[Bruins88]

Anyone ever been to a physiatrist for pcs? Im getting fed up with my neurologist, as things arent improving at all. Ive had a few recommendations to see a physiatrist from a few people. Evidently a guy around here who is a physiatrist runs a TBI clinic. Only problem is the wait is 3 months out, but possible I could get in early due to connections.

What would a physiatrist do differently then my neurologist is doing?

["Starr"]

I see a physiatrist (rehab medicine specialist) and have been since about 6 months after my injury... I'm now at about 2.5 years post injury.

I only just saw a neurologist for the first time about 3 weeks ago.

In my case, the only reason I was sent to the neurologist was to investigate the possibility of Botox for managing my head pain, as my physiatrist does not do Botox for head pain (he does Botox for some other conditions).

My physiatrist (and his nurse) has managed my rehab all along, I've met with him pretty much every 6-8 weeks, he's tried various meds to manage my head pain, he referred me to physio to work on my gait issues, he arranged for my neuropysch exam, he gave me a referral to a rehab psychologist that I see monthly, also to an occupational therapist that did a home assessment and assisted with pacing strategies.

3 months is not a very long wait, IMO... people here wait a much longer time to see this particular physiatrist assuming he will even allow them into the program (you have to meet the criteria)... I was really fortunate and only waited 6 weeks. The nurse does an intake interview over the phone and I passed (or failed, depending how you look at it) and qualified for immediate admittance which got me in so quickly.

So I can't speak to what results you might get from a physiatrist versus a neurologist, but I've been happy with my particular physiatrist for sure, even if I've not improved hardly at all in 2.5 years. Its certainly no reflection on him or his care.

Starr

[Mark in Idaho]

A physiatrist would be worthwhile. They are usually focused on working with your condition/symptoms rather than trying to identify a cause. Many have had good results with physiatrists. Worth the wait.

[Sitke]

Yes, it would be worthwhile to see a physiatrist, I've been seeing one for a few months and he is very understanding thank God.

He has sent me to various places to help with this pain and works with another Dr who is sending me for tests to try and pin point where the pain is actually coming from.

He also writes prescriptions.

[ginnie]

I see a physiatrist. She thinks outside the box. I also receive acupuncture and pain medications as needed. This would be a great direction for you to go. ginnie