Seizure Disorders Disability Benefits

What are Seizure Disorders?

• Seizure disorders can cause unexpected seizures that pose a danger to the sufferer when occurring when the sufferer is driving or operating machinery. While many people are able to control seizures through the use of medication, medication is not an effective treatment method for everyone.
• Seizure disorders occur when brain cells that control signals in the brain do not properly function. People may have partial seizures that involve specific parts of the brain or generalized seizures that involve a large portion of the brain. Seizures that are recurring are part of a condition known as epilepsy.
• Seizures are typically triggered from damage to the brain that can be done through head trauma. It is also possible for people who have suffered a heart attack, stroke, or other medical emergencies that affect brain function to experience seizures.
• Medical professionals run blood tests and other lab tests to determine what part of the brain is affected by seizures.
• The most common treatment for seizures is prescribed medications. It may take several months for a medical provider to discover which medication and dosage work for a patient who is suffering from seizures. People with chronic seizures are likely to need to have regular checkups with a doctor to discuss whether treatment options are working as intended.

Qualifying for Disability Due To Seizure Disorders

As with any condition that severely interferes with the sufferer’s ability to work, the most important step to qualifying for disability related to seizure disorders is keeping the condition well-documented. Seek medical attention whenever a seizure occurs so that a medical professional has a written record of how frequent and severe seizures may be.

• For people who suffer from seizures so often that they are not able to seek medical attention after every episode, a seizure diary that is reviewed by a medical professional on a regular basis can be kept. Sufferers should record the date, time and length of each episode. For the benefit of those providing medical treatment to the person experiencing seizures, any information about an event that may have triggered a seizure can be included.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) may contact friends and family members to verify that a person is experiencing seizures that are as frequent and severe as claimed.
• In order to make qualification for social security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits more likely, compliance with any medical advice given by a doctor is advised. The SSA will review whether a person is taking prescribed medications and scheduling appointments with a doctor to receive treatment.
• The frequency of seizures must be at least one per month even with medical treatment in order for a person to qualify for SSDI benefits. A minimum of three months must be given after medication is prescribed before a person can qualify for benefits.

Seizures must also significantly interfere with a person’s ability to perform routine activities throughout the course of a day in order for the sufferer to qualify for SSDI benefits.