Hi, Becca,I can certainly relate to your concern and stress level about this diagnosis and your iffy experience with workman's comp. This is a rough time in your life. But keep smiling: you have a good diagnosis and a rational treatment, and while it will take a while to settle in on the correct dosage of Botox that you will need, things should be getting better for you.
I suspect your Neurologist told you much of what I'm saying, but you may not have been prepared to get it all, so I'll put in writing for you.
The "E" in BEB means Essential, a medical term for "it is its own cause". So the WC Dr. was right, it was not caused by your job, only aggravated by stress. Your full treatment must include some stress management methods. The cause of the specific symptoms we all get is a 7th cranial nerve that goes wacky for whatever reason, misfiring at random. The Botox actually does nothing for the nerve, but paralyses the muscles the nerve controls, so they won't go wacky too. For a time. Eventually the muscles heal, and you start over. Until the researchers find a better treatment, this is what we all go through.
I have never had to deal with Workman's Comp or Soc. Sec. disability - I have always been able to manage working - so I can't speak for those issues.
Stress management? Come here to this BB as frequently as you need to, and let off steam. You will find several people who are in similar situations, and they know how you feel and what you're experiencing. Some of us have special techniques to beat stress, some of which may work for you. Take what works, ignore the rest. And keep your sense of humor - it's worth its weight in chemicals!
--- Lynn