Hello there.

I'm reaching out here. I am still recovering from my most recent concussion (october, 2014). I have had two prior concussions to this one that were back to back... as in one on one day, and the next day another. All work related injuries.

Since this most recent injury I started a new job, was diagnosed with PTSD, and more. At first it seemed like I coped okay, but more recently I cant remember anything. I can't find words. Forget how things work. Forget where I am going. Sometimes I forget where I am or who I am. Depression/anxiety/insomnia/lethargy/dizziness/headaches/and much more. Those are what I live with on a daily basis.

I was seen at a occ health clinic and other than my sprained neck, broken nose, and swollen eye/broken glasses the Dr said to rest and it would take time.

Well, I got worse. So, I went back and then had to fight for any worker comp to pay for it. I fought for months. Got an MRI. I go see a physiatrist tuesday (tomorrow... wow! close!) and am nervous. I am hoping to get some info here. What will happen? I can't find anything online to help calm my anxieties. Any experiences anyone can share? Help?

ffmedic,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. I'm confused. Are you anxious about seeing the physiatrist or just your prolonged symptoms with PCS ?

WC is difficult with PCS since there is no definitive diagnosis protocol for PCS. A DTI MRI (Diffusion Tensor Image) can show signs of an organic injury. A Neuro Psychological Assessment will be very helpful.

The most important need for recovery is reducing cognitive stress. It also helps to provide the brain with proper nutrition. The Vitamins sticky at the top has good info. Read the whole first post or the later one with updates noted.

Your neck is an integral part of PCS. Good gentle upper cervical therapy is often a big help. Plus, disciplined head and neck posture during rest and sleep is important so the neck can heal properly. Many PCS symptoms are magnified by neck issues.

What kind of work are you currently doing ?

Thanks for a reply Mark. I have had anxiety since the last head injury. I was working in healthcare as s patient care tech. But...... Well..... Let's just sum up the past three weeks with: I got ambushed and escorted out of work and no longer have a job thanks to the pcs and PTSD. Oh well. I take a multi vitamin with iron, b complex, and I take prescription drugs to help manage the depression. But it's like nothing is really helping. I just got a call today that my physiatrist won't see me tomorrow. I have to wait for rescheduling. Who knows when I will get in now. It's frustrating. Have you had to deal with this?

Welcome ffmedic112.

medic,

You said "I take a multi vitamin with iron, b complex"

This is likely a very low dose compared to the needs of an injured brain. 2500 mcgs or more of B-12 would be good plus D-3, magnesium, and some others. Most common B complexes are very weak.

What state are you in ? You likely need the assistance of a Work Comp attorney who understands concussions and mTBI's.

What AD meds are you taking ?

Mark,

I have a workman comp nurse case manager right now, and they're doing what they can. I am pretty well on my own as far as the other job goes. I was forced to resign. So, until I can get the head situation straightened out, I am not looking for another job. Its too much to handle. I can't handle what is on my plate as it is.... and that's really not much.

As far as an antidepressants go: I am on 40mg viibryd and 25mg seroquel. I take the viibryd in the morning and the seroquel at night. But its not that great I think... but then when I have had to be off any meds its way worse. I see a mental health therapist. I was seeing her regularly, but now.... since I'm unemployed I won't be able to. Haven't been in two weeks and won't go again until next week.

What my other concern or question is, what is this first appointment going to be like? No one will give me any answers. I don't know what to expect. I have the MRI on disk here at home, but I don't understand what to look for and no report is attached to it.

What do you all do for your headaches? I take tylenol, but it doesn't even touch it. I don't want to be on narcs at all, but I want to be able to not have headaches. What should I do?

Thanks.

The physiatrist exam will be like any other MD. They are all different. I've been to three different Physiatrists. Two were helpful. One was not. But, they are usually better than neuros.

I have used ibuprofen, acetaminophen and aspirin. Aspirin and acetaminophen (Tylenol) combined are my go to head aches meds. They work very well together. My doctor recommended combining them both at maximum dose. Almost as good as narcs.

Did your depression predate your head injury ? WC should cover the mental health care if it was post head injury. The AD's you are on are not common. Haven't heard of anyone here using them. Is the mental health therapist and MD and prescribing them ? Some people need to try different meds to find the right ones for how their brain works.

I highly encourage you to get B-12 and D-3 going. B-12 is well know for it value with mental health. The amount in a B complex is just better than worthless and likely the wrong type.

Does your case manager appear to understand concussions and the overlap with neck injuries ?

My best to you.

Is the report on the cd with the MRI images , is there any text or Document files on it?

Just remember the work comp case manager works for WC, sometimes you get one that really wants to help you get well, but often they are there to limit costs of a claim...

No reports on the disk. I just got a call today from the case manager. New appointment next week. I'm looking forward to it. I just wish it was here already. Been waiting what seems like a lifetime. Does anyone on here improve? Get back to normal? Hope?

I'm in a similar situation and looking for some hope too. If you'd like, you can message me.