist I have is not a help. I ask for guidance as to what activities I can do, how to phase back into things (I am still not comfortable enough to drive again), and all he says is "do what you can - if it's too much, back off".

I want to find a new doc, but don't know what kind of doctor - do I need a neurologist? A neuropsychologist? Someone who does cognitive testing?

I live about an hour north of Boston, MA and there are some concussion/RBI clinics around, but most are for sports injuries. There was a Dr. Cantu recommended in Concord, MA who I called but he only sees sports injury cases.

There is a "concussion clinic" at Beth Israel in Boston, but I hate to have to go to Boston. I was hoping Lahey in Burlington had one, as I heard their neurology dept. is good, but they don't seem to.

Can anyone tell me what type of doctor might be able to help? I am frightened and frsutrated.

[Mark in Idaho]

Sometimes, a physiatrist can be helpful. Physiatrists are listed under Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. You currently qualify for employment status as Disabled under Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact your HR department and ask for assistance with getting Reasonable Accommodations. Your boss needs to back down and HR may be able to tell him about ADA.

If your insurance will allow you to be seen by a NeuroPsychologist, it would be worthwhile. A physiatrist may be able to recommend you to one who is good with mTBI.

Have you watched the You Look Good video series on You Tube ? Here is the link to the first segment. There are 6 segments that take about an hour total. John Byler works in the financial industry in Boston. His experience sounds a lot like yours. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9Xso...ature=youtu.be

My best to you.

[Concussion]

You had stated in your other post that the ER doc had given you more explanation etc. than others; you might give him a call, and ask if he knows of a Physiatrist or Neurologist more in tune with Concussions / PCS than the one you are currently seeing. And explain your previous attempts with Dr. Cantu's group already, since you did not suffer a Sport's injury.

Mark has directed you to a very good starting point for recovery; also check the links on the top of these threads and look into the one's from the Lawyer for more information; as well as Brainline.org.

All very helpful in getting started toward understanding and recovery .....

Best Wishes .....

[Mark in Idaho]

I can understand why Dr Cantu only treats sports concussions. Treating auto accident or work comp concussions can create a legal nightmare of being called as a witness to litigation. Sports concussions usually have limited liability because of signed releases.

[macdebbie]

Thak you for your help.

Sorry to be stupid - but that's how I feel these days - what "links on top of these threads" did you mean? The one that says "traumatic brain injury and post concussion syndrome"?

Unfortunately, I work for a very small company - 7 people. So I am not protected very well. No HR department, no Family Leave Act laws to help with time out.

I was able to use my sick and vacation time and was promised I could buy it back as PIP is paying my employer for it. But he just told me since they are only paying him 75%, I can only buy back 75% of my time. I will deplete that time very soon, and then even though PIP pays wage loss at 75%, I am sure I will be told to use my vacation time, which I don't want to, as I need my vacations, and we have paid trips we cannot cancel.

I appreciate the recommendations on how to find a good doctor. There is one other source I might try. A colleagure went to a talk by a local doctor on concussions in teens. Primarily sports related, but he might be a good resource as well for finding a neurologist.

Thanks again. It's nice to hear from people who understand....

[Concussion]

Just some quick links for ya from those top links:

Brain Injury Lawyers

Dr. Johnson's Online Book - guide

Brainline

[macdebbie]

What's the difference between a neurologist and a neuropsychologist?

[mouse1]

A neurologist is a medical doctor/consultant who specialises in neurological conditions and can diagnose problems and treat them with medication and give advise on conditions relating to the human nervous system. I haven't seen one of these.

A neuropsychologist is a specialist psychologist who is trained in the area of neurological conditions, but many concentrate on the area of brain injury. They can provide a battery of tests called a neuropsychological assessment that can indicate levels of cognitive impairment and advise on how to manage these. They can provide support around behaviour/fatigue management and provide counselling around the emotional impact of the condition. I have been supported by a neuropsychologist with advice on managing my PCS and return to work, I didn't require a neurological assessment.