Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Steele-Richardson-Olszewski syndrome, also known as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, is a rare brain disorder first described in the early 1960s. The cause of this debilitating progressive palsy is unknown. The condition occurs when brain cells responsible for cognition and movement deteriorate. Its effects are particularly evident on the brain stem. Progressive Supranuclear Palsy can cause serious and potentially permanent problems with eye movements and walking. As the disorder worsens over time, it can lead to life-threatening complications like increasing your susceptibility for pneumonia and making it difficult to swallow.

Medical treatment focuses on managing the symptoms, as there is no known cure for the disease. Signs and symptoms of this brain disorder include a loss of balance when walking as well as the inability to focus your eyes properly. Sufferers have a tendency to fall backward and have difficulty looking downward. Eye problems may also include blurred or double vision. The inability to properly move their eyes can lead those afflicted with the disease to spill food and appear distracted during conversations. Progressive Supranuclear Palsy also has symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, such as speech problems, sensitivity to light and sleep disorders as well as depression, anxiety, a loss of cognitive functions and dementia.

This degenerative disease leads to the slow deterioration and death of specific portions of the brain. While occupational therapy can help individuals manage symptoms and retain some independence during the initial stages, progression of the disease causes patients to lose their ability to walk, swallow and function normally. Late stages of the disease lead to the death of the patient.

Social Security Disability for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Progressive supranuclear palsy is extremely disabling because of the resulting loss of the individual’s cognitive, communications and motor functions. The disease causes permanent disability and death. As a result, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy is a covered condition under the Social Security Administration’s Compassionate Allowances Guidelines. It may be possible for you to receive benefits in a matter of weeks rather than having to wait months for the financial assistance to begin.

To ensure proper classification of your claim under the compassionate guidelines, a clinical diagnosis of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy is essential. It is important that your medical documents confirm that Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and similar diseases have been ruled out. The disability claim also needs to include medical assessments of your walking and balance abilities and cognitive functions as well as an MRI and an eye examination.

Getting Help from an Attorney

Despite the fact that the condition is covered under the Compassionate Allowances Guidelines, individuals with this life-altering disease should not assume that a Progressive Supranuclear Palsy claim would automatically be approved. Claims can be denied for errors in the application process, such as insufficient or missing medical documentation and forms. To improve your chances of receiving benefits and making life easier during this challenging time, consider retaining the services of an experienced disability claims attorney. A knowledgeable disability lawyers in florida can help guide you through the process to ensure that you receive a quick and hassle-free approval.

You can maintain your financial independence during this difficult period. Whether you have been denied or are submitting an initial claim, contact our office for a consultation. We will discuss your case and collect all the necessary information required to file your claim or submit an appeal on your behalf. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you or your loved one deserves in the quickest time possible.