Hi everyone,

Had a few questions that I hope others that have gone through this can help me with.
In June 2015 I was injured at work. A tomography scan indicated that I had a severe concussion, brain swelling and a sprained neck. After workman's comp sent me to 5 different physicians I was finally sent to a neurologist. Working with the neurologist, then in Oct. he said I could go back to work PT with limitations and I should also see a neuropsychiatrist, diagnodis- PTSI. WC took about 2 months to find neuropsychiatrist, at which time I had been back to work a month with all my symptoms still hard core and effecting day to day life. Neuropsychiatrist changed meds, made a world of difference, diagnosis- PCS and ADD.

coworker would constantly make snide and off handed remarks about my injury and symptoms, blame me for all wrong things she found, criticize my professional and personal life. Work put me in a office next to a mechanic bay with all their loud machines.
Work has talked to me about missing work or leaving early for dr. appts. Neuropsychiatrist says I should find new job that stress from job could be making symptoms worse, prolonging recovery.
New diagnosis talked about- social anxiety disorder and form of ADD when I found out and questioned neuropsychiatrist of why ADD wasn't put on workman's comp file and they denied Adderall med. I assume this is on top of PCS.

Current meds: Adderall, Cymbalta and Valium and vitamins. A routine that I pieced together from reading other PCS survivor stories and the meds seemed to alliviate a lot of the symptoms to carry on day to day.
Then I got "normal sick" and my meds don't seem to work or no where as they used to. Its like all my symptoms have come back, carrying on day to day is difficult. Previous routine has halted since sickness and is too much to do right now. Neuropsychiatrist upped dosage of cymbalta.

Has others found that after a virus, their meds don't work as well as before?

Has finding different employment eased your symptoms? How has new employer taken to the symptoms?

Has others found their diagnosis changing?

Have others been diagnosed with ADD after brain injury?
Before injury no dr had diagnosed me ADD, was on honor roll in highschool, pilot program between highschool and area tech school. Completed associates degree semester early while intern for President of the college's and Registrar's office, on dean's list and worked PT to FT.

Current Symptoms: Migraines- 3 to 4 a month. Constant headache, varying levels throughout day, dizziness, nausea, left eye pain (same side as injured head), no clarity, can't focus, can't concentrate, memory loss, confusion, emotional- crying spells and frustration, shoulder/arm pain and tingling (same side as injured head), insomnia, blood in ear during sickness, extreme exhaustion- mental, physical and emotional.

Duste,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Sorry to hear you are struggling so.

My first thought is you need a Work Comp attorney to help with your case. For some help understanding the issues from a legal perspective, check out http://tbilaw.com/ and http://subtlebraininjury.com/ and http://www.concussionhelp.com/ The way you have been treated is not uncommon.
Here is a NC attorney who does mTBI and WC. http://www.wardblacklaw.com/practice...c/head-trauma/

Your symptoms suggest that the doctors treating you are hired hacks who routinely work WC cases.

Are you being treated by a neuro-psychiatrist or a neuro-psychologist ?

It sounds like you need to be seen by a Neuro-Psychologist for a Neuro-Psych Assessment. (NPA)

The ADD diagnosis is likely a misdiagnosis. I would even say it is a gross misdiagnosis. You are more likely suffering from high distractibility due to concussion. This is a common PCS symptoms because the concussed brain can struggle to ignore the many sensory stimulations in your work area.

Adderal will not help with PCS distractibility. Some are concerned that it is counter to the rest your brain needs.

The Adderalll and Valium work in opposition to each other. One is an upper/stimulant (amphetamine). The other is a downer. (benzo). My psychiatrist would not even let me have caffeine with a benzo.

I have far more to comment but this is a start for you to consider. Just know that all of your current symptoms are concussion oriented. You need better care and more time to heal.

My best to you.

Mark,

I appreciate very much your reply. And am thankful for your insight.
I do have a WC attorney. I got them in November when I felt it was unjust that WC had taken over 2 months to find neurologist's referral for a neuropsychiatrist. I'm not sure of their experience in brain injury cases. I've never had to hire a lawyer before and didn't know what to look for, so I unfortunately went by reviews.

So far they have secured a WC check along with my employer paycheck. I went from a salaried position of over 2000 plus commission to current position of 10.50. Other than that they said they could appeal WC decision to deny one of my meds. And this is a sort of a wait and see until WC decides they have had enough and offers me either a monetary settlement or a medical settlement allowing me to receive care for injury for rest of my life. I still believe it should be both, since there is no way for me to recoup lost wages and meager savings spent through out this.

What is your advice for receiving better medical care? The lawyer says I have no choice in my doctors that it is entirely up to WC. After the neurologist fully releases me, I can then request a 2nd opinion but WC only values 1st neurologist opinion anyways. And any new requests for other doctors has to come from doctors I currently have.

Work has also cut my health insurance since I'm no longer full time, so even seeing a regular family doctor for any non injury related illness is out of the question.

Went to neurologist today because of symptoms coming back. He showed no shame in voicing disappointment since I had a month of no severe migraines. Disregarded all of my symptoms but migraines and headaches and gave me a script for imatrex(sp). Explained symptoms worsened at work and he said I had to take that up with employer. Explained I had and they basically said that I had to find a way to deal or find employment elsewhere. He just shrugged and walked out of room.

I'm scared to keep going at the 30 hrs he has me at for fear that my symptoms will continue to worsen.

Duste

Duste,

Again, my first impression is you need a better attorney. Or, your current attorney needs to read the law websites I posted earlier.

You did not mention whether you are being treated by a neuro-PSYCHIATRIST or a neuro-PSYCHOLOGIST. The neuro-psychiatrist is an MD who can prescribe meds. A neuro-psychologist is a PhD and cannot prescribe meds in most states. You need to be seen by a neuro-psychologist for your mind functions, not your headaches.

Neuro-rehabilitation hospitals or clinics often have neuro-psychologists on staff.

What meds are they denying ? Are you still taking the Adderall ?

Regarding your paychecks, they are usually tax free so they are take home with no deductions.