Seizure disorders can be incredibly frightening both for those in Tennessee who suffer from them and those who witness them. One type of seizure disorder is epilepsy. Epilepsy is a neurological disease of the brain, in which an individual suffers from seizures that are unprovoked and recurring. There are a number of types of symptoms that could result in a diagnosis of epilepsy.
One type of symptom indicative of epilepsy is a generalized seizure. These seizures involve the entire brain. One type of generalized seizure is known as grand-mal seizures. Individuals suffering from this type of seizure may first make a noise. After that, the individual’s body will become stiff for a moment, after which the individual’s arms and legs will jerk. The individual’s eyes may remain open during the seizure and it may seem that the individual is not able to breath because they may turn blue or take deep, loud breathes. The seizure may cause the individual to urinate as well.
Gradually, the individual will regain consciousness, although this could take as long as an hour or more. Moreover, after regaining consciousness, the individual may be very confused. There are other types of generalized seizures as well, including absence seizures, myoclonic seizures, clonic seizures, tonic seizures and atonic seizures.
There is medication available to help control epileptic seizures, although in some cases an individual needs surgery if the drugs prescribed do not help. However, those who suffer from epilepsy may find that it affects all aspects of their life. If a person has uncontrolled seizures, he or she may not be able to drive. Also, if a person falls onto the hard ground when he or she has a seizure, that person could suffer further injuries.
Ultimately, those with severe cases of epilepsy may find that they are unable to work, and subsequently, will not be able to earn an income to support themselves. The Social Security Administration recognizes this and includes epilepsy on its list of impairments. Those with epilepsy may qualify for Social Security disability benefits for illness, if they meet all the other criteria.