Epilepsy, seizure and the requirements for SSD benefits

Missourians who have been diagnosed with epilepsy might not be aware that they can get Social Security disability benefits for illness. In some instances, people who suffer from seizure do not even know that they have epilepsy to begin with. For those who think they or a loved one might have epilepsy and suffer from the different kinds of seizures that go along with it, it is possible to receive SSD benefits if they meet the necessary criteria.

Those who have epilepsy will have recurring and unprovoked seizures. They stem from abnormal brain activity. For adults, there are generally two different kinds of disabling seizures: generalized tonic-clonic seizures and dyscognitive seizures. It is vital to understand what these are and have them diagnosed when seeking SSD benefits.

Generalized tonic-clonic seizures lead to the person losing consciousness with what is known as a “tonic” phase in which there will be muscle tensing and the person losing postural control. Next will be a “clonic” phase with rapid muscular contraction and relaxing. These are also known as convulsions. The person might be incontinent and bite the tongue. There can be injuries from a fall. Dyscognitive seizures are indicated by the person’s consciousness being altered. There will be no convulsions or lost muscular control. The person might stare blankly, have a change in facial expression, and engage in automatisms like smacking of the lips, chewing, swallowing or making repetitive actions. This could lead to a tonic-clonic seizure.

For people who are having epileptic seizures, there is a danger of them injuring themselves. Having epilepsy and the accompanying seizures can hinder a person’s ability to work and be the basis for an approval for Social Security disability benefits. Having advice and assistance from an attorney who is experienced in helping clients get SSD is the first step toward receiving benefits.

Source: ssa.gov, “11.00 Neurological — Adult — H. What is epilepsy, and how do we evaluate it under 11.02, 1. a. b.,” accessed on July 11, 2017

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