Seizures manifest when electrical discharges occur in the brain. People who have a seizure may have difficulty speaking, and it is common for seizures to cause muscle twitches or even a loss of consciousness. When a person experiences two or more seizures over time, they will be diagnosed with a seizure disorder.
Studies show that individuals who have had two seizures in the past are likely to suffer from recurrent seizures. Seizure disorders are present when seizures are not triggered by another medical condition. For example, seizures that occur during a stroke are not considered to be associated with a seizure disorder.
Seizures are caused by an abnormality in the functioning of the brain cells. While the exact cause of seizure disorders is not known, it is believed that the disorder has a genetic cause.
The treatment for seizure disorders varies from one patient to the next. Medical providers often start by prescribing anti-epileptic medications to determine whether these drugs can reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. Sufferers may also be advised to switch to a ketogenic diet, a diet plan that is high in fat and protein. If these treatment options do not help, brain surgery may be recommended.
Understanding SSDI
Social security disability insurance (SSDI) is an insurance program managed by the federal government. The insurance program acts as a safety net for people who suffer from a disabling condition that is expected to last at least 12 months. People who work in the United States pay into SSDI through paycheck deductions, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) manages SSDI funds. Since SSDI is funded through paycheck deductions, the SSA requires most applicants to have worked in the past. However, exceptions are occasionally made for people who became disabled during childhood.
Many people who are eligible for SSDI benefits are hesitant to apply for assistance. However, it is important to remember that these benefits are earned throughout a person’s working life. People who apply for SSDI benefits have contributed to the program and should not hesitate to access the assistance that they need.
Getting SSDI for Seizure Disorders
People who experience frequent seizures that are severe enough to interfere with routine activities may be eligible for SSDI benefits. However, the SSA requires thorough evidence to be provided to prove that the disability makes it impossible for a person to work in any position for which they are qualified. In the case of seizure disorders, this means that applicants must establish that seizures are frequent and continue to occur after treatment methods are used.
Applicants are advised to keep a seizure diary to show that seizures are frequent, but it is also important for these individuals to seek medical attention when seizures occur to have medical professionals document the episodes. The SSA may ask friends and family members to verify that seizures occur regularly, so applicants should keep their loved ones informed about their condition.
Seizure disorders may be managed through the use of medication and dietary changes. The SSA will want to see proof that applicants have taken prescribed medications as directed to determine whether these medications may provide symptom relief. In this case, the SSA will try to determine whether the applicant would be able to work if he or she took medication on a regular basis.
Getting Help from an Attorney
People who apply for SSDI benefits often feel overwhelmed by the complicated and confusing application process. The SSA has strict guidelines when it comes to completing an application, and many people fail to meet these guidelines solely because they are unfamiliar with the process. Living with a disability is hard enough without struggling to make ends meet. When people need SSDI benefits to pay for housing, food and other necessities, it is important to ensure that SSDI applications are properly filed from the start.
The best way to improve the chances of being approved for benefits is by hiring an experienced SSDI attorney. These legal professionals focus on SSDI cases, and their knowledge of SSA rules means that they are able to help their clients fill out forms and gather enough evidence to prove that a disability exists and is severe enough to make working impossible. To get started on the path to a less stressful SSDI application process, schedule a consultation with a skilled lawyer.