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Even when on medication people with epilepsy can experience seizures that leave the worn out and unable to function for days. If you have been diagnosed with epilepsy and you can’t work and you expect to be unable to work for at least 12 months you can file a claim for Social Security disability benefits.
What type of seizures qualify for disability?
For others though, uncontrolled seizures wreak havoc on all aspects of life, including the ability to work and earn a living. If you suffer from uncontrolled seizures, you may be able to qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
How hard is it to get disability for seizures?
Epilepsy disability claims can be somewhat difficult. This means that if the epileptic seizures are not frequent and well documented there is a very slim chance of being approved for Social Security disability benefits.
Do people with seizures qualify for disability?
If you suffer from seizures that impact your ability to work, you may be eligible to get Social Security disability.
Can I still work if I have seizures?
If your epilepsy is controlled, it will not significantly affect your ability to perform physical work. However, it’s obvious that you cannot perform any kind of physical work while having an epileptic seizure.
What benefits can I get for epilepsy?
The federal government offers financial assistance and health insurance to people with epilepsy who qualify. The two primary financial assistance programs are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These programs are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
What is a good job for someone with epilepsy?
People with epilepsy are successfully employed in a variety of jobs that might be considered high-risk: police officer, firefighter, welder, butcher, construction worker, etc.
Are seizures a mental or physical disability?
Epilepsy News From: Epilepsy is not a mental illness. In fact, the vast majority of people living with epilepsy have no cognitive or psychological problem. For the most part, psychological issues in epilepsy are limited to people with severe and uncontrolled epilepsy.
What’s the worst type of seizure?
A grand mal seizure causes a loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions. It’s the type of seizure most people picture when they think about seizures. A grand mal seizure — also known as a generalized tonic-clonic seizure — is caused by abnormal electrical activity throughout the brain.
Can you go back to work after a seizure?
If you usually recover quickly after a seizure, you might be able to get straight back to work. Or you might just need a quiet place to rest, before going back to work. Your seizure action plan should say where you need to rest. If you normally take a long time to recover from a seizure, you might need to go home.
Is epilepsy classed as a hidden disability?
Epilepsy is sometimes described as a hidden disability because it is not usually obvious that someone has the condition unless they have a seizure. Whether you feel that you have a disability or not, you are protected by the Equality Act if your epilepsy affects you in this way.
Can you get fired for having a seizure?
Can I be fired for having epilepsy? You cannot be fired for having epilepsy. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects the employment of a qualified individual with a disability who can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.
Does Workmans Comp cover seizures?
Can a Seizure at Work Require the Payment of Workers’ Compensation Benefits? The short answer is yes. In the recent decision of the Appellate Court, in the case of The City of Bridgeport v.
How much disability do you get for epilepsy?
VA Disability Ratings According to Schedular Major Seizures Minor Seizures Rating Percentage 12 or more in the past year N/A 100% 4-11 in the past year 11 or more per week 80% 3 in the past year 9-10 per week 60% 2 in the past year 5-8 per week 40%.
Does epilepsy shorten your life?
Reduction in life expectancy can be up to 2 years for people with a diagnosis of idiopathic/cryptogenic epilepsy, and the reduction can be up to 10 years in people with symptomatic epilepsy. Reductions in life expectancy are highest at the time of diagnosis and diminish with time.
How much sleep do epileptics need?
There is a significant relationship between sleep deprivation and seizures in people with epilepsy. While individual sleep needs vary, the recommended amount of sleep for children is 10 to 12 hours per day, for teenagers 9 to 10 hours, and for adults 7 to 8 hours. The majority of SUDEP cases occur during the night.
Does epilepsy show in an MRI?
Does epilepsy show up on MRI scans? No, not necessarily. An MRI scan can help your doctor understand some of the possible underlying structural causes of your seizures. However, for many people there is no structural cause behind their epilepsy and so the brain scan comes back ‘normal’.
Can seizures change your personality?
When epilepsy affects you for long periods, you may notice changes in your behavior, your feelings, and in how you see the world. Feelings of depression or anxiety are especially common. A few people with epilepsy experience psychosis (losing contact with reality).
Can seizures cause aggressive behavior?
Frontal lobe seizures may manifest bizarre behaviors such as thrashing, kicking, genital manipulation, unusual facial expressions, and articulate vocalizations. Aggressive and violent behaviors have also been associated with epilepsy, especially temporal or frontal lobe seizures.
Why is epilepsy a physical disability?
Some people are able to treat their Epilepsy with medication, surgery and lifestyle changes. However, unfortunately, epileptic seizures can sometimes result in brain damage, causing physical disabilities.
Do people remember seizures?
In focal aware seizures (FAS), previously called simple partial seizures, the person is conscious (aware and alert) and will usually know that something is happening and will remember the seizure afterwards. Some people find their focal aware seizures hard to put into words.
Can seizures damage brain?
Prolonged seizures are clearly capable of injuring the brain. Isolated, brief seizures are likely to cause negative changes in brain function and possibly loss of specific brain cells.
What can trigger a seizure?
What are some commonly reported triggers? Specific time of day or night. Sleep deprivation – overtired, not sleeping well, not getting enough sleep, disrupted sleep. Illness (both with and without fever) Flashing bright lights or patterns. Alcohol – including heavy alcohol use or alcohol withdrawl.
