Workers in New York State experienced 129,000 workplace injuries, including 223 fatal injuries, in 2020, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you are like many injured workers, you might wonder, “what doctor should you see after a workers’ comp injury in New York?” The answer depends on your type of injury.
Head injuries can occur for a variety of reasons , according to OSHA, especially if employees do not use recommended or required safety equipment such as hard hats. You might sustain a traumatic brain injury if you suffer:
- An impact while operating heavy machinery or a motor vehicle.
- A fall from a ladder or scaffolding.
- Impacts with falling objects.
If you sustained a head or spinal injury from your workplace incident, visit a neurologist as soon as possible.
What Will a Neurologist Do for You After a Workplace Incident?
While many doctors, including chiropractors, orthopedists, doctors of physical medicine, and general practitioners, can help people who suffer workplace injuries, finding a qualified neurologist is an invaluable investment in your livelihood and quality of life:
Protect your Health
A neurologist can identify and treat brain and spinal cord injuries that, if left undetected, can lead to long-term health problems and reduce your quality of life.
- Traumatic brain injuries can lead to long-term disabilities.
- Traumatic brain injuries can interfere with memory, concentration, and other essential workplace skills.
- Spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis, loss of coordination, and other debilitating injuries.
- An injury to the brain or spinal cord makes you susceptible to subsequent injuries.
- Brain and spinal cord injuries can drastically increase health care costs, especially in young workers, who are prone to workplace injuries.
Provide Peace of Mind and the Chance to Plan for the Future
When you first enter the waiting room of a worker’s comp injury doctor’s office, you might feel uncertainty or fear about what comes next. A diagnosis by a neurologist can help you navigate the path toward taking back your life and returning to work. A neurologist can answer questions such as:
- How soon can I return to work?
- Will my symptoms or disability be permanent?
- What can I do to regain as much function as possible?
- Where can I find support in the community?
Your neurologist can work with your physician and physical medicine specialist to provide holistic, integrated treatment for your injuries.
Support for Your Medical, Legal, and Workers’ Comp Claims
A neurologist can screen workers who suffer injuries on the job for nervous system injuries. An accurate diagnosis of an injury can help you obtain the following:
- Workers’ compensation benefits
- A just settlement for workplace injury
- Disability benefits
- Appropriate health insurance coverage for treatment
- Rehabilitation and care during the recovery period
- Protection from subsequent injuries
The question, “What doctor should you see after a worker’s comp injury in New York?” might not have one answer, but if you suspect that your injury might have involved your head or spinal cord, a neurologist should be at the top of your list.
Types of Workplace Injuries that Could Cause a Traumatic Brain Injury
According to the CDC, around 1.5 million Americans survive traumatic brain injuries each year. Any form of trauma that could affect the function of the brain can classify as a traumatic brain injury. See a neurologist for an evaluation if you experienced:
- A fall in which you landed on your head, neck, or back
- An impact from a failing object
- Exposure to fumes or smoke that deprived your brain of oxygen
- Drowning or submersion injuries
- Workplace violence
Why Other Doctors Might Miss Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury or Spinal Cord Injuries
General practitioners, orthopedists, and other medical professionals do not necessarily have the specialized training to conduct neurological assessments, interpret neuroimaging findings, and recommend treatments for neurological conditions.
Orthopedists focus on bones and joints but might not be able to detect nerve damage, impingement, and inflammation.
Chiropractors aim to improve spinal alignment and nerve function but do not necessarily have the qualifications to administer neurological tests or interpret brain scans.
Specialists in physical medicine can treat joint pain, muscle pain, weakness, stiffness, and other issues. They will be essential if you need physical therapy to restore mobility and muscle strength during recovery from brain and spinal cord injuries.
However, if any of these conditions result from nerve or brain damage, they might eventually refer you to a neurosurgeon or neurologist for further treatment.
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury or Spinal Cord Injury
If you suffered an injury to your head, neck, or back and are not sure whether the injury has affected your brain or spinal cord, ask yourself these questions based on the Mayo Clinic’s description of common signs of TBI and SCI:
- Do you have recurring headaches or backaches?
- Do you experience pain or numbness in your arms or legs?
- Do you have difficulty concentrating, initiating tasks, staying on task, or remembering things?
- Do you feel moody, depressed, or short-tempered since your injury?
- Has your injury affected your coordination or has your balance worsened since your injury?
You might not be aware of some of the changes in your behavior. Ask a trusted friend or relative if they noticed any changes. You might have an undiagnosed traumatic brain injury in need of medical treatment
Make an Appointment With the Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C.
Are you still asking, “What doctor should you see after a workers’ comp injury in New York?” Speak to a workers’ comp doctor who understands traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the greater the risk that your injury will be permanent and the longer your recovery time will likely be.
Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C. can help. We strive to help workplace injury victims identify and treat neurological injuries as soon as possible to prevent long-term disability.
Make an appointment through our website or call us at any of our locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island, Queens, and Nassau County. Our doctors accept workers’ compensation insurance, no-fault, PIP, and other health insurance plans. Same-day appointments may be available.
Book an Appointment! Same-day appointments may be available.
