Brain Injury Support Group
Traumatic brain injury occurs when a sudden trauma causes brain damage. TBI can result from a closed head injury or a penetrating head injury. Symptoms of a TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the brain. Outcome can be anything from complete recovery to permanent disability or death. A coma can also affect a child's brain.
So I called my sons neurologist the other day and no call back and she normally calls back by end of day it took two days for someone to return my call and then they had told me that my sons neurologist had left the mind institute! I was in shock no phone call or anything this woman has been the person we have turned to for the past 3 and a half years since his injury I feel confused and lost! And kinda upset she didn't give any heads up to us! So does anyone have any tips when searching for a new neurologist? Keep in mind my son is young he's 5 and his injury was severe. Any tips would be greatly appreciated! I'm just so frustrated! Thanks again everyone
First, do you have copies of your son's records, copies of scans? You have a right to that info. Is your son on any medication?
I worked at a large hospital, I would call and ask right off for a Supervisor, don't let them put you off, they're always busy but this is not your fault you were left w/o a doctor....it is their fault. Is this a multi-doctor office, if so ask who is taking over the pediatric patients for the doctor who left, and if your son needs to be seen..make it known you want answers and action so your son has a continuim of care, medication issues need action asap!
If they are not responsive to you, if they don't set your son up with another doctor, I would go above their heads....administration at the institute. There may be a patient advocate that can help you too. These are phone calls I'd make as soon as possible and write down who you spoke with,date,time, it's hard to remember in times of emotional stress like this for anyone.
Just being proactive and easing your mind, have you called the Brain Injury Assoc recently in your state....having been with the same doctor for several years, the BIA could have new pediatric specialists and hopefully send you names and contact info.
I'm on the east coast so I'm going to end for now....gotta do some thinking about this, plus I hope the place is still open in your time zone, so if you can call and find out if they are going to help you with your son, and how soon if you need an appoitment for him.
We're here for you and your son, so keep us updated....vent...ask more questions. We Care!!