do i wait?

[the-looking-glass]

u suffered concussion weeks ago, since then i have changed in my personality, tremor, fatigue, tiredness in the day, dizy spells etc and the list goes on, i havent been able to work and signed off (self employed) and partner is due to give birth so no income at present, universal credit is low- i want to apply for PIP but the neurologist apptm isnt until mid october, so should i wait for the apptm or apply for PIP with a copy of the letter? i need to know whats happening to me but the finances add more pressure

[Pairofboots]

Hi tlg, you could start the application process, but they don't consider an appointment letter to be evidenced. It is difficult to balance what is best. You could use any letters such as discharge letters, letters that document the injury, copies of your sick certificates. There is no guarantee that you will be granted PIP, but as it will probably take time, for a decision, you may have evidence by the time of assessment, or if you have to apply for a reconsideration, or even go to appeal.

I would give Headway helpline a call, they are not easy to contact at the moment, but I would persevere. Their contact details are pinned to this page.

🍀

[cat3]

You may be suffering from PCS (Post Concussion Syndrome) which can persist for weeks or months. Recovery is helped by lots of rest, healthy food, light exercise and good hydration - preferably with plain water.

For help with benefits the link below takes you to the 'Benefits and work' site which has clear information on how to tackle a claim and any problems you encounter.

benefitsandwork.co.uk/

Meanwhile, claim PIP with a note mentioning your upcoming neuro appt,

Good luck & best wishes, Cat...

[Painting-girl]

Sorry this has happened to you Looking glass - enormously hard to deal with money worries as well as the concussion. How and when did your concussion happen, and what work do you do - if you don't mind me asking?

It does sound like 'normal' post concussion, and a lot of it can clear up given time, if not all, but it can take months rather than weeks. Every brain injury is different and has a different trajectory, mine has been very long-lived, (but I'm older, which doesn't help apparently,) but some people's symptoms do clear up. As Cat says, rest up when you need to, and take regular ten minute breaks from phone and tv and light and noise once an hour. It's all a bit weird at first.

Glad you have a neurologist appointment, worth checking to see if they specialise in post concussion / mild traumatic brain injury, but see what they say.

It would be worth talking to the Headway helpline people before your neuropsychologist appointment so that you can get together useful stuff to take with you, and get some useful information about concussion from them. Headway are open office hours and their number is 0808 800 2244

Let us know how you get on