[recoveringacademic]

Hello,

I've been on this website for a while but this is my first post. I sustained a concussion in early August of 2019. I was rushing to catch a train and ran (face first) into a sign on the platform. I did not black out. Even though my head hurt, I was very embarrassed and rushed to work. I iced my head as best I could and kept going. I eventually saw my primary doctor who diagnosed a concussion, but only suggested rest. Over the next 9 months, I saw a neurologist (migraine treatment didn't work), concussion specialist (physiatrist), and neuro optometrist (completed 4-5 months of vision therapy). I’ve been on and off and back on disability, as the pandemic has made screen use for my job unavoidable. I should mention that I’ve had an extremely difficult time distancing myself from the stress of my job (even while on disability). My main lingering symptom is that I cannot do anything visually stimulating (computer, phone, TV, reading, riding in a car) for more than 25-45 minutes without a burning headache (cluster headache?), that sometimes turns into a deep, dull throbbing.

I recently saw a neuropsychologist who believes my recovery will not continue without further intervention. I'm scheduled to begin testing with him next week. He plans to do blood work, additional imaging, and functional brain mapping; and then use those findings to perform some neuromodulation procedures. Has anyone here had experience with brain mapping and/or neuromodulation? Even though I've met my high deductible, the doctor’s office wants to charge me a ~$300 institution fee for the brain mapping and I also fear the modulation treatments will not be covered. I don't mind paying these fees if this will actually help my recovery, but I've already spent a significant amount of money on treatments that have been ineffective, so I'm wondering if anyone can speak to the effectiveness of brain mapping and neuromodulation??